Vizio to reportedly release cheap soundbar with wireless subwoofer

As much as we love soundbars for cramped spaces and areas where full-blown multi-channel setups just aren't feasible, we've noticed that any decent one usually costs a wad. Thankfully, the firm known for astounding consumers with low-priced flat-panels will reportedly be doling out a soundbar of its own this fall. According to CNET, Vizio will be releasing a faux-surround system with a wireless subwoofer for the low, low price of $299. There's no mention of the specs just yet, but even if it just sounds slightly above average, it'll probably be worth three bills. Keep an eye out for this one to land in September (possibly at CEDIA?).

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 28th 2008 11:16PM]

blegh. Vizio screens are pretty horrible.. given their attention to cheapness and the inherent inferiority of a soundbar, I can't imagine these sounding anywhere near decent.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2008 8:35AM]

* quote
eugene

and the inherent inferiority of a soundbar
=====================================================

.......which is the fundamental stumbling point where anyone with sense stops giving these things the time of day.

A decent 2.1 set up is superior in every way to these things - and enoromously better value too.

Shiny beads for the natives', cash from exploiting ignorance, nothing more.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2008 12:06AM]

If your looking for one of these just pick up a yamaha or samsung, it's not worth wasting ur money on a cheap one

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2008 12:52AM]

Ugh, more cheap junk in the audio department.

Buy something nice every ten years, not five cheap things every decade.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2008 9:33AM]

I wouldn't use it, but that's the kind of item I could recommend to my parents or in-laws. Heck, for that price I could give it as a gift and set it up for them.

This is the kind of item that's not intended for the faithful EngadgetHD reader, but for the parents of faithful EngadgetHD readers. :)

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2008 12:27PM]

there is nothing wrong with the lcd's that vizio makes. i own a 42" that i paid $1000 for and a 46" bravia that i paid $2400. there is not enough of a difference to justify the price difference. i would have picked up a 47" vizio from costco for $1200 if i knew the quality would be this good. the soundbar might not sound "the best" but it will probably be a lot better value for some/most people.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2008 1:55PM]

For $300, why not go with the Sony soundbar...the subwoofer isn't wireless, but it features 3 HDMI in 1 HDMI out and the sound is decent if you've in a smaller room. Highly recommend it to anyone considering a soundbar. Not all of us can drill holes in our aparments and the wife-to-be won't tolerate unsightly wires running all over the living room.

[glennS Posted Jul 29th 2008 1:57PM]

Even if it sucks, having a low-end competitor is good because it will drive down the price of the higher end models from Yamaha and others. Just like their flat panels have done. I wouldn't use one of these sound bars in my main room. But in the bedroom, a nice rectangular room with no weird angles a pretty limited 'sweet spot' requirement, one of these would work pretty well.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 22nd 2008 12:38AM]

Vizio is great for most people. If you read engadgethd.com and are picky about your set up, you're probably not their target market anyway. I'm interested to see how these sound.
http://www.youreviewelectronics.com/vizio-reviews/