The audio inadequacies of many flat-screen TVs (not least the small, rear-mounted speakers) mean people are increasingly giving consideration to the addition of a soundbar - a compact and slimline speaker unit that can sit beneath the TV to deliver better sound, often with an accompanying subwoofer unit.

Denon's DHT-S514 isn't cheap at $999, but that's not especially expensive for a quality unit (see, for example, Sound bars – right for small spaces or Klipsch says “Piss off your neighbours" ).

Features include a dual-channel two-way speaker system; a wireless subwoofer; HDMI, optical, coaxial, analogue and Bluetooth inputs; simulated surround sound; and four listening modes (dialog, movie, music and night settings).

A remote control is included, but the unit can learn commands from an existing remote such as the one supplied with the TV. It also includes a pass-through feature in case the body of the soundbar blocks the TV's IR port.

Two pairs of feet allow adjustment of the soundbar's overall height to suit the TV, while keyholes are included for easy wall mounting.

The DHT-S514 is due to go on sale next month via distributor QualiFi.