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Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
This budget-friendly soundbar with Dolby Atmos blew me away — I felt like I was at the movies
If one of your primary concerns is cost, then the Sharp 3.1.2 HT-SBW53121 soundbar could be one of the best soundbars for you. At just £329, the soundbar and subwoofer combo provides an immersive Dolby Atmos (and DTS Virtual:X) experience. I could feel the famous James Bond Italian car chase scene in my soul, and physically flinched every time a gun was fired. With a 3.1.2 setup and compatibility with 2.0.2 rear speakers, this soundbar is one of the most affordable ways to elevate any home theatre experience. Sharp also makes a £449 5.1.2 soundbar, which is just as impressive. If you want to upgrade your home setup for the least amount of money possible (who doesn't?) then I can't recommend the Sharp 3.1.2 setup enough. Find out the full story, including its flaws, in this Sharp 3.1.2 HT-SBW53121 review. If you're in the U.S. and want a similar performance, I'd check out the Polk Signa S4 soundbar, which is a 3.1.2 channel setup for $399. Price £329 (+ optional £179 rear surround speakers) Connectivity HDMI (with 4K pass-through), eARC, Optical, Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm aux Weight 4.5kg Dimensions 100 x 7.6 x 12.5 cm Colors Black, white Subwoofer Yes Dolby Atmos Yes Channel 3.1.2 The Sharp 3.1.2 HT-SBW53121 soundbar is pretty affordable, all things considered: it's £329 from Amazon U.K. Yep — it's only available in the U.K., so if you're a U.S. reader, I'd recommend the Polk Signa S4 ($399) instead. It has a 3.1.2 setup too, and it's a genuinely fantastic soundbar. As I said, £329 for a soundbar + subwoofer combo is a great deal. Usually, soundbars of this channel setup start from around £400. Heck, the Samsung Ultra Slim soundbar is £549 for a 3.1.2 setup. The Sharp price/performance sacrifice is almost certainly in the subwoofer: I do wish it was more powerful. However, it could be a worthy tradeoff. Sharp also makes a 5.1.2 channel soundbar and subwoofer for £449, which is also an incredibly reasonable price for a soundbar of this quality. If you want a more immersive experience, I'd recommend that model. Just like its older sibling, the Sharp 5.1.2 soundbar, the Sharp 3.1.2 Soundbar looks like just about every other soundbar. It's quite long, at 40 inches, but relatively low-profile. I was able to fit it on my testing TV's stand easily. Instead of having a plastic or metallic mesh covering, the Sharp 3.1.2 Soundbar is lined with fabric, which gives it a more premium appearance. It's definitely worth taking ease of cleaning into consideration, though: dust could look more prevalent on a fabric soundbar. The top of the mesh houses six buttons that control volume, Bluetooth, and power. I found myself solely using the remote, though. It's quite weighty and well-made when compared to rivals like Bose and Majority's flimsy feeling remotes. At the back of the soundbar, you'll find the ports: there's one eARC HDMI, 2 x HDMI, an Optical, USB, 3.5mm aux, and power input. I tested via eARC, as this provides the best quality. The subwoofer is wirelessly connected, so it only has a power input at its rear. Controlling the subwoofer is easy via the remote, which has subwoofer controls and a bass volume increase. If you want to spend another £179, the 3.1.2 Soundbar is also compatible with Sharp's 2.0.2 rear speakers. I don't think these speakers are essential, but they are nice to have. I found it very easy to connect via the 'Pair' button on the reverse of each speaker. You can also independently increase the volume via the remote control. Considering the £329 price, it's not surprising that the 3.1.2 Soundbar doesn't have a huge range of features. It does, however, have a range of listening EQs. These are: Movie, music, game, night, voice, sport, and independent treble and bass controls. I found myself using 'Movie', which increased the bass. I'd recommend cycling through these features and figuring out which one sounds the best, as there's no one-size-fits-all approach here. The Sharp 3.1.2 soundbar also has Bluetooth connectivity for instant music playback. Accessing the connection is super easy: just press Bluetooth on the soundbar (or change the source input on the remote) and the soundbar will pop up instantly in your phone settings. Again, if you're after a huge range of smart home or AI features, it's worth checking out a pricier soundbar like the Bose Smart Soundbar ($499) or the Samsung Ultra Slim soundbar I mentioned earlier. I don't mind having a simple soundbar, though. If you just want a soundbar that'll make movies sound even more epic, and don't necessarily care about being able to link it to your smart home, then the Sharp 3.1.2 is more than enough. I test every soundbar with 'Top Gun: Maverick' on 4K UHD Blu-Ray, TV shows on Netflix, and music on Spotify and Qobuz. To test the Sharp 3.1.2 Soundbar, I watched 'Top Gun: Maverick', as always. The opening scene has the perfect amount of bass, high-frequency sound effects, and challenging treble, which makes it perfect for testing soundbars. I'm looking for intense bass in the jet engines, clear treble in the 'Danger Zone' track, and clear high-frequency diegetic sounds like ropes whooshing, metal clinking, and radio dialogue. I upped the bass to the max, but I was still a little disappointed by the subwoofer's performance, just as I was with the Sharp 5.1.2 Soundbar. It's to be expected, as the 3.1.2 uses the same physical subwoofer as the 5.1.2. Despite this semi-disappointing subwoofer performance, I was still impressed by the dialogue clarity. The soundbar itself definitely excels with treble; percussion in the soundtrack was rich and piercing without being pinching or tinny. On top of the soundtrack excellence, I never struggled to hear anyone, even over radioed dialogue. I switched it up for the next movie and watched 'Wicked'. I wanted to evaluate the musical performance and figure out if 'Movie' or 'Music' EQ would suit. In both EQ modes, I found the dialogue crystal-clear. The dialogue performance equals that of the Sharp 5.1.2 Soundbar, but, again, the bass was a little disappointing. However, I was still able to enjoy the movie. I wasn't blown away by the Dolby Atmos performance, but 'Wicked' isn't as well-known for Dolby Atmos as, say, 'No Time To Die', which I watched next to test the Sharp 3.1.2 Soundbar's 360° audio performance. In the iconic Matera chase scene, not only was the dialogue clear and audible, but the mixture of the engines, soundtrack, and environmental sounds made for an incredibly immersive listen. I could feel Bond shouting and the squeal of the tyres on the road in my soul. When Bond and Madeline are being shot at, the bullets seem to ricochet off the inside of my brain. I was much more impressed with the Dolby Atmos performance in 'No Time To Die' than 'Wicked'. Actually, 'No Time To Die' was probably the most impressive movie I watched with this soundbar. I would recommend getting this movie just to be amazed by the soundbar's performance. On the whole, I was impressed by the movie performance. I felt immersed in the scenes and I honestly could've been at the movie theatre. I just wish the bass had a touch more power. To replicate real-world usage, I watched TV on the basic tier of Netflix. Not everyone has premium streaming services or UHD 4K Blu-rays, so it's only fair to test with standard resolution audio as well as the premium options. I watched 'Stranger Things' on Netflix, which has a great combination of a synthy, bassy soundtrack, dialogue, and action scenes. Overall, I was really impressed with the performance. Obviously, the lack of bass oomph meant that some action scenes weren't as overpowering as I'd want them to be. Even so, the high-frequency sound effects were clear, which added to the atmosphere. The underground scenes were particularly great: I could really feel the characters' stress due to the immersive soundscape and the buzzing of the fluorescent lights in the scene. This is 100% a worthy upgrade for TV. To test music performance, I listened to a variety of genres using Qobuz, our best music streaming service for audiophiles. 'Money' by Pink Floyd was a little tinny at the top of the percussion section. The bass was a little quiet too, but soundbars are never excellent at music performance. 'Money for Nothing' by Dire Straits was atmospheric at the start and affecting throughout, but, again, disappointing bass. I still had a great time listening to these tracks, but it wouldn't be my first choice of home speaker. 'Bad guy' by Billie Eilish is a very bassy song, so I wanted to see how the Sharp 3.1.2 would deal with its sonic makeup. Surprisingly, it was the best sounding song I listened to on the soundbar. This is likely because there wasn't much sonic differentiation: as the song is almost entirely bass, the subwoofer had to put in extra hours and couldn't sneak away without clocking out. In general, the music performance was a little lacklustre, but soundbars are never amazing in this regard. If you want a home sound system setup, I'd definitely recommend getting some dedicated speakers for music like the Fluance Ri71. For the low, low price of £329, the Sharp 3.1.2 Soundbar is really competitive. The sound excels with dialogue and high-frequency sound effects. With the optional 2.0.2 rear speaker upgrade, the Dolby Atmos performance is truly excellent. However, if you haven't got Premium Netflix or the like, then this 360° audio will be lost. Even so, when I was watching basic tier Netflix, I was still really impressed by the Sharp HT-SBW53121's performance. This is a very versatile setup. It's much better value than the competition, including Bose, Sonos (the $449 Beam 2 is 5.0, so no sub), and Samsung. As a result, I'd recommend the Sharp 3.1.2 Soundbar wholeheartedly for those trying to upgrade their home cinema setup on a budget. As I said earlier, if you're in the U.S. and want a similar performance, I'd check out the Polk Signa S4 soundbar, which is a 3.1.2 channel setup for $399.
The South African
21-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
Everything you need to know about TCL's Cutting-Edge C6K QD-Mini LED TV Series
TCL Electronics, a leading consumer electronics brand and Global Top 1 Mini LED TV Brand, proudly announces the launch of its new C6K QD-Mini LED TV series in South Africa. As TCL continues to captivate South African consumers with its innovation and superior quality, the launch of the C6K lineup reaffirms the brand's commitment to delivering unbeatable performance, sophisticated design, and incredible value to local consumers. Designed to transform home entertainment with its unbeatable performance and unbelievable value, TCL's new C6K lineup is the first to bring next-generation QD-Mini LED display technology, stunning sound performance, and an ultra-slim profile, making it the perfect centrepiece for any modern living space. TCL has launched its latest television series, the C7K, C8K, and P8, in the South African market. These new models are packed with cutting-edge display technologies, enhanced audio capabilities, and smart features, promising to elevate the home entertainment experience for consumers. However, the C6K is set to become a best-seller thanks to its impressive features and attractive price point. The TCL C6K features advanced QD-Mini LED technology with over 512 local dimming zones, high HDR brightness, and a wide colour gamut, delivering ultra-vivid colours, sharp details, and superior contrast, ensuring every scene is lifelike and cinematic. TCL First To Bring All Domain Halo Control Technology To South Africa In an exciting first for South African consumers, the TCL C6K is driven by TCL's exclusive All Domain Halo Control Technology, which covers the entire light journey from generation to display. It integrates high-efficiency light-emitting chips, self-developed lens technology, super Micro-OD structure, precision light and shadow control algorithms, and TCL's self-produced high-end CSOT HVA panels. This full-stack innovation dramatically reduces haloing, enhances black levels, and ensures image clarity from every angle. By tackling common halo effects and improving light control at every step, TCL delivers unparalleled contrast, depth, and picture precision even in the brightest environments. QLED Technology Next-gen colourful quantum crystal material achieving a wide colour gamut for longer-lasting, vibrant visuals. Next-gen colourful quantum crystal material achieving a wide colour gamut for longer-lasting, vibrant visuals. 144Hz Native Refresh Rate Ultra-smooth, fluid motion for gaming, sports, and fast-action scenes. Ultra-smooth, fluid motion for gaming, sports, and fast-action scenes. ONKYO 2.1 Hi-Fi Sound Immersive cinematic audio with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X support. Immersive cinematic audio with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X support. Ultra-Slim Design Sleek profile with magnetic seamless wall-mounting and ≤ 60mm thickness for a refined aesthetic. Sleek profile with magnetic seamless wall-mounting and ≤ 60mm thickness for a refined aesthetic. Matte Display (85' & 98') Anti-glare, reflection-free screen for uninterrupted viewing in bright spaces. Anti-glare, reflection-free screen for uninterrupted viewing in bright spaces. High Contrast HVA Panels (75″ and below) Up to 7000:1 native contrast ratio and ultra-wide viewing angles for deeper blacks and richer details. Whether it's the thrill of gaming, the passion of football, or the richness of cinema, the TCL C6K delivers flagship performance across all content formats. It is available in multiple screen sizes, including 55', 65',75'85' and 98'. The C6K is designed to elevate every living space into an immersive entertainment zone. As TCL cements its presence globally, the brand's remarkable growth trajectory in South Africa continues to impress. With strong product offerings, competitive pricing, and a commitment to innovation, TCL is rapidly becoming a household name among South African consumers seeking premium yet accessible technology. 'At TCL, we are passionate about driving innovation that transforms everyday experiences, and we're proud to be the first to introduce All Domain Halo Control Technology to South Africa with our new C6K series,' says Mike Chen, General Manager of TCL South Africa. 'South African consumers have shown incredible enthusiasm for TCL's innovations, and the launch of the C6K series is another step in delivering premium technology, immersive entertainment, and unbeatable value to homes across the country.' The launch of the C6K series is yet another milestone in TCL's mission to transform the home entertainment landscape, offering South Africans an unrivalled combination of performance, design, and value. TCL's exciting new 2025 lineup is now available across South Africa at a special launch promotional rate. 55' C6K – R9,999 – R9,999 65' C6K – R13,999 (includes a free S643W 3.1Ch Soundbar)* – R13,999 75' C6K – R19,999 (includes a free S643W 3.1Ch Soundbar)* – R19,999 85' C6K – R29,999 – R29,999 98' C6K – R59,999 *This exclusive offer is valid until 31 May 2025. For more information, visit TCL South Africa.
The South African
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
TCL Unveils Mini LED TVs with New HVA Panels and Halo Control Technology
Global Olympic partner and leading consumer electronics brand, TCL Electronics, has unveiled its 2025 Mini LED TVs, incorporating HVA (High Vertical Alignment) panels and its own 'All-domain Halo Control' technology to consumers in South Africa. Recognised with three Global TOP 1 rankings – Ultra-large Screen TV Brand worldwide, Leading Mini LED TV Brand and No1 Google TV Brand globally – by the market research company Omdia, reaffirmed its commitment to delivering unbeatable performance, sophisticated design, and incredible value. However, what truly sets TCL apart is that the full 2025 Mini LED range comes standard with an HVA panel, which can reach 178 degrees Viewing Angles, allowing the whole family to enjoy movies clearly from a wide range of positions. Spanning up to an impressive 115 inches, making TCL the manufacturer with the largest screen in South Africa, the C6K, C7K, C8K, and P8 offer a full range of 144Hz refresh rate and cinematic viewing experience with next-generation QD-Mini LED technology. Designed to deliver unbeatable performance and unbelievable value, the C6K lineup redefines home entertainment by combining next-gen display innovation, elegant aesthetics, and immersive sound. Featuring advanced QD-Mini LED technology with over 512 local dimming zones, high HDR brightness, and a wide colour gamut, it delivers ultra-vivid colours, sharp details, and superior contrast, ensuring every scene is lifelike and cinematic. C6K: Power of Mini LED, Elevated This flagship performance is driven by TCL's exclusive All Domain Halo Control Technology, which covers the entire light journey from generation to display. It integrates high-efficiency light-emitting chips, self-developed lens technology, super Micro-OD structure, precision light and shadow control algorithms, and TCL's self-produced high-end CSOT HVA panels. This full-stack innovation dramatically reduces haloing, enhances black levels, and ensures image clarity from every angle. By tackling common halo effects and improving light control at every step, TCL delivers unparalleled contrast, depth, and picture precision even in the brightest environments. Key Features of the TCL C6K QLED Technology Next-gen colourful quantum crystal material achieves a wide colour gamut for longer-lasting, vibrant visuals. Next-gen colourful quantum crystal material achieves a wide colour gamut for longer-lasting, vibrant visuals. 144Hz Native Refresh Rate Ultra-smooth, fluid motion for gaming, sports, and fast-action scenes. Ultra-smooth, fluid motion for gaming, sports, and fast-action scenes. ONKYO 2.1 Hi-Fi Sound Immersive cinematic audio with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual: X support. Immersive cinematic audio with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual: X support. Ultra-Slim Design Sleek profile with magnetic seamless wall-mounting and ≤ 60mm thickness for a refined aesthetic. Sleek profile with magnetic seamless wall-mounting and ≤ 60mm thickness for a refined aesthetic. HVA Screen (85' / 98' Matte Display) Anti-glare, reflection-free screen for uninterrupted viewing in bright spaces. 178 degree Viewing Angle – you can see the image clearly from a wide range of positions. High Contrast HVA Panels (75″ and below) Up to 7000:1 native contrast ratio and ultra-wide viewing angles for deeper blacks and richer details. P8: Big Screen Brilliance Meets Everyday Excellence The TCL P8 model brings cutting-edge display technology to a broader audience, combining incredible picture quality with smart, user-friendly features. Featuring stunning 4K UHD resolution and TCL's AiPQ 3.0 processor, the P8 ensures vivid colours, crisp details, and smoother motion for all your favourite entertainment. Compared to the C6K, the TCL C7K steps up with additional brightness and more precise lighting control. While the C8K comes equipped with audio by Danish luxury audio brand, Bang & Olufsen, in the 50″–98″ models, providing a rich, cinematic soundstage that enhances everything from blockbuster movies to high-intensity gaming. TCL also offers a variety of smart home capabilities, primarily through its Google TV platform and various connected devices, including air conditioners, all designed to work together and be managed through the TCL Home App. The new FreshIN 3.0 series aircons, equipped with an A+++ energy rating, while achieving up to 36 percent energy saving, are a favourite for the cold winter nights and hot African summers. 'At TCL, we are passionate about driving innovation that transforms everyday experiences, and we're proud to be the first to introduce All Domain Halo Control Technology to South Africa with our new range,' says Mike Chen, General Manager of TCL South Africa. 'South African consumers have shown incredible enthusiasm for TCL's innovations, and the launch of the C6K series is another step in delivering premium technology, immersive entertainment, and unbeatable value to homes across the country.' The launch of the full range of QD Mini-LED series is yet another milestone in TCL's mission to transform the home entertainment landscape, offering South Africans an unrivalled combination of performance, design, and value. TCL's exciting new 2025 lineup is now available across South Africa at a special launch promotional rate. C6K Series Promotional Pricing: 55' C6K – R9,999 – R9,999 65' C6K – R13,999 (includes a free S643W 3.1Ch Soundbar)* – R13,999 (includes a free S643W 3.1Ch Soundbar)* 75' C6K – R19,999 (includes a free S643W 3.1Ch Soundbar)* – R19,999 (includes a free S643W 3.1Ch Soundbar)* 85' C6K – R29,999 – R29,999 98' C6K – R59,999 *This exclusive offer is valid until 31 May 2025. For more information, visit the website.
The Citizen
09-05-2025
- The Citizen
TCL unveils Mini LED TVs with new HVA panels and Halo Control Technology
By tackling common halo effects and improving light control at every step, TCL delivers unparalleled contrast, depth, and picture precision even in the brightest environments. Global Olympic partner, and leading consumer electronics brand, TCL Electronics has unveiled its 2025 Mini LED TVs, incorporating HVA (High Vertical Alignment) panels and their own 'All-domain Halo Control' technology to consumers in South Africa. Recognised with three Global TOP 1 rankings – Ultra-large Screen TV Brand worldwide, Leading Mini LED TV Brand and No1 Google TV Brand globally – by the market research company Omdia, reaffirmed its commitment to delivering unbeatable performance, sophisticated design, and incredible value. However, what truly sets TCL apart is that the full 2025 Mini LED range comes standard with HVA panel which can reach 178 degrees Viewing Angles, allowing the whole family to enjoy movies clearly from a wide range of positions. Spanning up to an impressive 115 inches, making TCL the manufacturer with the largest screen in South Africa, the C6K, C7K, C8K, and P8 offering a full range 144Hz refresh rate and cinematic viewing experience with next-generation QD-Mini LED technology. Designed to deliver unbeatable performance and unbelievable value, the C6K lineup redefines home entertainment by combining next-gen display innovation, elegant aesthetics, and immersive sound. Featuring advanced QD-Mini LED technology with over 512 local dimming zones, high HDR brightness, and a wide colour gamut, it delivers ultra-vivid colours, sharp details, and superior contrast, ensuring every scene is lifelike and cinematic. C6K: Power of Mini LED, Elevated This flagship performance is driven by TCL's exclusive All Domain Halo Control Technology, which covers the entire light journey from generation to display. It integrates high-efficiency light-emitting chips, self-developed lens technology, super Micro-OD structure, precision light and shadow control algorithms, and TCL's self-produced high-end CSOT HVA panels. This full-stack innovation dramatically reduces haloing, enhances black levels, and ensures image clarity from every angle By tackling common halo effects and improving light control at every step, TCL delivers unparalleled contrast, depth, and picture precision even in the brightest environments. Key features of the TCL C6K QLED Technology Next-gen colourful quantum crystal material achieves a wide colour gamut for longer-lasting, vibrant visuals. Next-gen colourful quantum crystal material achieves a wide colour gamut for longer-lasting, vibrant visuals. 144Hz Native Refresh Rate Ultra-smooth, fluid motion for gaming, sports, and fast-action scenes. Ultra-smooth, fluid motion for gaming, sports, and fast-action scenes. ONKYO 2.1 Hi-Fi Sound Immersive cinematic audio with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual: X support. Immersive cinematic audio with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual: X support. Ultra-Slim Design Sleek profile with magnetic seamless wall-mounting and ≤ 60mm thickness for a refined aesthetic. Sleek profile with magnetic seamless wall-mounting and ≤ 60mm thickness for a refined aesthetic. HVA Screen (85' / 98' Matte Display) The anti-glare, reflection-free screen allows uninterrupted viewing in bright spaces. The 178-degree viewing angle allows you to see the image clearly from a wide range of positions. The anti-glare, reflection-free screen allows uninterrupted viewing in bright spaces. The 178-degree viewing angle allows you to see the image clearly from a wide range of positions. High Contrast HVA panels (75″ and below ) ) Up to 7000:1 native contrast ratio and ultra-wide viewing angles for deeper blacks and richer details. P8: Big screen brilliance meets everyday excellence The TCL P8 model brings cutting-edge display technology to a broader audience, combining incredible picture quality with smart, user-friendly features. Featuring stunning 4K UHD resolution and TCL's AiPQ 3.0 processor, the P8 ensures vivid colours, crisp details, and smoother motion for all your favourite entertainment. Compared to the C6K, the TCL C7K steps up with additional brightness and more precise lighting control. While the C8K comes equipped with audio by Danish luxury audio brand, Bang & Olufsen, in the 50″–98″ models, providing a rich, cinematic soundstage that enhances everything from blockbuster movies to high-intensity gaming. TCL also offers various smart home capabilities, primarily through its Google TV platform and various connected devices, including air conditioners, all designed to work together and be managed through the TCL Home App. The new FreshIN 3.0 series aircons, equipped with an A+++ energy rating, while achieving up to 36 percent energy saving is a favourite for the cold winter nights and hot African summers. 'At TCL, we are passionate about driving innovation that transforms everyday experiences, and we're proud to be the first to introduce All Domain Halo Control Technology to South Africa with our new range,' says Mike Chen, General Manager of TCL South Africa. 'South African consumers have shown incredible enthusiasm for TCL's innovations, and the launch of the C6K series is another step in delivering premium technology, immersive entertainment, and unbeatable value to homes across the country.' The launch of the full range of QD Mini-LED series is yet another milestone in TCL's mission to transform the home entertainment landscape, offering South Africans an unrivalled combination of performance, design, and value. TCL's exciting new 2025 lineup is now available across South Africa at a special launch promotional rate. C6K Series promotional pricing: 55' C6K – R9,999 – R9,999 65' C6K – R13,999 (includes a free S643W 3.1Ch Soundbar)* – R13,999 (includes a free S643W 3.1Ch Soundbar)* 75' C6K – R19,999 (includes a free S643W 3.1Ch Soundbar)* – R19,999 (includes a free S643W 3.1Ch Soundbar)* 85' C6K – R29,999 – R29,999 98' C6K – R59,999 *This exclusive offer is valid until 31 May 2025. For more information, visit
