Soundbar question

[TJLamb0518]

Hey, all. Looking to get my mother-in-law a small soundbar for her 32" TV. I'm usually a 5.1 guy, so I don't know too much about these. What I need is one with good sound (obviously) and will power on when the TV comes on to avoid this almost 80 year old woman operating too many remotes (trust me, the "How do I watch a video?" questions are killing me. Do they make ones that power up when the input source is detected or is this pie in the sky thinking?

[Crispy0009]

Try one of the small Vizo ones if you haven't taken care of it already.

[Max Solo]

If she has a Samsung tv. Get a Samsung sound bar. They pair quite nice.

[Mudfrog]

I have a Vizio soundbar paired with an older Vizio TV. It does an excellent job, however it will not automatically turn on the soundbar. Not all tv's will send a signal to the soundbar to turn on / off. I would read up on the TV that she has to ensure it will.

[slimdude]

A soundbar shouldn't matter to an 80 year old person one way or the other! Personally I doubt she will be able to remember how to use a soundbar and the remote. A person at that age doesn't need any additional and complicated A/V equipment to confuse them even more. It's a challenge for an 80 year old to operate TV itself lest than a soundbar, and elderly people are not tech savvy! The speakers from the TV will be much easier and less complex because, all she'll have to do is turn the TV on, and be done with it

[ilovenola2]

Originally Posted by slimdude

A soundbar shouldn't matter to an 80 year old person one way or the other! Personally I doubt she will be able to remember how to use a soundbar and the remote. A person at that age doesn't need any additional and complicated A/V equipment to confuse them even more. It's a challenge for an 80 year old to operate TV itself lest than a soundbar, and elderly people are not tech savvy! The speakers from the TV will be much easier and less complex because, all she'll have to do is turn the TV on, and be done with it

I guess at 73 I had better get rid of all my equipment, and the seven remotes I juggle to "keep the mind alive," etc.--- since I'm almost too "confused" to deal with the complications.

And Happy New Year to you, too!

[Rodney-2187]

I have a Samsung soundbar, but I've been thinking of upgrading to a Klipsch or a Bose. Any recommendations? I really would like Atmos, but I don't want to run all those wires, so soundbars work best for me right now and are in my price range.

[ilovenola2]

Originally Posted by ilovenola2

I guess at 73 I had better get rid of all my equipment, and the seven remotes I juggle to "keep the mind alive," etc.--- since I'm almost too "confused" to deal with the complications.

And Happy New Year to you, too!

Oh-- And at 77 years old now I am STILL juggling the seven remotes with a couple OF extras to boot! It's still a good trick to help the memory today!

Of course, it's annoying to never remember the name of THAT character actor you've known for 70 of those years!!! Arghhh!

[GRD43L]

Originally Posted by slimdude

A soundbar shouldn't matter to an 80 year old person one way or the other! Personally I doubt she will be able to remember how to use a soundbar and the remote. A person at that age doesn't need any additional and complicated A/V equipment to confuse them even more. It's a challenge for an 80 year old to operate TV itself lest than a soundbar, and elderly people are not tech savvy! The speakers from the TV will be much easier and less complex because, all she'll have to do is turn the TV on, and be done with it

I like your thinking; simplest solution is usually the best!

Originally Posted by ilovenola2

Oh-- And at 77 years old now I am STILL juggling the seven remotes with a couple OF extras to boot! It's still a good trick to help the memory today!

Last year my mother was taking buses on her own to church that's an hour away. This year, she's in nursing home and cannot tell where her room is.

When it starts to go it goes quickly so you are lucky that you can juggle 7 remotes! I'm happy to hear you are enjoy life and I hope I can do the same at that age!!!

[slimdude]

Originally Posted by GRD43L

I like your thinking; simplest solution is usually the best!


Last year my mother was taking buses on her own to church that's an hour away. This year, she's in nursing home and cannot tell where her room is.

When it starts to go it goes quickly so you are lucky that you can juggle 7 remotes! I'm happy to hear you are enjoy life and I hope I can do the same at that age!!!

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. Both of my parents and four brothers are gone, and one of my sisters have severe brain damage, from a minor surgery gone wrong, and now in a nursing home. I know exactly what you're going through.

[ilovenola2]

Originally Posted by GRD43L

I like your thinking; simplest solution is usually the best!


Last year my mother was taking buses on her own to church that's an hour away. This year, she's in nursing home and cannot tell where her room is.

When it starts to go it goes quickly so you are lucky that you can juggle 7 remotes! I'm happy to hear you are enjoy life and I hope I can do the same at that age!!!

Some of us are fortunate to have good health in older age-- especially in the age of the Coronavirus. It's my duty to myself and others to take care of myself by following the rules, eating properly, reading, writing and keeping both mind and body alive! I wish never to become a burden. Hope I can keep it up. And best wishes to your mom!
OH-- I DO admit to "age-related" difficulties with dealing with all the unnecessary (90%!) apps on a "smart" phone. What a pain in the ear!