If like many, you still don't understand the need for a sound bar, allow us to briefly explain. As TV's have become slimmer (while getting bigger in screen size) there has to be a compromise. In nearly all cases this has resulted in smaller and smaller speakers, or the removal of the speakers altogether from the television.

This is where sound bars come into play. The convenience of a wall mounted television without sacrificing the quality of sound can be appreciated with the addition of a sound bar either freestanding on your entertainment unit, or like the TV, mounted on your wall.

Sound bars will not replace a freestanding stereo system in terms of sheer output and sound quality, but they will provide great sound for watching TV or even a movie. This is particularly useful for apartments, second living areas or minimalist interior design.

The new Envision Cinema range from Onkyo includes three slim designs packed with advanced features and new technologies. All three models are easy to install and use and offer a suite of features to ensure the best possible audio output.

According to Onkyo, "Cinema Sound Base, a technology specially designed for Envision Cinema, and AuraSphere 3D surround effect place the listener in the centre of the action for a cinema-like experience."

One additional benefit of the Envision Cinema sound bars is the inclusion of Bluetooth, allowing streaming from portable devices such as smartphones, laptops and tablets. The sound bars can also be controlled by your existing TV remote control in most cases.

The Envision Cinema LS-B50 and B40 models are wall-mountable, while the LS-T10 model is designed for placement on top of an entertainment unit and is capable of holding 55” screen televisions (up to 35kg).

LS-T10 TV Speaker System

• AuraSphere 3D surround effect
• Six powerful 7cm full-range drivers
• Down-firing 12cm subwoofer with discrete digital amplifier
• Bluetooth capability
• Six-channel digital amplification Dolby Digital decoding from Blue-ray and DVD discs as well as HDTV broadcasts
• Three dedicated sound modes - news, music and movie
• Single cable TV connection (optical, coaxial, analogue)
• Capable of supporting large screen TVs over 40"
• Sleek, low profile design
• One USB port and one analogue audio input (3.5mm) for universal media player connection

LS-B40 Sound Bar System

• AuraSphere 3D surround effect
• Powerful three-way speakers system with eight precision drivers
• Efficient digital amplification
• Three dedicated sound modes - news, music and movie
• Single cable TV connection (optical, coaxial, analogue)
• Capable of supporting large screen TVs over 40"
• Sleek, low profile design can also be wall mounted
• Wired connections include: one USB port, two digital audio inputs, one analogue audio input (3.5mm) for playback via universal media players and smartphones and subwoofer pre-out

LS-B50 Sound Bar System

• AuraSphere 3D surround effect
• Powerful two-way speaker system with eight precision drivers
• Efficient digital amplification
• Three dedicated sound modes - news, music and movie
• Single cable TV connection (optical, coaxial, analogue)
• Capable of supporting large screen TVs over 40"
• Sleek, low profile design can also be wall mounted
• Wired connections include: one USB port, two digital audio inputs, one analogue audio input (3.5mm) for playback via universal media players and smartphones and subwoofer pre-out

Available from Onkyo retailers from November 2013, the sound bars will carry a RRP of $599 (LS-T10 TV Speaker System), $499 (LS-B40 Sound Bar), $699 (LS-B50 Sound Bar).