Soundbar

[4] Later early passive versions simply integrated left, centre and right speakers into one enclosure, sometimes called an "LCR soundbar".

It was a powered speaker system that offered stereo, Dolby Pro-Logic and AC3 surround sound from the soundbar and a separate subwoofer.

It used Altec Lansing's side-firing technology and algorithms to provide surround sound from the sides, rear and front.

[5] Soundbars are relatively small and can be easily positioned under a display, are easy to set up, and are usually less expensive than other stereo sound systems.

However, because of their smaller size and lack of flexibility in positioning, soundbars do not fill a room with sound as well as separate-speaker stereo systems do.

[11] Earlier television sets and display units were primarily CRT-based; hence the box was bigger, facilitating larger speakers with good response.