“Let our rigorous testing and reviews be your guidelines to A/V equipment – not marketing slogans”
Facebook Youtube Twitter instagram pinterest

Polk Audio SurroundBar360 DVD Theater

By
Polk Audio SurroundBar360 DVD Theater

Polk Audio SurroundBar360 DVD Theater

Summary

  • Product Name: SurroundBar360 DVD Theater
  • Manufacturer: Polk Audio
  • Review Date: January 07, 2008 00:05
  • MSRP: $1,199.95
  • First Impression: Mildly Interesting

The SurroundBar 360 speaker is Polk Audio’s response to consumer demand for true surround audio and deep bass from a single cabinet. The sleek, gloss black enclosure, which is designed to subtly complement all flat-panel displays, delivers full 360 degree surround sound thanks to Polk's proprietary SDA (Stereo Dimension Array) technology that the company first introduced in its flagship 1980s speaker models—loudspeakers that are still actively sought after today for their low distortion and enveloping sound.

Taking the SDA concept into the 21st century, the SurroundBar360 DVD Theater features a new active version of SDA technology that combines signal processing and acoustical geometry to create 360° surround from the SurroundBar360's eight drivers. Polk's patented Power Port Bass Venting System ensures that the SurroundBar360 supplies clean, low distortion bass without the clutter of an external subwoofer.

The SurroundBar 360 DVD Theater electronics console features HDMI high-definition video output and uses Faroudja DCDi2 upconversion to turn any S-Video or composite signal into high-definition video – 480p, 720p, and 1080i resolution. The SurroundBar 360 DVD Theater also displays — and enhances — digital still pictures in JPEG and Kodak Picture Disc formats. The USB input makes attaching digital photo sources and MP3 players easy and intuitive. DTS Digital Surround and Dolby Digital DVDs are both accommodated, as are MPG2, MPG, CD, CD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, MP3 at resolutions up to 384kbps VBR (Variable Bit Rate). The speaker enclosure is magnetically shielded, so it can be mounted as close to the display as conditions dictate.

Included in the package are four cradles (two low, two high) for stand-mounting the speaker, a single 15-foot console-to-speaker cable, six-foot composite video cables, nine foot power cord, an on-wall mounting option, dipole FM antenna, loop AM antenna, quick-start guide, owner's manual, and remote control. For more information, please visit www.polkaudio.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.

About the author:
author portrait

As Associate Editor at Audioholics, Tom promises to the best of his ability to give each review the same amount of attention, consideration, and thoughtfulness as possible and keep his writings free from undue bias and preconceptions. Any indication, either internally or from another, that bias has entered into his review will be immediately investigated. Substantiation of mistakes or bias will be immediately corrected regardless of personal stake, feelings, or ego.

View full profile