Besides improved audio quality, what crucial installation requirement drove the soundbar invention alongside the TV aesthetic?
Answer
Minimal wiring and avoiding placement headaches like drilling holes
The true innovation of the soundbar was multifaceted, addressing both auditory performance and practical consumer experience relative to the new TV aesthetic. Consumers wanted an audio upgrade that did not require them to drill holes into walls or run extensive wires across floors or under carpets, which were common installation burdens associated with older, complex surround systems. The soundbar offered a solution that looked aesthetically correct beneath the new slim displays while dramatically simplifying the installation complexity.

#Videos
The Birth of the Soundbar (1998 - 2019) - YouTube
History of sound bar: Home Theater Geeks 169 - YouTube
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