What system commonly relied on numerous speakers placed all around a room before the soundbar gained traction?

Answer

Home Theater in a Box (HTiB) systems

Prior to the widespread adoption of the soundbar, home theater enthusiasts often relied on Home Theater in a Box (HTiB) systems to achieve a surround sound experience. These systems were characterized by requiring the physical placement of numerous separate speakers throughout the room—front, rear, and center—which resulted in significant clutter and complex wiring installations, aspects that the sleek, simple soundbar configuration was designed to eliminate for the average consumer.

What system commonly relied on numerous speakers placed all around a room before the soundbar gained traction?

#Videos

The Birth of the Soundbar (1998 - 2019) - YouTube

History of sound bar: Home Theater Geeks 169 - YouTube

inventoraudiospeakersoundbar