Your new television might have a huge, beautiful screen, but often the audio quality just doesn't match up. You can give your TV an inexpensive, easy audio upgrade with a sound bar.

Those slim enclosures, about 40 inches long, connect directly to an audio source (a TV, cable or satellite box, or disc player). There's no need for a receiver, and few wires are involved: The speakers, and often the amplifiers and electronics, are housed within the bar, which can be mounted on a wall or placed above or below a TV.

Consumer Reports recently tested ten sound bars (Ratings available to subscribers) to find those models that offered the best boost to TV sound, with clear highs, full midrange, and satisfying bass. The tested sound bars range in price from $250 to $500. Take a look at our video for an overview of these handy devices.