The Sony HT-S40R is, in many ways, exactly what it is advertised to be - a Sony Soundbar with rear speakers that have their independent amplifier and thus, do not need complex wiring. It also has support for HDMI ARC, allowing the setup to be as simple as putting the wires together (which was a good thing, given that no one came to do the installation or anything).

The sound is good, too. Over the HDMI, it’s a true surround (provided the source video has surround sound) and Dolby Digital might not be as immersive as Atmos, but then the pricing is not in that range anyway. You will get a very natural-sounding quality for music on your TV and even over Bluetooth and USB (don’t look for miracles from an Aux wire though). If its your first surround-sound, it will be mind-blowing but even if, like me, its your first brand-name speaker setup, its still a huge step up.

But here’s the thing. I tried to buy the Sony HT-RT40 (the one with the tallboy speakers). Unfortunately, Sony was messing around with its price too much; having it at 22,000 one day, and 27,000 the next. So when Amazon messed up a delivery, and I saw that this model was launched in India, I was happy to order it. Hey, the same thing, but wireless, right!

That’s when you realise its actually not. No video support over USB. No Sony Music Center support. The remote control is wonky, with limited Audio modes. There’s no way to control individual speaker channels; a feature that the cheapest Chinese-made speaker set-ups are able to give.

In conclusion, then - I am conflicted. Am I happy with my purchase? Happy enough, I guess. But I’m not delighted.

Though its launched on 9th September. But its still not showing available in Flipkart or Reliance digital in my servicable area. (Ahmedabad - 382481).

Whats the major difference between rt3 and this except wireless .

Are there available exchange with ht rt3