Hard to make out dialog on dvds...

My problem lies with not being able to make out audio from several dvds. Here lately it seems shows are so hard to hear when it comes to dialog. If I turn it WAY up I can make it out, but then I'm blasted when it comes time for action. It's not an isolated incident either. It's on the latest bluray movies as well as old shows that are recorded in 5.1. Would I benefit from a 5.1 surround sound system or soundbar. I'm not concerned with volume as my hdtv has plenty of it, I just need more clarity as it's hard to understand half the time. And I hate subtitles. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Let me guess. 1 inch thick LED tv and you're wondering why it sounds like sh*t?

Yes. Get a real sound system. Use pc speakers if you have to.

If you're not concerned with volume or quality and you're just looking to improve your TV sound you might be a good candidate for a Sound Bar. It will not give you the surround sound effect of the movies, but it will produce superior audio clarity to what you're getting from your television. Definitive Technologies, Polk Audio, and Boston Acoustics all make decent bars.

A full-on home theater may actually not work well for you if you have difficulty discerning voices, since a high-end audio system increases the dynamic range of the content (meaning loud sounds are louder and soft sounds are quieter). Try visiting a home theater store in your area with a sound room - most modern Best Buys have a high-end section where you can listen to home theaters in a simulated home environments - or a Sony store for an idea of what your various options will sound like.

And make sure you buy somewhere with a decent return policy.

Good luck,

Boz