For anyone who is not familiar with a soundbar, you need to be. A simple comparison of the sound your TV emits from the built-in speakers compared to how the same TV sounds with OXS’s S5 Soundbar, proves it doesn’t compare. The S5 is the device that will make or break the enjoyment of a media room or even a single-TV setup.

The OXS S5 with Dolby Atmos is filled with features, including a built-in subwoofer that enhances the overall audio experience by adding depth, and it can bring movie theater sound to your home. Soundbars fall into the category of "you don’t need them, until you try one." Then you are hooked.

I’m a believer in soundbars, and my wife could not care less. But while having some friends over recently, I turned the sound off of the soundbar to the speaker and switched it to the TV’s speakers. Instantly the reaction was “What happened to the sound?” So my unofficial survey proved my point.

There are a variety of user friendly connection options including Bluetooth, HDMI eARC connectivity. The simple and most secure way is with a single HDMI cable to get Dolby Atmos sound, which is my choice.

And the connection method determines how it can be mounted or placed in an entertainment center. The ideal place for the speaker is front and center.

Along with the internal subwoofer, the all-in-one AC powered OXS S5 has a 230 watt peak output along with 6 drivers integrated among the 4-inch subwoofer, center speaker, and 2-inch full range drivers. The Dolby Atmos 3.1.2. technology delivers clear and crisp audio at any volume, and with the S5, louder is the way to go for the movie theater experience.

I had the S5 setup and running right out of the box with the default settings. It can be customized for your personal sound preference with equalizer mode choices of standard, movie, music, night and news. You can also adjust the adjustable treble and bass.

https://oxsaudio.com/products/oxs-s5-dolby-atmos-3-1-2ch-tv-soundbar$199

When a pipe breaks, it’s never a good thing. Zircon’s Leak Alert Wi-Fi Smart Water Detector is a valuable investment for homeowners and property managers. For a small cost, they can be placed under sinks, toilets, water heaters or wherever water pipes are located, to alert you to a water leak.

It is hub and wire free. The setup takes just a few minutes. Insert the included battery, connect to its network on a computer, and then enter the supplied IP address in a web browser. Connect it to your Wi-Fi, add your personal contact information and you’ll receive a confirmation email. You’re done.

Close the cover, test it and then place it where needed. Once water touches a small wire built into the case, the alarm and alerts go off. The Zircon Leak Alert water detector features three alerts: a loud 105 dB alarm, which can sound for up to 8 hours; an email notification; and a flashing red LED for visibility in hard-to-see places, such as under sinks.

When the battery is low, a low battery indicator will warn you it needs replacement.

https://shop.zircon.com/leak-alert-wifi/ $49.99

©2025 Gregg Ellman. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.