Sound Bar Mixing for Voice?

[TheAlchemist]

Hello. I am considering getting a soundbar for my parent's Panasonic TX 50GX700B TV, as they are complaining that they can't hear the voices clearly over the background music. I read online that if I get a 3.1 or 5.1 soundbar the voices will come out of the centre speaker so I can turn up the volume on that one, but I have some questions:

1) Will this work with the programs on Virgin? Like if they are watching an old episode of Escape to the Country or something will it work, or will it only work on more modern programs and films that are mixed with surround sound in mind?

2) Will it work on their V6 box and TV setup?

3) Will they still be able to use the Virgin TV remote to control the sounds/mute?

Thanks for any help!

[nodrogd]

5.1 is available on most channels, but bear in mind it is a production option, not a broadcast standard. If the programme is not recorded in Dolby 5.1 you won’t get a dedicated speech soundtrack.