Jacking in simply and directly to your TV's audio outputs (or other sources), Polk Audio's SurroundBar SDA Instant Home Theater then pumps out high clarity audio sagaciously.

This patented "Stereo Dimensional Array" (SDA), described as "a mixture of acoustical engineering, psychoacoustic principles and a little magic," emulates the surround sound effect not by bouncing some signals off the side walls as some faux surround systems are wont to do, but by discreetly controlling the timing and the loudness of select audio signals as they're programmed to be heard, be that full frontal or discreetly encircling.

Meanwhile, a wireless subwoofer that needs only an AC wall outlet for power fleshes out the bottom end from any old spot on the floor - behind the recliner is nice.

All told, though not a true "5.1 Surround Sound" experience with wired speakers mounted on every wall, Polk Audio SurroundBar SDA offers quality Surround Sound-ish-ness nonetheless - without the clutter or complex set up.

Sadly, Polk Audio claims it does not have a Canadian distributor, as if cross-border shopping was your only option - and that means a physical trip down south, as none of the online retailers carrying the SurroundBar SDA will ship to Canada.

That said, US-based Crutchfield does have a Canadian website (www.crutchfield.ca) and reportedly a Canada-based warehouse as well - and they stock the SurroundBar SDA Instant Home Theater System and everything.

But here's the rub: While Crutchfield USA will sell you a Polk Audio Surroundbar SDA for a fair US$399.99, the company has opted to employ an exchange rate from the 1990's for its Canadian pricing (or maybe some other dubious conversion algorithm, but whatever). At a whopping C$649.99, plus GST and maybe PST, you're looking at a cold, hard 730 bucks. No way. Just say no.

If you happen to be venturing south for some cross-border shopping, this is a great $400, duty-free sound system, but nothing more.