The JBL Cinema SB510 measures 37.4" long. As long as your TV isn't too small, a longer soundbar is preferred over a shorter one because the internal speakers are placed further apart from each other for better sound separation and spatial effect. The SB510 has a total of four speakers: two on each end, a center channel, and a built-in sub. The center channel is dedicated to voices and dialogue, so you'll get better vocal clarity than a 2.0-channel soundbar or stereo TV speakers.
The SB510 also has a built-in subwoofer. An internal sub doesn't have the power or space to create room shaking bass, but having a speaker dedicated to producing low end frequencies is still better than having no subwoofer at all. An external subwoofer might be too powerful in some settings, like in a bedroom, when other people (like your kids or partner) are trying to sleep. A soundbar with an internal sub will still create noticeable bass but not enough to bother anyone, hopefully.
This soundbar will be a significant improvement over most built-in TV speakers. Speaker setups can easily cost thousands of dollars, but the audiophile market represents a classic case of diminishing returns. In order to get a soundbar setup that sounds significantly better than the Cinema SB510, you'll probably have to pony up a lot more money.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
Splinter Cell: Deathwatch: New Trailer, Poster and Voice Cast Revealed