With the recent lockdown I have been watching a lot of films and box sets. I must be getting old as half the time I miss what is being said and there seems to be loads of background noise. I have tried to adjust settings on my tv but am spending half the programmes making adjustments. Has anyone got best advice about sound bars or extra speakers. I just want be able to hear what is being said.

It’s because no matter the advancements of modern tech and how slick and waiver thin TV’s are, they can’t replicate having a big speaker in the back with a lot of room for sound.

I can’t recommend a sound bar but they should remedy the problem. I’d usually say head to Richer Sounds as they seem really knowledgeable on this stuff, at least the one in Reigate actually sold me a cheaper but better TV than the one I went in to buy. Don’t trust stores like PC World etc.

In this current lockdown world, I’d say research online or if the Richer Sounds website has live chat maybe ask specifically for a sound bar that won’t break the bank, you just want to hear voices clearly and hopefully they won’t oversell you.

This

Sound bars are way clearer than TV speakers and Richer can be trusted

You are not alone , it's just the modern way they make the shows now, subtitles are the answer.
If you have not watched The Soprano's , or gave up on it because you couldn't understand a word they said , watch again with subtitles , just brilliant.

Learn how to lip read! Seriously though on some TV/audio systems you have a setting that can reduce ambient sound, which boosts the voice.

Also if you have settings on the audio try News rather than Cinema as this will boost the voice.

I am afraid I cannot give any technical advice as requested.

What I can report is that on occasions I too have difficulty hearing the television but for the sole reason that my dear wife has a proclivity to speak to me when I am intent on listening to what is being said! I have to tell her to "Pipe down" or words to that effect.Most inconsiderate of her.