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Surround Sound
Surround sound will help to make any home theatre experience more enjoyable but what exactly is surround sound? Read on to find out more.
What is Surround Sound?
Surround sound is commonly used as a generic term for theatre and home theatre multi-channel sound systems. Interestingly, it technically refers to the specific multi-channel systems designed by Dolby Laboratories. However, we will be referring to surround sound in its generic usage through this article.
There are two main elements in the home surround sound system – the AV receiver and the speakers. The receiver is an amplifier that sits in between the DVD player and the speakers. You are able to connect several devices to it at one time, such as stereos, gaming consoles, and DVD players, and select which one you want to use on the receiver’s remote. The correct picture and/or sound will then be routed to the speakers and the TV.
Surround Sound and Numbers
What do the numbers mean when it comes to surround sound? AV receivers are currently being billed as being 5.2, 6.1, or 7.1 compatible. The first number refers to how many speakers you will be using in the system. The second number – the 1 – refers to the subwoofer that looks after rumbling low notes and explosions. A 7.1 system would use seven satellite speakers and 1 subwoofer.
5.1 is still the most common system in use - this has three speakers across the front and two at the back, behind your seat – as most DVDs have a 5.1 soundtrack. In 6.1 or 7.1, the extra speakers are placed behind the seat to make the sound smoother and more realistic at the back of the room.
Choosing a Surround Sound System
The easiest way to purchase a surround sound system is to buy a kit that combines the DVD player, receiver, and speakers. These speakers are colour coded, making them very easy to connect. Some systems come with wireless rear speakers, so that you don’t have to get a handyman to run cables all the way around the room. This is more aesthetically pleasing – not to mention safer!
If you have a very small room for your home theatre, one option is to use a 2.1 or 3.1 system that has virtual surround sound built in. These bounce sound off the walls in order to give the impression of surround sound. It’s not as great as the real thing but in smaller areas, you may not even notice the difference.
Price is the major consideration when it comes to choosing a surround sound system. Your budget will ultimately determine the quality of the product. Prices do start from just a few hundred dollars but it is a good idea not to go for anything under $500. Prepackaged kits are excellent as they perfectly match all the speakers. If you have a bit more money to spend, or are a bit of an audiophile, specialist suppliers are able to set you up a system with matched speakers of one brand and subwoofers of another. If you are going for this option, it is important that you get specialist advice as matching speakers and subwoofers is difficult. If not done properly, the sound results can be very disappointing.
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