Surround Sound
Written by Carlos   
Friday, 27 July 2007

 

Surround sound comes in many forms and is continuing to evolve, but essentially, it is the surround sound system that complements the home theatre experience and is capable of reproducing the 'being there" feeling in your lounge room. Just like at the movies but with added benefits like:

  • Pause when you feel the need for well...anything
  • No big boofy heads sitting right in front of you
  • No fighting over the arm rest etc

I think you get the drift

In a nutshell, a home surround sound system requires an amplifier or an "all in one system" that can decode the various sound formats available. If you purchase a component-type system this allows you to mix and match brands of your components (i.e. DVD player, digital set top box, sound system etc) the basic requirements are:
  • An Amplifier (Amp) or receiver, preferably one that can upscale a signal, has multiple audio inputs (i.e. optical and coaxial), and can switch video sources.
  • Speakers preferably good quality
  • DVD player
  • Digital set top box or DVD/R with high definition tuners and hard disc drive

Most amplifier receivers these days have video switching capabilities with multiple component input and output's

Things to keep and eye out for when purchasing:

  • up scaling (this allows you to use older equipment like VCR's if you are outputting component or HDMI to your TV or display device from your amplifier receiver)
  • HDMI (this is the absolute latest input/ output )
  • Mulitzone capability. This allows you to play more than one source at a time. for example the Kids can be watching A movie  in the longe room while the adults can be ejoying some fine background music at the outside BBQ area.
  • Ipod Docking capability
  • Servicablity and good Warranty

"All in one" systems are as the name says - they are all in one and include the speakers, DVD player and amplifier, some even come with a hard drive for recording your tv shows. When looking at all in one systems, always check that they have enough inputs to connect all your existing equipment (if needed).

Note: The disadvantage with an all in one system is that should a fault develop you can be in for a long wait while it is being repaired and if the warranty lapses it can be expensive as well leaving you without.

Today the basic setup for surround sound is referred to as 5.1.(There are also 6.1 and 7.1 THX more advanced systems out there as well) The 5 meaning five speakers and the 1 a sub woofer. The basic set up for the five speakers is 3 in the front of the room (left, right and centre) usually near the TV and 2 (left and right) at the back near the couch (or where you would be sitting). The sub woofer provides the low frequencies and should be placed somewhere in the front half of the room, usually not set in a cabinet. 

Professional installation of a surround system includes placement of the speakers to match the room (and is often dictated by furniture and the shape of the room), tuning the speakers to the room, and cabling (see cable concealment).

For a technical and more detailed explanation of surround sound go to this link below:

Surround sound in detail
Last Updated ( Monday, 02 March 2009 )