Surround Sound

Home theatre is a term for defining the approach to home entertainment whereby the experience of watching a film in the cinema is recreated within the home. People are prepared to pay to watch a film in the cinema because of the atmosphere created when watching a film. The large clear display allows viewers to lose themselves in the action and the high quality sound gives the impression that the world of the movie is all around you.

The cinema experience can now be created in the home, a home theatre system normally comprises of a large display i.e. TV or screen, an A/V source such as a DVD player and an audio system capable of surround sound normally consisting of more than 4 speakers. Home theatre systems come in many shapes and sizes, top end HT systems are assembled from component pieces purchased separately to provide the best combination possible. A cheaper and simpler alternative is the HT in a box, which provides all the required components (speakers, Amp and Tuner) to provide you with surround sound quality. Whilst the quality of these isn’t as good as the component models, they are relatively cheap and easy to set up.

A large clear picture may make you feel a part of the action but it’s the surround sound that makes the difference. Home theatre systems should ideally have 2-3 speakers in front of the viewer, and 2-3 speakers behind. This is where surround sound comes into its own. The audio signal is split into multiple channels so that the sounds come out of different speakers. The most prominent sound is released from the front speakers, the side speakers release sounds from their relative sides and the back speaker is for the background noise. At least one speaker should be placed dead centre, either above or below the TV. This is the anchor, and plays all dialogue and front effects so they seem from the screen itself. This means that a car travelling from left to right on the screen will produce sound that moves from the left speaker around to the right.

The most common speaker options are 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 surround, named for the number of channels and the ‘.1’ representing a subwoofer. A subwoofer carries low frequency sound to provide a bass boost, creating a rumbling for certain effects such as explosions. A 5.1 surround-sound setup includes left, centre and right front speakers as well as left and right surrounds speakers. A 6.1 system adds an extra rear channel, and a 7.1 adds yet another rear speaker.

As technology improves the standard of Home Theatre Systems is improving, the introduction of High Definition TV and the increasing affordability of large screen TV’s means the demand for these systems is increasing. The introduction of wireless systems to avoid running cable around a room has made systems a lot friendlier. HDMI connectivity provides sound never before experienced in the home. There are even units on the market that can provide Surround Sound from one small unit placed under the TV. Prices on HT Systems vary, a cheap unit can be purchased for between £100-£200, and top of the range systems can cost as much as £1600. Cheaper systems are good for bedrooms and other small rooms as they provide low wattage levels. For larger rooms it is more beneficial to spend a bit more and get a system that will really light up your room.