October 11, 2011

7.1 Surround Speakers: How Many Channels Are Necessary for Faithful Recreation?

Filed under: Audio Knowledge — Tags: 7.1 speakers, surround sound — Alan @ 1:51 pm

In the multi-channel world of Dolby Digital 7.1 surround speakers and surround sound, we don’t often stop to question what is it exactly that we’re looking for (or more accurately, listening for) when we judge how good a surround sound speaker system sounds as it plays back our favorite movies and music.

Are we looking for a “faithful re-creation” of a musical event by our home stereo or surround systems, as if we were hearing it in the very concert hall or club or studio where it was recorded? Or are we looking for a plausible illusion of musicians in our living room?

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August 19, 2011

Home Surround Sound vs Movie Surround Sound: What’s the Difference?

Filed under: Home Theater — Tags: dolby digital, home surround sound, home theater speakers system, surround sound, surround sound setup — Alan @ 5:40 am

What are the differences and the similarities between home surround sound and movie surround sound systems?

In the way both systems work, the goals of each are essentially identical—to provide a big stereo soundstage at the front, with a dedicated center channel speaker in the middle that anchors the actors’ dialogue at the movie screen or video display, and at least two or more surround speakers at the sides of the theater (or your room at home), with the option of two additional surrounds on the back wall. In both systems, an almighty subwoofer or two deliver the deep bass sounds of music and movie special effects.

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August 11, 2011

Choosing The Best Home Theater Speakers: Three Must-Know Tips

Filed under: Home Theater — Tags: Best Home Theater Speakers, home theater speakers, surround sound — Alan @ 6:16 pm

Choosing the best home theater speakers can seem overwhelming – with hundreds of speakers on the market, how do you get the right ones for your room?

Relax, there are some simple tips that can help steer you in the right direction. By looking at these three tips, you’ll be armed with the information you need to buy the best home theater speakers that meet your requirements and budget:

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July 22, 2011

5.1 Surround Sound: Are You Getting It?

Filed under: Audio Knowledge — Tags: 5.1 surround sound, surround sound — Alan @ 6:14 am

5.1 surround sound

The system of Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound found in movie theaters all over the world is now available to consumers in even the least expensive AV receivers. But new home theater customers are often unsure if they have everything set up correctly. How do you know if you’re actually listening to 5.1 surround sound?

If you don’t have a total of six speakers in your setup – three channels across the front (left front, center channel, right front) plus two surround speakers (one on each side of the room), and a subwoofer that provides the deep earthquake effects in blockbuster movies—then you won’t hear 5.1 surround sound. (The “5” in that phrase are the main speakers; the “.1” is the deep bass subwoofer.)

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