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Home | Product Reviews & Shopping | Digital Products Surround Sound is the name given to different techniques for enhancing audio playback, by recording additional sound channels, which can be reproduced on additional speakers. The intention is, quite simply, to “surround” the listener with sound. There are a number of different surround sound formats, of which Dolby Digital (otherwise known as Dolby AC-3) is the accepted standard for home theatres. Dolby Digital provides up to five independent, full frequency channels, plus an additional, optional channel for low frequency effects. Competing soundtrack formats include DTS, although this is not a standard format for DVD or HDTV, and the expanded versions Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES. In addition, the SDDS 7.1 system offers seven audio channels, plus a subwoofer channel. Things to Consider Speakers come in variety of shapes and sizes, so finding the right set for your home should be straightforward. It is worth checking the dimensions of your room, and planning a layout, before you actually commit to buying equipment. The number of speakers depends largely on the capabilities of your receiver, or receiver/DVD player combination. However, five speakers are generally standard for a surround sound system, and nowadays a seven speaker configuration is becoming more popular. Speaker designs include bookshelf, larger tower and satellite speakers that which can be combined in a number of versatile combinations. You can, for example, use two bookshelf speakers with a conventional stereo system or with a TV. Two satellite speakers can be used as the front or rear speakers in a surround sound system or one can be used as a centre channel speaker. The centre-channel speaker is usually placed on top or underneath your TV, for the best reproduction of soundtrack and dialogue. Rear speakers, on the other hand, provide the background sound from behind you, and subwoofers, designed for low frequency, bass output are best placed on the floor. On a cautionary note, tube TVs are sensitive to speakers in close proximity, so make sure that your left, centre and right speakers are all video-shielded. A cost-effective solution, for example, is Yamada H8550 5.1 Surround Sound HiFi Speakers, featuring a stylish, six speaker combination. The subwoofer allows you to connect two devices, perhaps one from a DVD player, and the other from a TV receiver, and the remote control lets you switch between inputs. Wireless Speakers Wireless speakers offer a convenient solution in situations where physical wiring is impracticable or undesirable, since the signal is transmitted, instead, via infrared or radio frequency waves. Be aware, however, that the layout of your house, the building materials used, and interference from other electronic devices may affect, and reduce the range, of wireless transmissions. Rimax Stereo Wireless Speakers, for example, are equipped with the latest RF technology, and can be operated by mains or battery power. The Voyager VYWSS is a similar speaker, with the added extra of rechargeable batteries that give you roughly five hours of playback time. Conclusion Surround sound systems enhance your viewing, and particularly, listening, pleasure; there is no doubt. Cost-effective and versatile solutions are available, and the technology is no longer frightening, with surround sound becoming standard fare for many consumers. One thing is certain; surround sound is here to stay. Article Source: http://www.articlewheel.com
Geri R Jobson is a freelance writer specialising in consumer electronics, financial and business subjects.
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