- In this report
- Overview
- CR Quick Recommendations
- Ratings
- Types
- Home theater audio and video sources
| FORUMS |
ELECTRONICS FORUMS  Get real-world advice from others about choosing a new TV, home theater, camcorder, etc. |
November 2006
Home-theater audio
The simple, low-cost path to surround sound
A big-screen high-definition TV takes center stage in any home theater. But even the best TV can’t convey the rich, multichannel
surround sound on most DVD movies and a growing number of HD programs. That demands a digital receiver and a full set of speakers.
The latest audio equipment has more capabilities than the gear of old, with more support for 6.1 and 7.1 channels (two newer,
expanded surround-sound formats) and the ability to play content from a variety of sources. Here’s advice to help you make
a sound selection.
Choose AN HTIb for simplicity
As Types spells out, there are two ways to get surround sound at home: a prepackaged home-theater-in-a-box (HTIB) system or a custom
system you build using separate components.
An HTIB system contains all you need except a TV and sometimes a DVD player. At its heart is a multichannel receiver that
powers the speakers, decodes Dolby Digital and DTS multichannel audio, and tunes in radio stations. The receiver also allows
easy switching among audio and video sources. With most systems, a universal remote controls the receiver and DVD player and,
if you program in the codes, a TV and other devices as well.
An HTIB system contains the six or more speakers needed to bring to life the explosions in action movies and the dialog and
ambient sound that add realism. They’re matched for sound, so you don’t have to search out speakers with a similar “voice,”
or tonality.
Many systems use tiny satellite speakers for the front, center, and rear audio channels (others use floor-standing speakers
in front), plus subwoofers for deep bass. Color-coded wires and cables simplify setup. Some HTIB models can work with wireless
rear speakers. In general, the systems have a sleek, trim look.
CR’s take. For most consumers, an HTIB system is the easiest, cheapest way to get satisfying surround sound in a small or medium-sized
room. See our Ratings of 4 systems.
But consider buying components to build a custom system if you need lots of power to fill a large room or if you want the
option of replacing or adding equipment. Some HTIB systems have only enough inputs for the packaged pieces; others provide
one or two for add-on gear. Components are also better for music. See Types for pointers.
consider the dvd player
Most HTIB systems include a DVD player, often integrated with the receiver. That gives you one less component to hook up,
but you might sacrifice features or connections. For example, integrated units often lack component-video inputs, so you can’t
feed high-definition cable or satellite signals through the receiver to your TV. You’ll have to use a separate remote for
such HD sources, a minor inconvenience. And the controls on an integrated receiver/DVD player can be tricky to use, because
each button might control a few functions.
Also see how many discs a player can hold. Most models now have five-disc changers, but some hold only a single DVD. Support
for music formats varies. Most HTIB systems can play discs burned with MP3 files, but look for compatibility if you want to
play WMA digital music files or DiVX and MPEG-4 video files.
CR’s take. Check a DVD player’s capabilities to make sure it fills your needs.
stick with 5.1 in most cases
HTIB systems support Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound, which has two front and two rear channels, a center channel,
and a subwoofer for low bass effects (the .1). Some pricier systems support Dolby Digital EX and DTS ES 6.1- or 7.1-channel
formats and include the additional rear speakers required. Others support those formats but don’t have the extra speakers.
They’re 6.1- or 7.1-ready.
CR’s take. Most consumers will find that 5.1-channel surround sound is all they need for a theater-like experience at home. The extra
rear-center speaker in a 6.1-channel system provides a more convincing surround experience in larger rooms and renders plane
fly-overs and other sound effects more realistically. Few current movies are encoded in 6.1-channel sound, and virtually none
uses 7.1-channel content. We expect to see more of both.
check the store policies
With any audio gear, your opinion is the one that matters most. Take accuracy: Even speakers we judge to be equally accurate
might sound different because of the way they’re made, how they handle various frequencies, and how they interact with the
acoustics in a specific room.
CR’s take. Audition systems in the store and ask about a return or exchange if one you buy doesn’t suit. Even better, request a 30-day
in-home trial so you can try different speaker setups.
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