Surround Sound System Formats

When you are planning your home theater system, a surround system is important to achieve the movie theater quality sound. In the movie theater, the sound is all around you. You hear different effects on the different speakers. It draws you into what is happening on the screen.

To get the maximum enjoyment from your surround sound system, you need to know the proper formats for watching your favorite movie. Formats are interpreted automatically by the equipment you select. To make sure you get the best from your surround sound system, you will need a good audio-video receiver and speakers.

The most common surround sound format is Dolby Digital AC-3. It is a 5.1 channel format. It means that for maximum quality sound, you need five speakers plus a subwoofer. Most DVDs and some cable and satellite channels use this type of surround sound format. You can also use the Dolby Digital format for older mediums that were not recorded in surround sound.

Dolby uses Pro Logic to translate or decode signals from other mediums such as old videocassette tapes or television broadcasts. it uses two speakers to turn their sound into an imitation of surround sound.

Dolby's largest competitor is DTS. It is 5.1 surround sound and is found mostly on DVDs.

Dolby has aa 6.1 surround sound system which means there are six speakers and a subwoofer. DTS-ES is Dolby's competitor in this area. DTS NEO:6 provides the same capability as Pro Logic in creating an imitation surround sound from 2 channel medium.

There is a difference in formats and you need to be aware of this if you purchase your components separately. Incompatibility of components will reduce the quality of sound you receive from your components. Most systems will play both formats, but you should make sure you are aware of the format before you purchase your components.

The best quality sound can be found in the format you use and the number of speakers you use. If you purchase components for Dolby 6.1, you should have six speakers and a subwoofer. For Dolby 7.1, you should have seven speakers and a subwoofer.

When purchasing components for you home theater surround sound system, your speakers will become the most expensive investment you make.

You should visit an audio-video store and listen to the various speaker setups before you make a purchase. You do not have to buy the components at the store you visit. Shop around for the best deal you can find. You may be able to find the same speakers at a lower price on the Internet.

Visit My Information Mall