General Questions
There are several different types of TV sound systems available, ranging from a single-speaker sound bar to full multi-speaker surround sound systems. Any one of these options can turn your room into a great listening space. Learn more about ways to get better sound with your TV to determine which option makes the most sense for you.
If you're looking for top-notch surround sound, you'll definitely want a multi-speaker system. Pre-matched surround sound systems are one way to go. These generally include a DVD player, two to five speakers, and a sub woofer, and are a good choice if you have a very limited amount of space. But for the best performance, you'll want to build a custom surround sound system out of separate components that you buy individually. Assembling a system yourself typically allows you to select a more powerful receiver and better-quality speakers.
While some sound bars only deliver stereo sound, others create virtual surround sound. Now, they can't give you the same precise, enveloping sound you'd get from a system with five or more speakers. But they can offer more engaging audio than your TV speakers and give you a more complete sound experience. Most sound bars with virtual surround sound use special processing that controls timing and volume to make sound effects seem like they're coming from different directions.
There are many choices when it comes to home theater speakers, and you'll want to be sure that your speakers work well together and with your receiver. Consider purchasing speakers that are voice-matched, which means the speakers produce similar tonal quality and share the same harmonic characteristics. The best way to accomplish this is to choose speakers from the same "family" of speakers, by the same brand. Also, make sure that your receiver has enough power for the speakers you'll be using.
Putting together a home theater system can be tricky if you don't know where to begin. There are several components that go into a home theater system. By planning what you'll need in advance, you won't have to put less into your speakers because you ran out of money or forgot to pick up the little things, like cables, and then run over budget. As a broad rule of thumb, plan on spending more on your audio system (receivers, speaker, and cables) then you did on your HDTV.
Putting together a home theater system can be tricky if you don't know where to begin. There are several components that go into a home theater system. By planning what you'll need in advance, you won't have to put less into your speakers because you ran out of money or forgot to pick up the little things, like cables, and then run over budget. As a broad rule of thumb, plan on spending more on your audio system (receivers, speaker, and cables) then you did on your HDTV.
Home audio systems provide more than just great sound for your favorite movies, TV shows, and video games. They can also play music from many of today's popular sources. Here's a quick breakdown of the kinds of musical extras you can attach to some home theater receivers and systems.
Use the best audio connections you can. Your home audio system or components might come with some stereo/RCA cables. In some cases, this may be the only connection available to you. But if you want to get full surround sound, you'll need to use digital audio cables, either optical, coaxial, or HDMI. These cables send the digital signal directly from your DVD player to the receiver, ensuring high-quality sound that will let you experience movies the way the director intended.
Most DVD and Blu-ray players can upconvert regular DVD signals to a higher resolution and send them to a compatible TV via an HDMI connection. Some home theater receivers have this feature, too. The signal remains digital as it travels to your compatible high-def TV for the cleanest possible transfer. Upconverting players and receivers can output video at 720p, 1080i or 1080p — resolutions that more closely match the screen resolution of HDTVs. Now, it won't be real HD, but it'll still look great on an HDTV.
There are a few ways of receiving high-definition TV programming: over-the-air broadcasts, cable HDTV, digital satellite TV, and instant streaming from services like Netflix and Blockbuster. For more information on HDTV programming, see our article on high-def TV and check out our video about what you need for HDTV. Another option is a Blu-ray player, which is designed to let you take full advantage of your high-def TV's display capabilities.
Make sure you use the best video connections available as well as high-quality cables. If you've got an HDTV, you'll want to use an HDMI connection for high-def, 1080p capable Blu-ray players and gaming consoles, since it can give you the best picture quality available. Component video is an excellent alternative, and can give you a high-def picture with a video resolution up to 1080i. You'll also see S-video and composite video connections.
Yes, the majority of audio/video components sold in the U.S. and Canada use the same connections to pass sound and video. Many also offer a variety of audio/video connections for you to choose from, but you'll want to check that your new equipment has enough connections to accommodate all your gear, whether it's old or new.
Cleaning your home theater system will help keep it looking nice and prevent dust and dirt build-up from damaging the internal circuitry. But you have to be careful with what kinds of products you use to clean your components. It's always a good idea to check your owner's manual first, but you'll find some good general tips below.
Make sure that your components are turned off before cleaning.