User:KrazieNate/Surround sound setup

"Setting up your surround sound system based on the number of channels it has"

There are a number of ways to set up a surround sound system, but the only way to set one up to hear true surround sound is done based on the number of channels it has. There are five types of surround sound systems, determined by their number of channels. The channels of a surround sound system are different than the classic "stereo" setup, in which a single channel consists of a "pair", or two speakers, a left and a right speaker, therefore giving a two-channel stereo receiver connection terminals for up to four speakers. However, this is not the case for surround sound systems. A "channel" consists of only one speaker. So, the five types of surround sound systems are as follows; There are a 2.1 channel, a 5.1 channel, a 6.1 channel, 7.1 channel, and a 7.2 channel. Now, each setup is significantly different. In a 2.1 channel setup, there is a left and a right speaker, (ch. 1+2) and a subwoofer. (the .1) This is the most basic form of surround sound. In a 2.1 channel setup, in order to hear true surround sound, the left and right speakers should be placed on the left and the right sides of the TV, and the subwoofer, since it produces omnidirectional sound, meaning it can be heard from all angles, can either be placed to the left or the right of the TV on the ground. This setup will give the listener a basic surround sound experience. The next type of surround sound system varies greatly from the first, in that it has five speakers and a subwoofer. The 5.1 channel setup adds a pair of rear speakers and a center speaker, which allows dialog to be heard more distinctly. This system should be set up as follows. The left and right front speakers should be placed about three feet from the TV, on the left and the right sides. The left and the right rear, or surround, speakers, should be placed about three feet away from the sides of the listener's seat and in the rear, or behind it. The center-channel speaker should be placed directly above or below the direct center of the TV, and the subwoofer placed either to the left or right of the TV on the ground. Then there is the 6.1 channel setup. The only difference there is from the 5.1 channel setup is that there is another center speaker, which is to be placed either above or below the TV, depending on where the other one is. The 7.1 channel system varies slightly from the 5.1 channel system in that it incorporates a second pair of surround speakers, thus the additional two channels. This system is easy to setup, because it is basically the same as the 5.1 channel system. the only difference is the addition of a left and right surround speaker that gets placed on the left and right side, directly beside the listener's seat, three feet away and at ear level, for a setup with speakers on the left and right of the TV, the left and right behind the listener, and the left and right sides of the listener, as well as directly under or above the TV, and the subwoofer left or right of the TV on the ground. This particular system and setup will bring the most detailed and enhanced listening qualities, and tends to be the most expensive. The sixth and final setup, the 7.2 channel system, varies from the 7.1 channel setup only in that there is an additional subwoofer, hence the .2, that is placed either to the left or right of the TV, depending on where the other is. These setups will ensure that no matter which system you choose for your home theater layout, you will be able to hear true surround sound that will bring your media to life and will help you get the most out of your surround sound experience.