After purchasing the largest 1080p HDTV around, setting up a new HD digital receiver, plugging in all the cables and tuning into a favorite sports or action program, there's still something missing. Experiencing that crisp, lifelike HDTV picture is really only half the equation. The experience is markedly diminished by tinny, inferior television speakers.
Indeed, high definition television is nothing without enhanced sound to complement the picture. No one wants to watch TV and have to pump up the squawky speakers to max volume just to hear. Digital channels that are available in HDTV are generally broadcast in Dolby 5.1, so the only way to truly take advantage of your new high definition television package is to install surround sound. Here're some options that will have you enjoying all your digital channels in full surround.
Home-Theater-In-a-Box
Don't think that you need to be an electrical engineer to install a performance home theater. In fact, home theater manufacturers have made installing a basic system quite easy and inexpensive. Home-theater-in-a-box includes all the main components of your home theater system: speakers, subwoofer, receiver and possibly even a DVD player and cables. These are an inexpensive, quick solution to get you watching high definition television with true 5.1 surround sound.
Components
If you're a bit pickier about your electronics, step up from the package systems to components. Pick out your own front speakers, find matching center and rear speakers then get the home theater receiver to power it all. Perhaps add an amplifier and subwoofer for even more sound. Sit down, watch TV and enjoy a surround sound system that not only complements your TV, but may just overshadow it.
Simulated Surround Sound
If that 55-inch HDTV with cords dangling into your digital receiver is about as much of your living room as you want to devote to unsightly electronics equipment, consider slimming down the home theater. Even devout audiophiles will admit that huge speakers placed all over the room can be uncomfortable and painful to the eye. Simulated surround sound systems create a sound field that mimics true surround sound while using just two small speakers or even one single speaker. Get all the sound that your digital receiver can deliver, with none of the bulky equipment and inconvenient wire runs.
5.1 or 7.1?
While some may like the idea of extra speakers, a 5.1 system should be plenty adequate for your average high definition television. Most broadcasts from HD digital channels feature 5.1 so the extra two speakers won't bring too much performance. Also, 7.1 requires an HDMI cable, which many home theater receivers still don't accept. Unless you have a compelling reason otherwise, you can certainly get plenty of performance from a 5.1 system.
If you've just purchased high definition television, don't sit down to watch TV until you're sure that you have the sound to match. Sports, action, movies and shows from your favorite digital channels will all be better in surround.
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