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Home Theater Basics Home Theater has the following basic components: 1. Audio Video Content Sources/Inputs 2. Video Display 3. Audio Processor 4. Multiple Speakers 5. Cables and Wiring  5.1 surround sound home theater  The audio processor which is usually an Audio Video Receiver (AVR) is the hub of your home theater. Your A/V content sources are input to the AVR. The AVR then decodes, processes, amplifies and sends audio out to the correct speakers. In addition, the video comes out of the AVR as input to your video display, usually a TV.  Audio Video Receiver Rear Panel AVR HDMI Inputs  Most source inputs are HDMI, connected to the AVR HDMI input ports. HDMI carries both multi-channel audio and high definition video. The HDMI standard has been revised over many years and continues to evolve. You will want to be sure your AVR has the correct HDMI version to be compatible with the source inputs.  AVR HDMI Outputs Your AVR may have one or more HDMI outputs. One is usually HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) or HDMI eARC (enhanced ARC). This HDMI connection is a two-way (video out and audio in) path. The video out goes to the TV and the TV can send audio in to the AVR. Connect to the TV HDMI ARC/eARC port. This way you can get much better sound than from the TV speakers. Speakers  To get the processed and amplified audio out of the AVR, connect speakers to the AVR speaker terminals. Speakers can be connected using bare speaker wire or quick connect/disconnect banana plugs or spade connectors. Passive loudspeakers have two terminals, a positive and a negative. Positive is usually red and negative is usually black. The AVR speaker terminals will also be positive and negative for each speaker. Connect positive to positive and negative to negative being careful not to mix up the wires. Speaker setups can be any configuration from 2 channel stereo to 5.1 to 7.1 surround sound. With a Dolby Atmos source, using height speakers the configuration is only limited by what you can drive through your amplifiers. Powered Subwoofer  Speakers usually have tweeters for high frequencies and woofers for low frequencies built into the same speaker cabinet. The subwoofer is a separate large single speaker designed for only very low frequencies. These speakers usually have amplifiers built into the cabinet so they only need a line-level (un-amplified) signal out from the AVR to the subwoofer which amplifies the signal. Some AVRs only have one subwoofer output while others can output to more than one. Pre-outs Some AVRs offer pre-outs. These are RCA ports which output the un-amplified signals so you can send the audio to another amplifier. You may want to spread the load or use a higher quality amp for certain channels. Audio / Video Receivers: Features Multi-Source Re-Master Processing When music and soundtracks are recorded digitally, the compression that occurs can impact the overall sound quality, especially with MP3 and WMA files. Re-master processing helps to compensate for any frequencies lost due to compression during recording, providing a rich sound field. Built-In DTS and Dolby Digital Decoders Achieve a remarkably natural sense of ambience and dynamic realism, a spacious surround effect, and realistic, accurate sound for your home theater. Select models feature the latest decoders for Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, and DTS 96/24 formats. Full-Digital Processing Amplifiers use digital processing from signal input all the way through to output, letting you enjoy the full potential of today's most advanced audio sources. High Power Output Multi-channel amplifiers with high output capability provide accurate reproduction of Dolby Digital, DTS, and DVD-Audio recordings. Universal Remote Control This single remote control operates several functions of many brands of TVs, VCRs, and DVD players. Select models include an illuminated remote so it's easier to use in the dark. Sound Field Control At the push of a button, achieve stunning audio effects to match your music and your mood. Speaker Size Configuration Setting The speaker size configuration setting optimizes the output for accurate sound reproduction, regardless of speaker size. Digital Inputs/Outputs Minimize electrical noise and assure the reliable transfer of high-fidelity sound data. With multiple digital inputs, receivers can accommodate your DVD player, CD player, cable box, and future components that use coaxial and optical digital outputs. A digital audio connection is also necessary in order to listen to the Dolby Digital? and DTS? soundtracks found on DVDs and digital broadcasts. Component Video Switching Component video offers outstanding video quality when using a DVD player or HDTV set-top receiver, but many TVs only have one component video input. As your home theater expands to include both a DVD player and HDTV set-top receiver, you'll need more than one component video input to accommodate them. Select receivers let you hook up both your DVD player and HDTV set-top box to the back of the receiver and send a single component video cable to your TV. You can then switch between the two using the receiver. 2-Channel Down Mixing Takes multi-channel soundtracks and converts them to 2-channel stereo. Helpful if your living space only allows for two speakers. Digital Synthesizer Tuner The built-in digital tuner provides accurate tuning of radio broadcasts. Subwoofer Output Connect a powered subwoofer for a deep bass sound, essential for completing the home theater experience. Some receivers have an independent subwoofer control, which lets you adjust its level in your audio mix. 6-Channel Discrete Inputs These inputs accept the six-channel analog output of DVD players with built-in surround sound decoders. They're also used for the analog outputs on a DVD-Audio player. Today anyone can enjoy the total cinematic experience of watching a film with movie theater picture quality and true-to-life surround sound at home. Simply defined, that is Home Theater. In the past, the only way to truly enjoy a film was at your local movie theater. There, images on the wide screen were vivid and lifelike. And the soundtrack came from all directions -- immersing you completely in the action and dialogue. Your TV and VCR just could not compare to the live experience of the movies. Times have changed. Now you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the cinema in the comfort of your home. Its all about the convenience of enjoying cinema at home without the hassle of driving across town, not to mention the expense of tickets, snacks and parking. Home Theater is both convenient and flexible. How It Works How Home Theater works is simple. A Streaming device or Bluray/DVD player, or other video source, feeds a digital signal into a receiver. The receiver then splits the audio signal into five or six separate channels and sends each channel to a different speaker for broadcast. At the same time, the receiver sends a video signal to your television. The result is a movie quality image with cinematic surround sound. Digital audio & video signals 
Integrated Components When you are selecting equipment for your Home Theater, you need to decide whether to purchase an integrated, all-in-one Home Theater system or build one from scratch using separate components. Audio and video enthusiasts prefer to build their systems piece-by-piece and are willing to spend the time and money necessary to select their high-end equipment. In addition to selecting the right components, you also need to determine what room and lighting is best for your Home Theater as well as how to set up the equipment. Also, design lifestyle considerations for your system components. Cost of Home Theater How much does a Home Theater cost? You can spend as little as $300 for a bare bones Home Theater package without a TV -- or as much as $25,000 or more for a state-of-the-art system with all the bells and whistles. It all depends on how you build your Home Theater and the feature quality you want. If you use existing equipment, your costs should be minimal. If you purchase an entire system from scratch, expect to spend at least $1,000 - $3,000 including the TV. A big consideration is buying a TV that has all the latest features to future-proof your setup. It's also a good idea to allow money for other incidentals like a programmable remote, speaker stands and room decor. Unless your existing TV and sound system can support digital video and Dolby 5.1 Channel Audio, start from scratch and purchase a complete system. You will be much happier with the overall quality of your Home Theater. Columbia ISA Audio Video Empowering consumers through information columbiaisa@yahoo.com SWS |