If you’re building a home theater system, surround sound is essential for recreating the big-screen experience. Not only does multi-directional sound make your entertainment center more authentic, but it also delivers superior audio quality that lets you feel like you’re a part of the action. However, setting up an effective system can be complex and requires a detailed understanding of how surround sound works. Below, learn how this system functions.

Dividing Audio Channels

Getting sound coming from every direction may seem as easy as setting up speakers around the room, but the reality is more complex. To achieve high-quality sound, the signal has to be split into different channels, each of which is sent to different speakers. This keeps sound waves from interfering with each other and creates an immersive movie experience.

Common Speaker Configurations

The most common setup for home theater settings is known as 5.1. In this configuration, a receiver in the middle of the room sends signals to four individual speakers, two in the front, and one on each side of the viewing area. However, depending on your space and equipment, you may opt for a 6.1 configuration, which adds a speaker to the back of the room.

Where to Place Speakers

The exact placement of speakers for your surround sound system depends on the type of equipment you have and the size of your entertainment room. Placing speakers too close together can cause interference and static while putting them too far away can muffle the sound quality. Because every home theater is unique, this step is best left to professional engineers who know how to get the most out of your sound equipment.

With locations in Cornelius and Charlotte, NC, Premiere Home Theater provides customized home entertainment solutions to homeowners throughout the region. Their experienced designers have an in-depth understanding of surround sound systems and will deliver results that will exceed all your expectations. Visit their website to learn more about their home theater design services, or call (704) 449-9448 to discuss your ideas.