“Sound is 50% of the movie experience” Steven Spielberg

Dolby THX

Home Cinema Surround sound is generated from the audio signal output from your source (DVD, SkyHD, Blu-ray).  This is then processed by a dedicated amplifier (or receiver) and split into discrete signals that are sent to individual speakers positioned correctly in your listening environment to encircle the listener providing a realistic 360° of listening.

In order to achieve a true home cinema surround environment the speakers and amplifier ideally should be Dolby THX certified as this is the standard used by movie production houses when recording and authorising sound tracks for film.

According to the Dolby THX standard there are specific locations for speakers and also settings on the amplifier that have to be adjusted to replicate the sound track from a film accurately.

Home Cinema Surround sound comes in various flavours starting 2.1 and going up to 10.2.  With the 1st number referring to the number of speakers channels and the second number referring the number of sub woofers (which deliver the bass signals).

The most commonly used standard is 5.1, which means 5 home cinema surround speakers and 1 subwoofer are used.  Now most high quality audio visual receivers and amplifiers now come with 7.1 surround channels as standard.

dolby true hd

Dolby TrueHD

The Ultimate Home Theater Audio Experience

Dolby TrueHDWish your home cinema produced surround sound as stunning as your TV’s HD picture? It’s finally possible, thanks to Dolby® TrueHD. With Dolby TrueHD, you’ll experience high-definition surround sound so impressive, you won’t believe your ears.

Dolby TrueHD immerses you in sound by delivering audio that is identical to—and every bit as spectacular as—the master recording. It lets you experience the full potential of Blu-ray Disc™, and is even ready for future HD delivery formats.

Feel the raw power of explosive special effects, hear every concert note in rich detail, and experience incredible surround sound that puts you right in the middle of the action. Dolby TrueHD: Your home theater has never sounded better.

Dolby TrueHD Benefits

  • Produces 100 percent lossless audio that is identical to the studio master
  • Takes full advantage of Blu-ray Disc capabilities, with 7.1-channel playback
  • Offers the ability to support more than 16 channels of audio
  • Makes connecting your home theater easy, with a single-cable HDMI™ audio and video digital connection