Surround sound is a technology that immerses you in the experience of watching a sporting event or movie or television or playing a video game. The capability has been around since the 1940s with the development of two channels for sound, but surround sound as we know it did not appear until 1976. In the 1990s, the technology evolved into the surround sound we recognize today. It used to be a rare commodity but now surround systems are easily accessible for everyone and can be installed in any home. If you have ever wondered “how does surround sound work?” or “what is a surround system?”, here’s what you need to know to determine if this technology is what you are looking for.
The Purpose of Surround Sound: Immersion & Clarity
Surround sound systems work by sending digital audio signals to speaks located throughout the room. This type of audio makes for a more immersive experience when you are playing video games or watching television. Because the sound comes from all around the room, the sound from the game you are playing or the movie you are watching can be directed to individual speakers. If a sound is supposed to come from behind you, surround sound makes it possible for you to experience the noise the way it is intended to be portrayed.
Surround systems also provide you with clearer, sharper stereo sound. High-quality speakers with the ability to send and receive audio signals from multiple channels make it easier to hear subtle sounds in movies and video games so you have a more enjoyable experience.
The Mechanics of Surround Sound: Channels, Receivers, and More
Dolby Digital surround systems use a number of speakers throughout the room to enhance the quality of the sound you hear. Rather than just hearing sound through your TV speakers or left and right speakers, the surround sound effect allows you to hear noise throughout your living room. The system works by sending a digital audio signal to surround sound receivers that interpret the signal and relay the sound to the appropriate speaker.
There are several different types of surround sound. Although the technology has been available since 1976 when Dolby Digital first introduced its four-channel system, surround sound technology has evolved and now uses six channels to create a clearer sound through stereo speakers. If you are interested in creating a home theater setup with surround system speakers, consider using one of the following speaker layouts.
- 5.1 Surround Sound: This setup is the most popular for surround sound. It uses five speakers placed strategically throughout the room to give the illusion of noise throughout the entire home theater. Two speakers are placed at the front of the room against the left and right walls. One speaker receiver is placed in the middle of the room and the last two surround speakers are placed against the left and right walls.
- 6.1 Surround Sound: This setup improves upon the 5.1 surround system with an additional center speaker placed at the back of the room. It allows the noises coming from behind you to be louder and sharper for better sound quality.
- 7.1 Surround Sound: Similar to the 6.1 system, this setup uses two speakers in the back of the room, one on the right side and one on the left side, to enhance the audio devices that are already spaced strategically throughout the room.
Regardless of which system you choose to go with, each speaker will have several audio channels. Each speaker must be tuned to the same channel for the sound system to work effectively. You can adjust the setup of the speakers as needed to accommodate furniture and the layout of your living room.
What Components Are Needed for Surround Sound
Speakers are some of the most important components for surround sound. You must have front speakers, left and right speakers, and a center speaker for a truly immersive experience. The more speakers you have, the better you can customize the sound system. The layout of your home theater and the type of furniture you have may affect the setup of the speakers, but if they are placed in the proper configuration with plenty of space between them, you can have high-quality sound throughout the room.
You must also have a receiver with a subwoofer. This is the component that allows the system to give you surround sound. The DVD player or gaming console you are using to play your video game or watch a movie sends a low-frequency audio signal to the receiver, which interprets the signal and routes it to the right speaker. This allows you to hear sound effects from individual speakers instead of relying on the smaller speakers that come on your TV.
If you’re on a tight budget but still want incredible sound quality in your living room, you have the option to go with the standard 5.1 surround sound system and add speakers later to upgrade to an even better sound setup. As long as you have at least five speakers with a subwoofer and a receiver, you have the components you need for great surround sound. However, it is important to remember that if you decide to incorporate additional speakers after the initial installation, you need to make sure the new technology is compatible with the current system and they can both access the same audio channels.
How Surround Sound Systems Are Beneficial
While surround sound systems aren’t essential for a good movie or video game experience, they make the activity more enjoyable. Not only does the speaker system provide you with an immersive experience that makes you feel as if you are in the movie or game, but it also enhances sound quality so you don’t miss anything. A surround sound system is a great feature for anyone who wants to feel as if they are in the stadium while watching a big game. It also works well for both movies and video games so you can easily lose yourself in the activity.
Installing a Surround System In Your San Francisco Home
Installing surround sound may seem like a simple task you can do yourself, but it takes some skill and knowledge to place the speaker correctly throughout the room and make sure they are all tuned to the same channel. If one component is out of place or the subwoofer is not interpreting signals correctly because it is tuned to the wrong channel, your surround sound will not be as immersive as you want. It is best to hire a professional for setup so you know everything is installed correctly.
Contact Performance Audio in San Francisco For Surround Sound Installations
If you are interested in installing a surround sound system in your home in San Francisco, California, Performance Audio is here to help. Our expert technicians can help you determine which system will best meet your needs and provide you with the sound quality you want. We are located on California Street near the intersection of Pine Street and Divisadero street, which puts us in a convenient place to supply you with everything you need for an immersive surround sound experience. We can help you decide which surround sound system is right for you and then we can install it quickly and efficiently so you can start enjoying high-quality sound effects in your movies and video games. Contact us today to get started.
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