HD TV Sound
Most HD ready televisions only offer on-board stereo sound to enhance what you are watching. Whilst stereo can be quite effective in enriching the experience of action movies or sporting events, what can really bring these to life is surround sound.
Many high definition programmes, Blu-ray Discs and so on carry accompanying surround sound, with a surround sound decoder the number one choice of accessory for an HD ready TV.
Home cinema surround sound explained
HD and surround sound are the perfect partners when it comes to achieving the ultimate visual and audio television experience.
How does surround sound enhance my HD TV viewing experience?
Surround sound and HD go hand in hand. Many HD programmes are broadcast in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound - an all encompassing audio effect that matches the HD picture quality and optimises the overall sensory effect.
Digital 5.1 surround sound at home
Digital 7.1 surround sound at home
Please note, this is the optimal set-up, you can still achieve high quality sound by placing your HD ready TV in the corner of the room.
What is the difference between surround sound and stereo?
A stereo 2.1 system is comprised of three speakers (including sub woofer), usually positioned at the front of the room. In a surround sound system, there are a minimum of five speakers and one subwoofer, which are positioned at different points around the room. This gives a more realistic effect.
What programmes have surround sound?
There are a growing range of high definition programmes now being broadcast in surround sound, from sports and movies, to arts, dramas and documentaries. If you're watching Sky+HD, you can press the 'i' button on your Sky remote to find out if it's in surround sound - look for the 'DD' (Dolby Digital) icon next to the programme title.
What programmes have surround sound?
In order to enjoy an HD programme in surround sound you need a surround sound or home cinema system. This allows you to receive the full audio surround sound experience. Don't worry if you don't have one - you'll still experience the same amazing picture quality of high definition TV.
Components of a surround sound system
A surround sound system is the perfect partner for your HD ready TV, delivering top quality audio to accompany your sharper, more detailed high definition television picture. With a full home cinema system, you can bring the sound and vision experience of the big screen into your living room.
HDTV offers the capability to broadcast home cinema or surround sound, but you need a sound system that supports this technology to fully enjoy the higher quality audio experience. Most surround sound systems consist of the following components:
Speakers
To achieve panoramic, cinema-style sound in your home, you'll need a good quality and well positioned set of speakers. A minimum of five speakers is required to create a surround sound effect. The speakers need to be carefully positioned around the room to create that all-encompassing, real-life audio experience all around you.
Subwoofer
The subwoofer helps to enhance sound frequencies that are below the human hearing threshold, allowing you to 'feel' the depth of the audio and making the action on your TV more realistic.
Receiver
The receiver acts as the technical centre of the surround sound and media centre. It's where all your home media - speakers, TV, music system, PC, DVD player - can connect together. Look for one with a generous number of HD inputs and outputs to ensure you have sufficient capacity to join up your full home entertainment system.