| Just in case you've been reading around and | | | | includes 6 speakers rather than five. The 1 in the |
| researching the many terms and topics that | | | | name refers to the frequency of the subwoofer |
| concern surround sound and the many surround | | | | (or Low Frequency Effects-LFE), which is .1. |
| sound systems on the market today, I thought it | | | | Despite the existence of better systems on the |
| might be a good idea to explain some of the | | | | market today, most movies are optimized for |
| terminology that is floating around. | | | | this particular set up so this will be of the most |
| First of all there are many initials names and | | | | value to you with the current products on the |
| numbers floating around when it comes to | | | | market rather than spending more for systems |
| surround sound technology and equipment, it's no | | | | that the DVD makes haven't yet caught up with. |
| wonder that many of us mere mortal consumers | | | | DTS ES refers to a format commonly referred |
| are more than a little confused by it all. Hopefully | | | | to as 6.1. In this format there is one additional |
| the information you find below will prove helpful | | | | speaker moved to the center rear of the |
| as you weave through the wired jungles of | | | | configuration and the two-rear left and right |
| modern sound technology. | | | | speakers are moved forward. And THX EX 7.1 is |
| The first and probably most common thing you | | | | what happens when you add yet another |
| will see in these circles is Dolby Digital. While there | | | | speaker. |
| are many complicated definitions of this term the | | | | There aren't too many films at the moment that |
| one that will matter most to you, as a consumer | | | | use this particular format some notable |
| is that right now it is the leading format on the | | | | exceptions would be the Star Wars movies. This |
| market when it comes to processing the digital | | | | means that movies haven't really caught up to |
| data that your system will need to process. | | | | the technology of either of these systems but |
| There are better brands such as DTS when it | | | | they are on the market and some people simply |
| comes to musical sound for this function but the | | | | must have them. I recommend going with a |
| vast majority of television broadcasts and DVDs | | | | superior 5.1 channel surround sound system for |
| are optimized for Dolby. | | | | the time being and adding speakers when there |
| Speaking of DTS, at the moment they are | | | | are more reasons to do so. |
| Dolby's primary competition. While most items | | | | This list is by no means exhaustive but will give |
| you find on the market such as DVDs are | | | | you a basic overview of the information that is |
| viewable in both DTS and Dolby you need to | | | | relevant to you as you look into the various |
| make sure that they system you purchase | | | | surround sound systems on the market today. |
| whether Dolby or DTS can read both formats for | | | | You shouldn't have to weed through volumes of |
| those times when your favorite flick just might | | | | confusing terminology in order to find out that the |
| not be enhanced for both. | | | | system you are interested in actually has 6 |
| Now perhaps the most confusing of terms when | | | | speakers rather than 5. |
| it comes to surround sound systems would be 5.1. | | | | My hope is that you can go in armed with basic |
| It looks so innocent just sitting there but most | | | | knowledge that will help you make an informed |
| people are ready to pull out their hair when they | | | | buying decision. |
| realize that it really stands for a system that | | | | |