Audio Options for HDTV

HDTV inherently provides a superior sound qualityposition. Many people choose to wall mount these
simply because the sound of HDTV is digitallyspeakers.
transmitted. The difference in sound between anThe third option for taking advantage of the Dolby
HDTV television and an analog television is ratherDigital Surround System included in an HDTV television
noticeable. In fact, it is directly analogous to theis to use an external set of front speakers can be
difference between the music on CD's compared toconnected to the HDTV television. This configuration is
the music on audiocassette tapes.useful if there is not enough room to set up the
The difference in sound quality provided by HDTVexternal surround sound system and the HDTV does
televisions and programming does not end there. Manynot come with Dolby Digital Surround installed. This isn't
HDTV programs are also broadcast in Dolby Digital 5.1true surround sound, but it is a viable alternative to
surround sound, but in order to take full advantage ofthose who can't take advantage of the first two
this technology, it is necessary to have the rightformats.
equipment.The audio and video outputs of the DVD or VCR can
Dolby technology has been created by Dolbybe connected to the AV receiver's video outputs. If a
Laboratories, Inc. This technology is the mostseparate DVD and VCR need to be connected, one
renowned provider of digital audio technology. Also,can be connected to the VCR1 connection and the
Dolby Laboratories is known for reliable and superiorother can be connected to the VCR2 connection. The
products. For these reasons, Dolby Digital Surround hasAV receiver's VCR video and audio outputs should
become the standard for HDTV. Many televisionthen be connected to the audio and video inputs of the
manufacturers substitute their own surround soundDVD and/or VCR. In this way, the DVD and/or VCR
systems, but they cannot live up to the reputation andwill be able to record video signals that come through
performance of Dolby. Therefore, it important to checkthe AV receiver and the VHS tapes and/or DVD's will
the specs on an HDTV television before buying inbe able to be viewed on the HDTV.
order to ensure that it uses Dolby Digital Surround.To take full advantage of the Dolby Digital Surround
When using Dolby Digital Surround Sound, there areSound technology, one of the video outputs of the
three options for set up. The first option is to buy aDVD player and/or VCR needs to be connected to
television with high quality center channel speakers,the AV receiver. The digital coaxial audio or digital
woofers, tweeters, and Dolby technology installed inoptical connection must also be connected to the AV
the television. With this option, it is unnecessary to buyreceiver.
addition equipment to take advantage of Dolby DigitalHow do I connect my CD player?
Surround Sound.A CD player can be connected to an AV receiver.
Another option for taking advantage of the DolbyThe CD player's digital audio outputs can be used to
Digital Surround Sound with an HDTV is to connect anconnect the CD player to the AV receiver. A
external set of surround speakers to the television.CD-Recorder can also be connected the AV receiver
With this option, the surround sound set up includes aby using the Audio Tape Record/Playback input/output
front pair of speakers, a surround pair of speakers, aloop connections. In this way, the CD-Recorder will be
center channel, and a subwoofer. Sometimes, the frontable to function much like a standard audiocassette
speakers are "powered towers." This means thesedeck.
towers include subwoofers.What else will I need?
The placement of these speakers is very importantBesides the basic electronic equipment needed to set
for the quality of the surround sound. The Centerup Dolby Digital Surround Sound, it is necessary to
Channel Speaker should be centered either above orhave connection cables. This includes video, audio, and
below the television. The Front Left and Rightloudspeaker connection cables. These cables need to
Speakers should be placed in an arc formation in linebe at an appropriate length in order to set the
with the Center Channel Speaker. The Surround Leftspeakers in the proper position for optimal surround
and Right Speakers, on the other hand, should besound quality.
placed to the left and right sides behind the listening