High Definition Isn't Just About the Picture

Hi-def is not just about the quality of images you receive from satellite or cable providers. Once registered, you will be close to your own home cinema. And it doesn't have to be expensive. Everything broadcast in HD comes with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. This is because broadcasters have chosen this sound format for high-resolution broadcasts.

There are two ways to set surround sound at home. The first is to purchase separate equipment where the sky is the limit in terms of cost. To provide additional bass that is available as a package, you need five speakers and a subwoofer. You will also need a home cinema amplifier to process the sound. The advantage of this approach is that you can easily upgrade your equipment if your budget allows.

Another much more common approach is to choose an all-in-one solution. These are much cheaper options, but they are not always inferior in performance. These include five speakers and a subwoofer, and everything an amplifier with a DVD player needs in one box.

In any case, make sure that what you purchase has a Dolby Digital label. This ensures 5.1 surround sound is output.

In order to literally surround you with sound, you need to strategically place speakers around the room. There is a speaker under the TV that provides speech. Speakers on both sides of the TV that provide basic stereo sound and two speakers on the back of the room that provide subtle effects such as door squeaks and rainfall.

If you've seen a really boring movie in a movie theater, you can see that setting the proper surround sound makes the movie quite exciting.

Do you want to use high-resolution images and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound together? Sounds like a game in heaven.