A home theater audio system is a today’s must with a big LCD TV. All home theater audio systems share some common features as surround speakers (at least 5 audio channels: left and right front speakers, two surround and one center), an audio amplifier to drive the speakers and a control box that connects to a video source such as a DVD player, TV, digital video recorder or satellite receiver and from the video source decodes the audio signals and send them to the according speaker. The last two features are usually in the same box, thus reducing the required space.

Now I’ll take the features one by one and give further explanations.The speakers are built to cover the whole audio spectrum from high frequencies – small satellites to low frequencies – a subwoofer. The positioning of the speakers depends on the functionality they have: the center speaker goes directly under or below the TV, front left and right speakers go on the TV sides, the surround – or “rear” speakers need to be placed just slightly behind the seating and the subwoofer may be placed wherever this is convenient. What you’ve read corresponds to a 5.1 channel setup (where 5 is the number of speakers and 1 characterizes the subwoofer).



The amplifier, as it was said before, drives the speakers and elevates the audio signal with minor distortions. Constructively, it can be placed into the individual speakers, into the subwoofer or in the control box. Any option is good and preferring one or the other is a matter of taste rather than of functionality. The control center box provides the decoding of the surround sound, of the volume control and of other basic functions. When you should decide on a certain model, make sure you get at least Dolby Pro Logic so that decoding audio sources from DVDs wouldn’t be a problem.



The basic is here, but there are some more tricks you should know about when it comes to home theater audio systems. When you choose one, speakers are the most important part you need to worry about. Try to listen to the speakers before buying them. A specialized loudspeaker company is more likely to provide good speakers for a home theater audio system. After that, check the connectivity of the control center. It is important to have both audio and video connectivity.

The line-level stereo is the basic analog audio connection consisting of two RCA jacks that are compatible with any audio/video source. Coaxial digital connection – a RCA jack at the end of a 75 ohms coax cable – is needed for Dolby Digital (known also as DTS) audio decoding. On the video connectivity side the options vary from composite video to HDMI. Composite video is the lowest quality video link and the broadest compatibility is established.



Stepping up the quality ladder S-video provides better quality and uses a multi-pin socket to connect different devices. The component video splits the video signal into 3 parts (in red, green and blue components of the image) and is the minimum standard to connect HDTV tuners and progressive-scan DVD players. Last but not least, HDMI connectivity is the ultimate quality connection providing high resolutions and high audio quality over the same cable. By finding a product that will balance these specifications you will be able to make best choice for your needs.