Surround Sound Systems

What is a receiver?

A receiver is very large, heavy, what you plug into the speakers and other components (like a DVD player, TV, CD player, Xbox, PlayStation, iPod, etc.). It is the “brain” of the show, really. The idea that all components of a receiver is the concept of audio / video switching, so that different video sources (such as TV, DVD, camcorder) on your TV switch
and thus the audio source accordingly – all without touching anything but the recipient.

Of course the main purpose behind the audio / video switching with an external audio receiver to be lead speakers, like speakers or stereo surround.

Most receivers have a variety of inputs, up to 8 speakers and a subwoofer (more commonly, 5.1 or five speakers and a subwoofer), multiple video inputs, and even HDMI. You can connect your Xbox, Plasma and DVD player to your receiver and use a remote control to switch between different video sources (games, TV, DVD-Video) and surround your pump from the speakers. Start with the inputs and outputs. If you do not understand something, please read the full How-To most of these are explained in detail.

You think is the fact that the receiver is the center of your home theater is so done this how-to guide you through the basics of connecting your home theater complete.

So what the hell all this “stuff” is on the back of the receiver?

I am about everything you go to find the back of the receiver. The one I’m off base this guide is a Harman Kardon AVR-247, I’ll start from the top of the unit to the left and my path on the right side, so I’ll start on the left side of the line next and so on .

The first three inputs are for antennas. An FM antenna cable slide on the first shot and two speaker cables into the slots would rest for the AM connector. Of course you do not need to connect your antenna, but if the AM / FM reception through your speakers you want, you want to go there and do it. These are standard connections, so if you lose one of your antennas, just go buy a new one for a few dollars.

You have probably heard of composite video. It is a very simple video-link from most of the components (TV, DVD, VCR especially). Its common and cheap. As such, its very low quality.
Composite uses an RCA cable for video (yellow) and two more RCA cables for audio (red and white stereo). The problem is that a composite video cable combines luminance and chrominance in the same cable, reducing the quality of the image. You lose a lot of sharpness and color begins to degrade from the original source. It is useful if you need additional input or device that you have composite video connection must be. Otherwise, use something else, like component video. Similar sounds, very different.

S-Video is the next line after composite. It uses a different type of connector (five needles in a circle) and gives you a slightly better picture quality. There is also a video-only cable, so you must connect audio separately. In this case, you probably need a pair of red and white RCA cables for audio input.

Next up: a ton of composite audio inputs. These inputs left and right channel RCA cables, typically red and white. They look just like the yellow composite video cable, and you could even it for video and the yellow for audio, but keep the color scheme, as it is;) Composite audio is down-to-barrel audio. Its perfectly fine to use for the majority, but if you are looking for a high quality surround sound, you do not want composite. Game systems like Wii or Xbox, and very basic DVD players are the perfect addition to the composite audio.

The same applies to video recorders, CD players, and everything that has only one composite audio output. Even if it is not surround sound, or your receiver only two channels (2.1, stereo), you will not be able to use something other than composite audio. Note that there is a composite audio input under each composite-video input, making it easy to fit it is. Connect it to the wrong entries and you will not sound when you are on that video input.

Here we have one of the least used features of a modern receiver: 6 (or channel direct input. SACD or DVD-Audio: This is only used for two purposes. SACD stands for Super Audio CD. It is a proprietary audio format that must be supplied by Sony for CDs that are stored in special 5.1 surround sound developed. This means that you have a CD or DVD / CD, SACD support, a receiver with SACD support (as in picture), and of course Super Audio CD. The DVD-Audio is the same idea, different brand, different media (sound of a DVD, not CD!).

DVD-Audio discs are special DVDs that are recorded in 5.1 surround sound and can not be played by devices that support it. These CDs go all the way up to 7.1 surround sound, you need two front, two rear, two side speakers and a subwoofer to give you full benefit of 7.1 surround sound too. Most receivers support up to 7.1 today, but you will not find DVDs with that kind of capability for movies. 5.1 surround is still the de facto standard run, and not buy more speakers soon.

You can take this next bit because it is unique for this type of receiver (Harman Kardon) is. The Bridge “is an exclusive connection, which they designed to have a connection
an iPod. You must buy a separate component, a docking station and special cables are connected to the iPod. It fits perfectly with the receiver, the display
Menus and songs on the LCD screen on the front of the receiver. This lets you easily through your songs to pump the speakers, be it a stereo or surround.

Of course, the music on your iPod, stereo sound, so the best thing you can get a simulated surround sound in stereo or surround, the same music in both channels before the game
is adjusted from the rear and center channels. Some receivers do this more intelligent than others, but more on that later.

Here we have our high-end audio inputs / outputs. Basically the same performance wise, you have fiber optic connections (with the square) and coaxial digital output (like an RCA cable).
Both are 100% digital, whereas composite is analog. Received the only way to true surround sound from any source, is one of these compounds (or option SACD / DVD Audio) use

Almost all DVD players these days have either optical or coaxial digital outputs (sometimes both). Many high-definition cable and satellite boxes also come with these
Connections so you can 5.1 surround-sound channels in high definition. Choose between the two is really no different in audio quality, so not hesitate to use you
what you want (or what you will).

I do not think I need a picture for the next record. This is a pair of power inputs. One thing is for the receiver power, the other for what you want. In this way, if you turn
to the receiver, you strength to another device (either a DVD player, CD player, cable box, whatever). I’m not necessarily recommend, either because it is specially suitable
Their needs. It is useful if you have little power outlets, of course, are.

Something else you will never use: D-bus RC-5 input / output. It is designed for infrared remote controls to take over your home theater system. Frankly, this is not something any of us will never be used. Some of the true addicts could be of high-end, something to use for them, but I’ve never met a device that uses this technology. Stick to the remote that came with your device, or buy a quality universal remote. It is not necessary for this option. Another use for this can be a little more in common: When the front panel of the receiver is locked (like a closet), one could an infrared transmitter to get to hang it. This transmitter would connect another device somewhere in your room that will accept signals from the remote. The receiving device then sends the receiver’s remote (the channel you have at the front during the regular infrared transmitter in the appendix).

Pre-outs, just below the remote input / output. Pre-outs are used when an amplifier for your system, to increase the power (and hence volume / audio quality). Average
Users will not be used for purposes other than the subwoofer pre-out. You want to offer to spend a subwoofer cable from the subwoofer to the subwoofer pre-out
Frequencies to the right. This is the correct way to connect your subwoofer to your surround sound system. The other entries will not be used if you want to add
an amplifier. This is highly unnecessary for home use. You can use a booster if you fill a room the size of a small house with enough sound to try, but you’re not, right?

Here we finally get the meat of the system to input speaker! Harman Kardon use binding posts for speaker connections, as shown in the picture. They
Loose your job as you turn it counterclockwise, then sneak into the speaker cables under the cover and pull it back by turning it clockwise. It is
give your son a spokesman adaptation Nice tractor probably will not loosen up on itself over time. Other trademarks may be other types of connectors, but bind posts are very common.
You could say this is a 7.1-channel receiver, as the speaker-level inputs are.

You have room for two left and right speakers, 2 rear speakers left and right
Center channel and two on the left and right “surround” channels that somewhere between the front and rear speakers (“side surround” or 7.1) is placed. If you have enough
Speakers, you can go ahead and plug in those extra 2 side pockets, but they will not play any sound at all to DVD 5.1. You need a DVD 7.1 supports
Surround sound, and at that time, there is simply no market for it. CD will blast stereo surround through all 7 speakers to be satisfied, though, if for some larger rooms, there is a
Advantage.

Our last set of connectors for this receiver: component video. The best choice for you can be next to composite or S-video. You will notice there is a set of three cables (all for video)
usually red, green and blue. Do not think that’s what the cable, though – it separates the video signal into luminance and two color channels. In the past, the component
In fact, R, G, B (cleavage of the primary colors in transmit and recombining them to the target device), but that is not used in current component video
Connections. Component video can carry high-definition signals all the way up to 1080p, so it is the most cost-effective and readily available high-definition entry.
Not seen on this receiver are DVI and HDMI, both all-digital video connections.

HDMI is the newest, fastest and clear video and audio connection on the market. Can wear it is the only cable for audio and video in one – not to mention, in high definition.
HDMI must be supported, that it to connect to use all functions of the source and display. Not all DVD players, cable boxes and receivers support both
HDMI audio and video. Its more of a standard now to support both. The advantage is clear: The less clutter, higher quality audio and video. You can store up
to 1080p high-definition video and 7.1 surround sound via an HDMI cable. The new cable and satellite boxes, DVD players, high-definition DVD players, receivers and more expensive
support the full capability of HDMI. Its best to go all-digital can get.

The last link of this article is DVI. DVI is also all digital like HDMI, but it can not process audio signals. HDMI can deliver a technically superior image
But I do not think anyone can make a difference. DVI supports high definition video up to 1080p and HDMI. His less frequently used now,
But if you have a new computer or video card in your PC recently, it probably has a DVI input (or two) to port it. Most computer monitors use DVI now and video cards
followed. HDMI is edging its way into the PC market, but saw its dominance in the arena of home theater.

Now you have you are familiar with common connections, they must stop all together.

This part of the receiver how-to will walk you through hooking a 5.1 surround sound (five speakers and a subwoofer) with a high-definition TV, cable or satellite HD, DVD navigation and an 5.1 receiver.

Your TV & Components

Where did your TV depends on how big it is, the size of the room and where you sit. If its 50 inches, not sit more than 10-15 meters, but no less.
A 60 “is the perfect game for 12-20 yards. If you have a set of 32 inch, try further away 8 to 12 feet set. Your receiver, DVD player, cable box and other components must be close of course but must not place them physically on top of each other. They all hot, especially the receivers. If you have no choice but to pull a thin plywood between the components without heat to help.

Lay Out the President

The first step is to get your configuration. Different rooms require different locations for your speakers and subwoofer. If your room is usually a rectangle, go ahead and place your two front left and right, somewhere is flush with the TV on this side of the room. Your left speaker goes to the left corner, right speaker on the right corner. Do not bother with speaker wire yet (unless your speakers with speaker wire already attached in this case come to hang them now). Note that this is the president right or left, only depends on how you connect the receiver. The speakers are not really “left” or “right”. Denotes

Depending on how you acquired your speakers, the front speakers could be larger than the rear speakers. That’s how you know they are on the front. Otherwise, your speakers are the same shape and size, and you can each be used for any purpose.

One exception: the center channel. Usually, a center channel is much shorter and wider than the other speakers. It should only be used for the center channel. Sometimes, all 5 speakers to be the same, usually at a very reasonable setup. You can use this to each speaker for any purpose.

Your center channel should always go on top or below the TV. How well do you always have to be! It is not the center channel for nothing, you know. Each film will pump about 90% of the voice you hear, and a majority of the remaining sound through the center channel. It is an essential part of your surround sound setup.

Your subwoofer should always lie on the floor. If you do not set it on the floor, do it on the floor as close as possible. By being behind objections or in closets diminish their impact. In an ideal setup, the subwoofer would be on the floor near the TV to be (maybe to the left or right) in your field. Nothing should block the side of the subwoofer that air comes out (usually through a grille to protect the subwoofer itself covers).

When it comes to finding a good place for the speaker is, you can get. You can usually buy compatible speaker mounts shopping online or in. You can also
existing shelving, buy some shelving, or place them on tables or other objects. No matter how you do that, try to keep the speakers as close to ear level as possible. A speaker is mounted on the ceiling of the room does not give you the best experience of listening.

The last thing to keep you on the layout, is the speaker cable. You will probably need at least 100-meter speaker cables, but often much more if you
try the cable through your ceiling, under carpets, through the basement, or to hide objects. Take action and buy the yarn at least 10% more than
You think you need. You probably will!

Wiring

You have to find the various types of speaker cable you know before installing your home theater. If you have an HTIB (home theater in a box) buy, it probably came with 100ft of horribly cheap speaker wire. You do not want that! Do yourself a favor: buy some high quality speaker cable 14 gauge. Whole is greater than 14-gauge is simply too thin and prone to internet, quality and low quality loss over long distances. Fourteen gauge is a good thickness and suitable for most home cinemas. Make sure it is not too thick – some speaker wire simply will not catch speaker cable on some receivers.

Some receivers use proprietary speaker inputs. Sony is an example. Many Sony receivers have special connectors for speaker cable and wire will not accept standard speaker. You need to either use the Sony supplied speaker cable, remove the ends of the speaker cable and Sony put it on your own, or buy some of these special connectors from Sony directly to place your speaker cables. My recommendation? Avoid non-standard receiver speaker cable posts / jacks / plugs. Enter to connect to contributions or other measures to slide you hard and make a conventional speaker wire.

If you sorted your speaker cable, you do some cutting and stripping, if you have decided to buy your own. It is much easier than it seems, so do not worry!

Measure the length of the individual at a time, cut the speaker wire with either really great scissors or a sharp knife. Now you need to strip the wire ends. Use either a stripping tool or plain old scissors. You can cut scissors and gently place the cord Apply Some Pressure, how you twist the scissors around the cable, carefully into the plastic coating. Finally, it must be low enough that you simply by sliding them with fingers. You need at least 1 / 4 “bare wire.

Now you can with your speakers. Note on your speaker wire the difference between the two ends. You must use one as positive as negative. Sometimes the coating in a different color between the two, where text on one side and not in others. Follow this – depending on which side you use for positive on your speaker, use it for positive on your receiver. Crossing the two can cause damage, either immediately or in the future. It might work this way, but you do not want it!

Connecting the speakers is fairly simple. Front row, from left to the front of your receiver, speakers, center to center on your receiver, left, etc. .. Your rear speakers can be used as “surround” or “Surround Back” instead of “rear”, but keep in mind if you have a receiver can be from 7.1 or 8.1-channel “surround” indicate side surround speakers, Rear speakers do.

Subwoofer

Your subwoofer is a bit more complicated. There are several ways to do it and many variations of inputs / outputs on the back of the subwoofer. I’m with most standard and effective first one to go.

You need a cable to connect to the subwoofer like. If you have not or do not want to buy one, you can replace a standard red and white RCA cable (or a couple, because they are usually connected, simply insert the cable more). It will work, but it’s really not the best way to do this. You also need an adapter called What Y. On the back of the sub, it should be an entry on the left / right are (red and white). Plug the Y-adapter for these compounds and then the cable from the subwoofer (or RCA cables) to the other end of the Y (Note: If you do not have a Y-adapter, you simply select the input to the left or right to connect ).

Now take the other end of the cable and plug it into your receiver
Subwoofer pre-out. I hope you have an active sub, which means it plugs into a socket. Everything you need to do now is plug it in, and the subwoofer is well.

If you do not have RCA jacks on the subwoofer, or just for speaker cable (and probably not included), you need to connect the old one. Your front left and right in over a subwoofer output, instead of your receiver. They will then run speaker wire from the left and right inputs on the subwoofer to the left and right speaker outputs on the receiver. In this way, the subwoofer is powered from the receiver and is not as good as working on. You can also add some power the front speakers with this method. A good idea is to buy a new subwoofer to the RCA line.

Connecting the Dots

You have the hard substance of the road. Now it’s, completed by your TV, DVD and cable / satellite. Always try the best options on first use. If your DVD
Has HDMI and your receiver to use it. If your DVD only has composite, S-video and component, use a component video cable. When it comes to audio, be sure to
to the digital coaxial (jacks are usually orange) or fiber (which is usually the socket in the device and its installation on a door when the door is open, a red light is visible) to be used. If you are not one of these, you will not get true surround sound! If all else fails, use composite (red and white) audio connectors.

Note: Look closely at the connections on your receiver. Everything is like the first set of red, green and blue component video inputs can be labeled with the name “Comp 1″. If you use composite audio cablesfor your sound, you must plug into the sockets, the “coordinate Comp 1″. This may not be clear by the recipients, so the manual of your receiver can determine the video inputs, including the use of audio inputs. In most cases they can from the internal menu, configure the remote receiver.

In some receivers, all component video inputs, for example, a single composite audio input (usually “DVD”) related, so if you connect more than one component input, you will be competing for sound when more than one device is active. That’s why you to configure the component inputs, multiple audio inputs to be used.

Your manual is the only way to understand how. Composite video will usually correspond to the composite audio inputs with naming conventions like Video 1 -> Video 1, Video 2 -> Video 2, etc., but cables like component and DVI can not. You can also digital audio inputs to video inputs, you use the match. For example, if you have a digital coaxial input (possibly a “digital”) and use component video, you want “digital one” found with “Comp 1″. Again, you will find your manual to see how that goes.