AV - Home cinema installation - Regional dealer locator
Also see: Custom Installation, Home Automation, Lighting control
At least half of the entertainment value of movies and games comes from sound.
All home cinema systems have similar components that create a surround sound effect:
Left and right front speakers - for stereo and surround effects.
Centre channel - for vocal elements.
Left and right surrounds - for stereo and surround effects.
Subwoofer - Carries the deep bass effect complimenting the mid and top end from the speakers.
Left and right rears - Top end systems include an extra pair of rear speakers
Types of system
2.1 includes left, right,subwoofer
5.1 Includes left, right,centre, subswoofer, surround left and right
7.1 includes the above plus left and right rears.
Entry level systems generally come as a package with the amplifier and speakers. Some include an integrated DVD or bluray player.
Mid range systems can come as a package but are generally bought as separates i.e an AV amplifier and compatible speaker pack. DVD, Blu-ray etc are then connected independently.
Top end systems will include a very high quality AV amplifier that will be connected to high end speakers. These systems may integrate with multi-zone AV systems and networks.
Custom installers can create a Home Cinema room and can construct a room to include seating, mood lighting, climate control with a top end projector and screen linked to a media server and av amp etc.
By and large speakers used in entry and mid range systems are either small satellite speakers or floor standing speakers. Top end options may include in-ceiling & in wall speakers. Some manufactuers of low to mid end speakers offer wireless rear speakers. It is worth considering that wireless speakers still require mains power so are not completely wire free.