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Home theatre arrangement
SPEAKERS
How you place your speakers can determine whether they will work at their best or not. Each speaker in a home theatre system has its own, unique feature.
Left, Right
They carry primarily music and sound effects, and should have the same wide, smooth response as good stereo speakers.
Centre
The centre speaker carries much of the dialogue as well as music and effects, so ideally should be identical to the left and right speakers. A smaller speaker can be used, however, thanks to the "Normal" mode that feeds center channel low bass to the left and right speaker (B). You can even do without one.
Surround
Surround speakers need not reproduce low bass, so can be small and inconspicuous. Nevertheless, their overall sound balance should be as close as possible to the front speakers. Proper placement is vital to establish an evenly distributed sound field.
Subwoofer
A true subwoofer designed to reproduce powerful low bass effects (explosions, the rumble of spaceships, etc.) dramatically heightens involvement with the action on the screen. Some models are powered by built-in amplifiers, while others are designed to be driven by your existing amplifier, or, for better results, by a separate bass amp. It is not necessary that the subwoofer is of the same make as the speakers, but it should be of the same quality.
Magnectic Shielding
Speakers placed less than two feet from the TV set must be magnetically shielded models to prevent picture distortion. Virtually all speakers designed specifically for center channel use are shielded, as are many other "A/V" models.
Add-on Speakers
Center and surround models from virtually all speaker manufacturers make it easy to convert an existing stereo system to home theatre.
In-wall Speakers
Many speaker manufacturers offer high-quality in-wall systems that effectively "disappear" in the room. All five speakers can be in-wall units, or just the fronts or surrounds.
Satellite Systems
Many speaker manufacturers offer high-quality in-wall systems that effectively "disappear" in the room. All five speakers can be in-wall units, or just the fronts or surrounds.
Alignment
Align the center speaker evenly with (A), or slightly behind (B), the left and right speakers, but not ahead of them.
Angle
Placing the left and right speakers to form a 45 degree angle with your favorite viewing position will duplicate the soundtrack mixer's perspective.
Height
The mid- and high-frequency drivers of the three front speakers should be as close as possible to the same height. This often requires placing the center speaker directly atop (A) or beneath (B) the TV set.
SURROUND SPEAKERS PLACEMENT
Place the systems preferably on the sides of the system.
Height
If space permits, install surrounds 2-3 feet above viewers. This helps to minimize localization effects.
Aiming
Aiming surrounds straight across the room, not down at viewers, helps create a more open, spacious surround soundfield. (Some models may require different aiming; see Special designs below).
Special Designs
Sidewall mounting, while preferred for direct radiating speakers (A), is usually required for surround speakers designed to radiate to both the front and rear (B). Check instructions for any special placement or aiming needs for your speakers.
TELEVISION PLACEMENT
The TV should not be too close to where you sit. Apart from the fact that you will strain your neck, the screen will also look grainy. A general rule of thumb is to place the television 3 times the screen's diagonal dimension from the ideal viewing and listening spot. As an example, for a 35" TV, your eyes should be 105" (35 x 3), or about 9 feet away. Flat screen TV's minimize glare from light sources in the room. For all other TV's, the natural bow of the screen will pick up light sources throughout the room. Thus don't place lamps etc in a way that the TV catches their glare.
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