Surround Sound and Home Theater Systems

5.1, 3.1 or 2.1: how many speakers you can place

The first number counts speakers and the second counts subwoofers. A 5.1 system has left, center, right and two rear speakers plus a subwoofer, and needs cable runs behind the seats. A 3.1 soundbar packs left, center and right into one bar with a sub. Titles with 2.1 add a single subwoofer to a stereo pair. Dolby Atmos adds height channels, using ceiling or up-firing speakers, and needs matching content.

What is in the box: player, amplifier and inputs

Complete systems may include a disc player, DVD or 4K Blu-ray, an amplifier, an AM/FM tuner and speakers; others are speakers and a subwoofer that need a separate player or receiver. Check what the listing includes, since add-ons such as powered subwoofers, ceiling speakers and audio switchers appear in the same category. For connection, an HDMI ARC port on the TV carries sound to the system with one cable, and optical is the fallback.

Questions about Surround Sound and Home Theater Systems

What is HDMI ARC and do I need it?

ARC lets the TV send its audio back to a soundbar or receiver through the same HDMI cable that carries video. It simplifies the setup and lets one remote control volume. Without it, use an optical audio cable.

Can the rear speakers be wireless?

Some systems offer wireless rear speakers, but they still need power from a wall outlet or a battery. Wireless links remove the long audio cable, not the power cable. Check which speakers connect wirelessly.

What does Dolby Atmos add?

It adds height channels, so sounds can come from above as well as around you. It needs content mixed in Atmos, a compatible source and a system with height or up-firing speakers, or a soundbar designed for it.