Sure, the video looks good, now how does it sound? Let's look at what a good surround receiver and disc player
will do for your listening environment.

Note: In this article, a "disc player" is a DVD player with the capabilities of playing back CD audio discs. This
does not mean that your system has to have just a DVD: conversely, you can choose to have a multi-disc CD
changer, as well as a DVD. In fact, many systems have just that. The only drawback to older CD changers is
that they may not play some CD formats (home recordings). But I digress:

Surround: Nowadays, most movies (especially DVD) and some music DVDs are encoded in surround.
Here are some of the formats you will see on your VCR or DVD jacket:

5.1 Surround: (6) speakers total
(2) front speakers, left (L) and right (R)
(1) center channel speaker (C)
(2) rear surround speakers, left surround (LS) and right surround (RS)
(1) subwoofer output, (LFE-Low Frequency Effects)

Audio Outputs from CD/DVD players to home theater receivers (can be surround encoded but
not necessarily). Listed in order from ok to best.

Standard Audio: Red and White cable ends, cables usually molded
together as a pair. Analog (non-digital) signal.

There are many different formats for video and audio disc recording and playback. For the purposes of this article, we will look at CD and DVD media for playback on your new system. Many disc players have the
ability to play back discs recorded on other disc recorders, or even computer. But you need to check and
ensure that the player you have selected has the ability to play back the format you have recorded. Here are
some of the formats currently in use:

CD-R Can be written on once, but read many times

CD-Rom Pre-Recorded CD, read-only

CD-RW (CD read-writeable) Can be written over and read many times

Music DVD Basically like a music CD, but sounds a lot better. Also, many of the music DVD's have liner notes and special features that you can view on your television set.

Note: When playing a movie that is surround encoded, you will notice that the front speakers (those closest
to the television) have the loudest sound, and the rear speakers seem quieter than you would expect. This is normal, because in the surround mode the rear speakers only "fill" the surround environment, and not necessarily reproduce the same amount of sound as the front speakers. This can be overridden with system settings, but usually at the expense of listening in true surround.

Some receivers have the ability to take a non-surround signal input, such as from a CD, and produce sound
out of all the speakers. This is commonly referred to as multi-channel stereo and is similar in many respects
to the quadraphonic sound of the 1970's. It splits the sound evenly between all of the speakers, including the center channel and sub-woofer. This is a nice feature when you listen to satellite radio, CD, or any of the new generation of digital personal music storage devices/players. The amount of power (watts per channel) is not as important as the sound quality. Up to 200 watts per channel should be more than enough power. Regardless of how powerful the receiver is, the ultimate test is sound quality at normal listening levels. After all, Hi-Fi stands for High-Fidelity sound. Not a term bandied about much any more, but every bit as relevant.

And lastly, speakers. You will want to make sure that the the speakers are rated at a higher wattage than
the output power of the receiver. The impedance (ohms) of the speakers also must match the output impedance of the reciever as well. Mismatched impedance will either mute the sound or damage the receiver speaker outputs.

Front and Rear Speakers:

Center Channel Speakers:

You will find these mounted in the front center of the listening area, close to the television. The previously mentioned speaker could be used, or you bracket mount a conventional center channel speaker. Since the center channel handles most of your surround voice audio, be selective.

Sub-Woofer:

Normally these are mounted on the floor, under a couch or cabinet. Not for everyone, these reproduce the
ultra-low frequency bass signals that you "feel" more than hear. A must for any complete surround system.
You can go with powered or passive (non-powered) speakers, depending on your personal taste and the
sub-woofer output on the home theater reciever.

Along with an audio-video system, you usually get a box full of remotes. Those lucky few who can navigate
this mess are fortunate indeed. Most people satisfy themselves with using one or two, and programming in
functions on those remotes that are capable of controlling other equipment. Not a bad compromise, all in all.

But if you are interested in a remote that would control all of your equipment, there are several brands on the market that do a merit able job of it. You may need someone with the software and experience to program these remotes, but I own one (and programmed it myself) and it was well worth the cost, time and effort. When properly programmed, these "home theater" remotes can make it easier to control not just your audio and video equipment, but window blinds, lighting, etc. All you need is the controllers for the items. Here are some remotes, approximate cost, and additional equipment (if any) required for use.

Home Theater Master MX-850:

Cost is mid-range for programmable remotes. Uses IR and RF, but needs an RF reciever to be used to it's full potential Very versatile, can easily be programmed by the user with some instruction. Go to the Home Theater Master website for more information.

MX-850 remote control, $399.00

MRF-250 RF base station, $99.95

Phillips Pronto:

Several different models available, Use IR and RF. Need the RF base station to be used to their full potential. Costs more, and difficult to program. Go to the Phillips Pronto website for more information.

Phillips Pronto TSU 3500, $311.00

Phillips Pronto TSU 7500, $571.00

Phillips Pronto RF base station, $279.90

Sony RM-AX4000A. Very user friendly and cost effective, backed by a great company. Only uses IR, but an excellent starter remote. The following is a website link to view the remote and it's specifications.

A good system will fill a room with your favorite music without you being able to pick out individual speakers. It should make watching a good movie a unique experience, like going to a theater but without the gum on the floor. It should make you want to buy new movies just so you can see and hear the magic again and again.

Go see what is out there. You may just discover a diamond in the rough. Exercise your creativity. And if you find something extraordinary, please let me know. I'm always interested to see new developments. See if you can top my recommendations. Find out what works for you and your budget. And HAVE FUN!