Who isn’t fond of a home theatre these days? We all are guilty of dreaming to have one installed in our homes every time we see it. And now that we have lit up the lamp and made up the setting to spark the conversation about it, let us ask one more question. A finer sound is always appreciated than the size of the screen you are watching the movie on, therefore, set your priorities straight and invest a fair amount in speakers.
What Is A Multi-Channel Home Theatre System?
Now that we have known what has a greater weightage, let us also learn about the all-new and advanced technology of a multi-channel home theatre system. Before you go on to purchase a home theatre, this is one of the most crucial things you should be aware of. Nowadays, all the modern devices come installed with the new multi-channel system in which users have the advantage of multiple audio channels which signifies the audio system’s capability to handle the simple audio tracks/channels at the same time in one system. This means not only having a crystal clear sound on the system but also many more features that you will only experience when you have a multi-channel home theatre system.
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Explaining the multi-channel audio features and workings in detail
Different kinds of speaker setups exist in the sound systems which are expressed in terms of two digits that are separated by a decimal or a small dot. These numbers express the number of audio tracks that are used in the particular multi-channel home theatre system. Now while some of the channels only consist of a single audio system installed in them, other audio systems consist of two audio channels. These are called monophonic sound (single channel) and stereophonic sound (two channels).
What are 2.0, 2.1, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1 channel systems?
As we talked about the single-channel and stereophonic sound, you must be wondering about the different numbers that you see on the multi-channel theatres. So, the audio tracks are classified into the following numbers:
- 2.0
- 2.1
- 5.1
- 6.1
- 7.1 and many more
The first number (before the decimal) shows the number of satellite units i.e. the primary channels that are on a single speaker which are responsible for handling the frequency range that ranges from somewhere around (100Hz to 22KHz). The next number that is preceded by a decimal which is a decimal digit is for controlling the LFE i.e. Low-Frequency effect. LFE is another name for what you call a subwoofer.
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Learn About Each Channel In Detail
After learning about the meaning and significance of each channel, let us have a detailed look at each of the 2.0, 2.1, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1 channel systems.
- The 2.0 and 2.1 channels systems
In this, the sound is produced by a set of two audio channels, from left to right, and comprises a basic sound system. Now as we come to the .0 and .1 part of the channels systems, then most speakers that we see in daily life, generally bypass the need for any more equipment a good amplifier and they are just powered by a receiver. The best thing about the 2.0 and 2.1 channel systems is their affordability and the delivery of good sound. Therefore, if you are looking for something under your budget with a fine sound, then this is the perfect multi-channel home theatre system for you.
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- The 5.1 channel systems
One of the widely used surround setup in the multi-channel home theatre systems. The speaker, which has 5.1 technology installed, has five channels of sound in them that produce sound from not only left and right, but also from the center and left and right surround position, thereby making it five.
- The 6.1 channel systems
This is an advanced version of the 5.1 channels system with an additional speaker dedicated at the rear along with the other five as discussed above, the combination of which gives a 3D realistic sound effect. Moreover, the 6.1 also uses external sound formats like THX Surround EX, Dolby digital ES and DTS-ES.
- The 7.1 channel systems
A step up and a more advanced version of the 6.1 channel systems, as it adds one more speaker into the system, which is two rear channels (the surround left SL and surround right SR) with additional subwoofers. This might sound useless to some, but the gadgets enthusiasts know the feeling of these 7.1 channel home theatre, as more the speakers, the more the thrill.
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There goes a list of the multi-channel home theatre systems and their easy explanation so that you can pick whatever suits your need and fits your room.
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