Since 5.1 surround sound has been part of DVDs for years, and has
recently arrived for TV (and soon for Netflix (and others?) streaming),
you're really being short changed with simple stereo speakers. The
problem with audio is that either it needs to be built into the TV
(which means that surround and back is probably compromised) or it
needs to be discrete components (maybe wireless surround/rear
speakers will soon be a modestly priced TV add on?). I have now set
up two 5.1/7.1 "home theatre" sound systems (one for a 50" read-
projection TV and one for a 14" broadcast monitor -- yes, a nice old
Sony Trinitron). I find that the sound makes all the difference
between a flat movie and an immersive one (at least where they had
competent sound editing). Dialog mostly comes from the center
channel, where you'd expect it, but the surround, when it's kept
subtle, is incredibly good. Too bad audio set up is such a bear ;-(
Discussion on:
Message 11 of 1
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