Benefits of a 7.1 Home Theater Speaker System

Whether users are playing video games, listening to their favorite music or watching movies with friends, there is no question that surround sound is the most preferred audio format on the market. Surround sound, as the name implies, delivers audio from 360 degrees around the listener rather than just through screen channels in front of the listener. This translates to richer round, a more authentic feel and a more appealing experience. Although Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound may be considered sufficient, upgrading to a 7.1 home theater system may be the ultimate way to enhance audio in any home.

Understanding 7.1 Speaker Systems
The first thing to understand about the 7.1 speaker is how, exactly, it works. The 7.1 home theater builds on the two surround channels of the 5.1 system and uses four channels to deliver sound through 4 surround sound speakers. Speakers will be located in front of the user, to the left and the right of the user, on either side of the user and on the left rear and right rear of the user. Obviously, this requires a significant investment, as a 7.1 speaker system requires seven individual speakers as well as a subwoofer in order to function properly. Space and budget permitting, however, the investment into the 7.1 speaker system is often a great choice for serious audiophiles.

 

 

Image sourced from Dolby.

More Speakers = More Realistic Sound
One of the biggest benefits of investing in a 7.1 home theater is that more speakers equal a more realistic sound. The addition of two rear channels transforms surround sound into an immersive experience. Things like car crashes, thunder during a storm and a shrill cry all sound incredibly realistic, helping viewers to feel like they are actually participating in whatever is taking place on the screen in front of them. Having sound delivered through four main channels and over seven speakers, as well as an additional subwoofer, can inundate listeners with sound. The depth and richness of this makes watching even an ordinary television show or playing a video game an experience rather than a passive activity that takes place in the background. Dim the lights, turn up the sound and get ready to enjoy movies like never before.

Better Quality Throughout the Room
Another huge perk of a 7.1 speaker system is the fact that sound will flow better throughout the room, rather than just in one area. For example, many homeowners find that they sit in the same position every time they watch television. This could be in a comfortable armchair to one side of the room or right on the middle of the sofa. For individual viewing or gaming, a basic surround sound system could be sufficient. However, invite a few people over and those sitting around the edges or towards the rear will miss out on the audio experience. Add in those two extra channels as well as the additional speakers, which are both included in a 7.1 home theater system, and every seat in the house attains movie theater quality. This means that a 7.1 system is a particularly good fit for anyone who frequently entertains, has friends over to catch up on the newest films or simply always has a full house thanks to a large family.

Future Movie Releases with 7.1 Audio
Many individuals still on the fence about investing in a 7.1 home theater system worry that the speakers will be too advanced for the common media formats used in video game consoles, DVDs and more. However, that should not be a concern. Every month, there are Blu-ray soundtracks that contain channel information compatible with 7.1 sound. Even some standard DVDs can be played through 7.1 audio with ease, allowing that richer sound to come through. Anyone who is not a tech enthusiast need not worry about adjusting the audio format or messing with wires every time a new game or DVD is played. In almost every instance, the sound information will automatically register based on speaker format and redistribute sound in the highest number of channels possible.

Additional Factors to Consider
One of the more important benefits of investing in a 7.1 home theater system is that buyers don’t necessarily have to start over from scratch and buy a completely new system. Anyone who already has a 5.1 surround system, for example, simply needs to purchase two rear speakers for the left and right side of the room. Just two additional speakers can easily upgrade an existing system. For those worried that a 7.1 system will be a huge financial burden when it comes to installation, that too should not be a concern. Installation is a fairly simple and straightforward process that many buyers are capable of handling on their own without any professional assistance. Finally, keep in mind that the physical size of a 7.1 home theater system can take up a reasonable amount of space. Before making the investment, potential buyers should have room for a left front speaker, a center front speaker, a right front speaker, a left rear speaker, a right rear speaker, a left back speaker, a right back speaker and a subwoofer.

The benefits of a 7.1 home theater include a professional look, the option for a simple, wireless installation, deeper sound, a more immersive experience and better audio from every single seat in the entire room.
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