Bring a Theater Quality Sound System Home

Why set up a Sony Surround Sound System?

You purchased a big screen TV; you are completely set up and ready to enjoy watching movies at home.  The next logical step is to hook up and configure a Sony surround sound system.  Why?

• Surround sound is as described – you are “surrounded” with sounds, and if you configure all of the speakers properly, you will almost feel like you are “there”.

• Better viewing experience all around – sound really does make the difference.  You could probably watch the worst movie in the video store, but with a Sony surround sound system, it will seem fantastic.

• You ability to hear everything is increased 150%.  No more cranking up the TV because you “missed something”.

Many people think that a really good Sony surround sound system is exclusively for the rich; however, over the last several years, the price of a Sony surround sound system has become much more affordable.  Previously, a system like this was a luxury for most people and it was simply not affordable.

What components are included in a Sony surround sound system?  Most of these systems have the same basic components; however, if you want more speakers or an upgrade on some of those speakers, expect to pay much more.

Here is what you should look for in a basic package:

• Subwoofer box;
• Surround Sound module (with jack outputs, volume control, etc.)
• Wall mounted speakers – 2
• Centre channel
• Front side speakers (2)

It is important to carefully follow the directions that come with your Sony surround sound system in order to properly configure your system so that you can get the most enjoyment out of it.

One of the most important upgrades you can make to your system, right out of the box, is to purchase really good wiring and cables.  This will be the difference between good sound and excellent sound.

If you cannot decide on which model to purchase, consider how many different output jacks you will need.  If you want to hook up a game console, that requires a jack.  Blu-Ray – another jack.  DVD player – yet another jack.  Count your components, and count the output jacks.  It can be a hassle to have to unplug and exchange hookups constantly.

Take the time to plan speaker placement for best results.  A good guide for the speakers on either side of your seating area is ear level.  Either you or someone around your size should sit on the couch while another person measures the height on the wall.

When you hook everything up consider running the wiring in your walls so that it gives your room a more professional and clean look.  If you have wires and cables all over your floor, it can look really unsightly.  If you map out where your speakers are going to be installed, you can run the wiring in your walls.  You may need to get dirty to do this, crawling around under your house to run the wiring, but you will only have to do it one time.  Use a coat hanger to pull the wiring up from the inside of the walls and out of your pre-drilled holes.  Screw the brackets directly to the walls for the wall speakers and after they are connected, hang them on the brackets.

Once you have everything connected and where it should be, you are ready to enjoy your new surround sound system. There are a lot a lot of companies that compete with Sony surround sound systems: Philips, JBL, Infinity, THX, Dolby and many more, but the Sony name screams quality and should be a factor in your choice.