Okay, everytime I look at new electronics, Lucas has come up with some form of new “certification”. What is THX Ultra II, and what does is tell me about this sound system?
Oh, and 7.1 surround? I JUST bought a 6.1 surround sound system, sure that I had the latest is surround technology. Dolby digital EX and all that. But “7.1”, where’s the 7th speaker go?
On the ceiling, I believe. So that when things pass overhead (like shells and aircraft), you really get a sensation of it. Adding a 3rd dimension lets them make people up high sound like they’re calling down to you.
Actually the 6.1 and 7.1 involve putting speakers behind you. With 6.1 there is just one speaker behind you, 7.1 puts two. These are in addition to the more common 5.1 which cosists of the traditional stereo speakers in front, a center channel, surround speakers on the sides, and a subwoofer.
The THX Ultra and Ultra II are certifications that this receiver can accurately reproduce the audio the way the director intended for you to hear it. THX Ultra is certified for use in a home theater that is up to 3000 cubic feet. I’ve never heard of Ultra II, I suspect it’s bigger/better.
Don’t mind me. I’m waiting for the THX-1138 specification.
Be happy.
As for 5.1, 6.1, etc… The .1 in all of them refers to the LFE (low-frequency effects) or subwoofer channel. When they say “surround” think “sides” - traditional surrounc speakers are to the listeners’ sides, rather than entirely behind them.
5.1 is another name for plan ol’ Dolby Digital or DTS. 5 speakers - left and right front, center and mono surround channel on 2 speakers.
6.1 gives you stereo surround and a mono back speaker. Uses six speakers. Also goes by the names of Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES and THX Surround EX.
7.1 is at this point, hype on seven speakers. There is no official 7.1 standard from Dolby or DTS, so it varies from brand to brand how a surround system executes it. Generally, it’s a pair of rear speakers supplementing the surround channel. The variance is in how the amp generates a stereo back channel - usually done by mixing in some of the surround channel.
Do 6.1 and 7.1 systems play the regular old 5.1 DVDs in the new format or do you need to wait for new DVDs?
The 6.1 and 7.1 systems play 5.1 just fine.
There’s a fair amount available in THX Surround EX
http://www.smr-home-theatre.org/surroundex/index.html