News and Reviews....

    Home Theater 101   Part 2  December 2006

    By: Bob Lieto

   Our second installment in Home Theater 101. The Second most important part of a Home Theater Setup and just as important as the First (arrangement) is BALANCE. Learn how to balance your system properly. Find your local Radio Shack and buy an  Analog Audio Sound Meter. (# 33-2050- $ 34.99) Adjust your system using the meter and the internal test tone generator built into the processor or Receiver. Balance the system at the center listening position to a relevant mid-point on the meter scale. It doesn't matter what volume that point is, (although it is somewhat easier to do it at a fairly high level) as long as all speakers are balanced to the same point. Keep in mind that DVDs and TV programming vary in their audio content. Do not balance to a particular DVD or TV program. If you balance to the NOISE GENERATOR TEST TONE in the processor or Receiver, you will find that your system will react the best to subtle sounds placed within the audio material and make your viewing experience more enjoyable and natural at any overall sound level. Turn off your display and listen. You will know when you are on to something when the theater sound seems to come together and after turning on your display, you find yourself feeling like you are in the center of the viewing scene.

Comment .....   This is a first in a series of articles designed to help understand and thereby get the most from a Home Theater System. Your feedback is welcome.

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Home Theater 101 Part 1  First installment