Home cinema system reviews: FAQs
If I record a programme onto DVD will I lose the surround-sound information?
Yes, recording to DVD will strip out the surround-sound information and leave you with just a stereo soundtrack. But if you record a Sky or Virgin programme to a PVR (Sky+ or V+) the surround-sound information is retained when you play it back.
| Audio on digital TV platforms | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital TV platform | Freeview | Sky | Virgin |
| Surround-sound transmitted? | No | Yes | Yes |
| Record surround-sound to DVD? | No | No | No |
| Record surround- sound to PVR? | No | Yes | Yes |
Why should I get a home cinema system?
Surround sound brings the cinema to your living room
When you watch a film in the cinema you'll notice that the sound seems to be coming from all around you, making you feel like you're in the thick of the action.
This is particularly noticeable when the special effects come thick and fast – action scenes, gunfights and explosions. But it can also be used just to create 'ambient' effects – background chatter during a bar scene, for example.
When the films are released on DVD, or broadcast on Sky satellite and Virgin cable services, the original cinema surround-sound information is still there – but you'll need a home cinema system to experience it in your living room.
How can I recreate the cinema experience in my living room?
A 5.1 home cinema system provides you with a set of six speakers – five are placed around your room to provide the surround sound and one sub-woofer gives you lots of deep, rumbling bass for special effects.
To drive these speakers you also get an amplifier which includes the electronics necessary to decode the surround-sound information.
Many home cinema systems also come with a DVD player, though you can also buy a home cinema system without one if you already have a DVD player you're happy with.
Doesn't this mean my living room will be messy, with lots of trailing speaker wires?
It's true that wiring up six speakers and placing them round your living room can be a challenge but by carefully routing cables under carpets and along skirting boards you can minimise the disruption.
Some home cinema systems have optional wireless speakers, too, which can save on the amount of cable you need to lay.
Does Freeview broadcast in surround sound?
No – Freeview isn’t broadcast in surround sound, but Sky broadcasts films and football in surround, and Virgin cable has some surround-sound programmes too. Many games consoles are also compatible.
Can I listen to normal stereo music on a home cinema system?
Home cinema systems can also double up as a stereo system for listening to normal audio CDs. However, the acoustic demands of movies and music are slightly different.
Surround systems tends to be bass heavy and probably not subtle enough for classical music aficionados. But if your musical tastes are more influenced by drums and bass tones, then a home cinema system could do an effective job.
Are there any new features to look out for in future?
We're likely to see more home cinema systems launched with wireless speakers in the future. One of the main reasons people don't want to install a home cinema system is that they don't want lots of wires trailing around their living room, creating additional clutter.
Wireless links, particularly to the rear speakers, minimises the wiring required and makes installation easier. Some home cinema systems offer a wireless link as an optional extra, but we're likely to see this being introduced as standard on more systems in the future.