RE: Home cinema setup

["Robert Welsh" <bob-ukha@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> Hi,
> I finally have all the components for my home cinema system,
> but am buggered if I can get it to sound right - can anyone
> recommend a good source to set it up?  Probably a series of
> test sounds to get everything balanced - failing that is
> there a film which is any good?

Tim,

Find a film that has the THX Optimizer setup on it.
>from
movies they have them [alongside some very poor cinema, I might add
;-)].

Also, a sound meter will help if you've never done this before.
I tend to borrow one like this:

http://www.nicksheppard-electronics.co.uk/domestic_sound.htm

(You'll only use it a few times in your life, so borrowing is allowing a
good option)

Basically, the first thing you do is use your amp's setup feature (which
will include test tones - most usually white noise) to go around all
your speakers and make sure they're all calibrated to the same level -
you're looking for 70-75dB for all speaker apart from your subwoofer.
Adjust each speaker's output at the amp side until you've achieved this.

Then use the THX Optimizer to check that you've got all the placements
and phasings correct.

The THX Optimizer will also allow you work play with the LFE cross-over
for your sub, but often for the various folks I've helped with this the
setting of a subwoofer can be quite personal depending on preference and
circumstances (e.g are you in a flat, do you have kids)

That's basically it - I'm sure somebody like Mark Harrison or Phil
Harris will pipe in with some more gem-like tips.

If you need more details ask away.

Cheers,
Rob



UK Home Automation Meet 2004 - BOOK NOW!
http://www.ukha2004.com

http://www.automatedhome.co.uk
Post message: ukha_d@xxxxxxx
Subscribe:  ukha_d-subscribe@xxxxxxx
Unsubscribe:  ukha_d-unsubscribe@xxxxxxx
List owner:  ukha_d-owner@xxxxxxx