All you Need to Know about Multi Channel Home Theaters

The innovations in the field of technology and science have introduced new modes of entertainment. One of them is home theaters that are growing in popularity these days.

This is because most people nowadays prefer convenience and comfort over thrill and adventure. So, we thought we should jump on the home theater bandwagon as well, specifically multi channel home theaters.

Multi-channel home theaters themselves are divided into plenty of types and we’re going to be diving into each one in detail to give you all the information that you need. However, if you’re new to this, then we first recommend reading our home theater guide.

But if you already have knowledge about the subject then continue reading to learn all about multi channel home theaters!

Components of a Multi Channel Home Theater System

Contrary to popular belief a multi channel system does not comprise only multiple speakers. It has plenty of other components that we’re going to discuss briefly down below.

1. AV Receiver

You can think of an AV receiver as the brain of the entire system as its main purpose is to process your audio tracks and ensure that all speakers are supplied with power.

So, it's safe to say that it is an integral part of your system. The cost and effectiveness of the multi channel receiver depends on the size of your home theater system.

For example, if you have a large system then you’ll have to choose an AV receiver that is more compatible and as a result, one that will cost you more.

There are some other factors that impact the reliability of your receiver like the wattage and amplification required by your speakers.

2. Source

This specific piece of equipment’s function is a little complicated to explain but we’ll try our best to keep it as simple as possible.

The main function of this part is to offer support to the surround system’s format that is connected with the format of your speaker’s system.

To sum up, it is absolutely essential that you acquire a source, otherwise your system will fail to work.

Imagine you have a 5.1 surround speaker system with five external speakers and a subwoofer, to make it function properly you’ll need a source that matches that output range.

3. Interconnects and Speaker Wire

Even though the two components listed above are essentials for your system, it is an obvious fact that for a speaker system to work you need interconnects and speaker wire.

How Many Types of Multi Channel Home Theaters Are There?

1) 2.0 Stereo System

This setup is by far the simplest in the list. As you can probably guess from the name, it consists of two separate speakers and no subwoofer.

Furthermore, it contains a total of two audio channels, one on the right, and one on the left. Thus, the pair of speakers are placed on either side of the television.

Another valuable feature of the 2.0 stereo system is that you can combine them with a number of DVD players, TVs and mobile devices.

Pro Tip:

You can further increase the sound of your multi-channel home theater system by adding home theater curtains to the set up.

2) 2.1 Stereo System

You’ve probably guessed at this point the difference between this and the above-mentioned stereo system. But in case you haven’t, both systems are quite similar except for the fact that the 2.1 has separate subwoofers as well.

This allows the system to produce a deeper sound and bass. Even though this system improves upon its predecessor, it does suffer from the lack of surrounding speakers.

However, it is still a great and inexpensive option that extracts excellent content from your TV, Tablet or mobile device.

3) 5.1 Channel System

This speaker configuration is probably the most widely used these days. It consists of a total of 5 speakers and a single subwoofer.

Due to there being 5 speakers, all have to be placed strategically to give maximum surround sound. Two are placed on the left and right of the TV just like the 2.0. and give a sense of direction to the audio.

While the others are spread out across the room. One is the central speaker, and it is placed directly in front of the TV.

It helps in understanding movie dialogue and music lyrics. The last two speakers are placed to the southwest and southeast of the viewer and are rotated to face the walls.

Their function is to reproduce unique sound effects. The final component of this system, the subwoofer, has the job of reproducing sounds of lower frequencies.

How to Choose the Right Multi Channel Home Theater System?

The biggest thing to consider when building a multi channel home theater system is the space you have in your theater room.

Hence, the first step of the process is measuring the size of the room because that’s how you’ll decide how many speakers and features you can have in your home theater system.

There are some other factors you have to consider as well which include how many speakers you want for your system provided, they don’t go over the limitations of your room, what kind of display device you need etc.

Lastly, before buying any product, make sure to read the feedback and reviews to get a better understanding of what works and what doesn’t.

But in general, if you’re going for a reputable store, then you shouldn’t face any problem.

Pros and Cons of Building a Multi Channel Home Theater

Pros

• Increases your home’s value on the market.


• You have freedom to create the type of home theater you want.


• A multi channel home theater becomes invaluable when you have a large viewing party.


• Allows you to strengthen your bonds with your friends and families by watching the latest trending movies together

Cons

• Having too many speakers in the room may create an uncomfortably loud sound that can negatively affect the viewing experience.


• Not everyone in the room may want to watch a movie and those who don’t won’t be able to do anything else due to the loudness of the theater system.

Multi Channel Home Theaters: The Bottom Line

Whether you’re an avid gamer or a film enthusiast, having a multi channel home theater system is a must in this day and age.

And the rapid advancements in technology now allow you to build a kickass home theater budget without even spending too much.

Not only does it have entertainment value but installing a home theater will increase the value of your home as well. So if you do decide to sell it, you’ll be guaranteed a better offer for it.

To sum up, in our opinion, installing a home theater system is paramount and you should go get your equipment right after reading this article on LuminaBlog!