Question by asg2d: How do you calibrate a 5.1 surround sound home theater?
I am wondering what the best way to calibrate a 5.1 surround sound system. I just purchased at theater in a box 5.1 system. Do you set the levels of the different speakers to a certain loudness? What am I supposed to listen for?
Are there any DVD movies that are available that have a channel test or a good one to test/enjoy excellent surround sound mixing and design?
thanks!
Best answer:
Answer by PoohBearPenguin
I recommend you go buy one of those Home Theater calibration DVDs. I have ‘Home Theater Essentials’ but there’s 2 or 3 other titles that are pretty similar.
These DVDs include calibration tests for both your video and audio settings, as well as explanation about what all those settings on your TV actually mean.
Most TVs are not calibrated properly. The factory usually cranks the contrast and color saturation way up so you get an overly-bright picture which may look good in the horrid lighting of your local Best Buy, but doesn’t work for most home settings – and worse still – can actually damage your TV over a long period of time.
For the audio part, the DVD includes various tests to verify you have speakers connected and placed properly. One test, for instance, involves someone walking around on a hard floor with tap shoes while talking. If everything is setup properly, you should be able to hear him walk “around you”. When he says “I am behind you”, the sound should literally come from your back 2 speakers, but when he says “I am behind and to your right” only your rear right speaker should be used.
If you want to get really picky about the speakers placement and volume settings, you can get a sound meter from Radio Shack or other electronics store. Place the meter approximately where your head will be in the room while watching TV (e.g. on the headrest of your couch), and use it to help adjust your speakers, one at a time, so that each one produces the same level of sound and that it reaches the meter at the same time. Some higher-end receivers allow you to adjust individual volume and delay settings. Otherwise, you’ll just have to move the speaker around.
Movies with action scenes featuring explosions are a great way to show off your surround system. Pop in ‘Saving Private Ryan’, turn up the sound, and you should literally hear bullets whizzing by your ears as the explosions from the enemy mortars rattle your teeth. You’ll swear there should be bullet holes in your walls after that!
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
