Home Theatre System Buying Guide Guide

The "heart" of your theater is the audio configuration. Most systems are categorized by numbers (e.g., 5.1 or 7.1.2), where the first digit is the number of speakers, the second is the subwoofer, and the third refers to upward-firing "height" speakers for 3D sound.

Your screen size should be determined by your seating distance. A common rule of thumb is that the screen should take up about 30 to 40 degrees of your field of vision. home theatre system buying guide

: A great entry point or space-saver. High-end soundbars now offer "virtual" surround sound and wireless subwoofers. The "heart" of your theater is the audio configuration

: Place your center channel directly above or below the screen. Surround speakers should be slightly above ear level and to the sides/behind the seating area. A common rule of thumb is that the

: The classic setup including a center channel (for dialogue), front left/right speakers, two rear surrounds, and a subwoofer.