If you are shopping for and comparing home theater options, you have probably come across surround sound. It certainly sounds impressive - but what exactly is it and do you really need to have it?
The concept isn't particularly new - ever since stereo sound caught on back in the 1950s, the major manufacturers have been trying to improve and enhance sound quality and its effect. In fact, as far back as the 1930s, experiments were being conducted into creating much the same effect as today's surround sound systems.
As the name suggests, surround sound uses audio technology to make it seem as though different sounds are actually coming from different parts of your home theater system, even the entire room, in order to be as close to real life as possible. You may be watching people on screen having a conversation and the sound of their voices is actually coming from different sides of the room.
The more speakers a surround system has, the more realistic the effect will be and the more it will appear as though sounds are originating from different places. With a good sound system, it's possible to feel that you are in the middle of what is happening on the screen - and not just watching it.
Many movie theaters already use a similar technology - you may be watching a movie and an explosion seems to take place to your left, or a character seems to be talking from somewhere to your right, rather than on the screen. It creates the same effect - making you feel part of the performance.
So should you have surround sound? If you are one of those people who simply must have the best and latest in technology, then the answer would be a firm yes. However, it also depends on what you like to watch and listen to - surround sound is useless unless you actually notice and appreciate the effect.
If you regularly enjoy listening to concerts and live performances on TV, a surround sound system can make a big difference. Likewise, movies with loud music, explosions and plenty of noise are more effective. But if you mostly watch news and current affairs programs or talk shows, the effect is somewhat wasted.
Surround sound also means having more speakers and wires trailing about; for the complete effect you may have to have between six and eight speakers in various places. And the wiring can be expensive and complicated; in fact, you can end up paying several hundred dollars foe the wiring alone.
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