What's wrong with just using my TV's speakers?

Most flatscreen TVs are so slim that there's not a lot of space left over to accommodate large speakers. Sound quality is often poor with seldom any surround modes incorporated. A separate amp and multi-channel speaker package will enable you to unleash a 5.1 surround soundtrack.

Do I actually need a subwoofer?

A subwoofer is the point one in a 5.1 home cinema system that handles gut-wrenching low frequency effects (LFE) in movie soundtracks. Without a subwoofer you're likely to be missing out on the full experience of a 5.1 soundtrack.

Where should I place my speakers?

All speakers should be placed equidistant from your viewing/listening position, with the centre speaker placed just above or below the TV screen and subwoofer at the front of the soundstage.

What works well with hi-def TV?

Sky HD shows many movies and other programmes in Dolby Digital 5.1. To hear the surround soundtrack you can connect your HD box to a multi-channel amplifier or 'one- box' system using the optical digital output. Alternatively, you can route the HDMI output from your high definition source through the amp using the HDMI loop-through sockets.

What works well with Blu-ray and HD DVD?

The two competing high definition video formats are supported by five new higher resolution formats. Dolby True HD and DTS HD Master Audio offer the highest quality hi-def audio, but it's only possible to listen to these if your amp is fitted with version 1.3 HDMI sockets. Dolby Digital Plus, DTS HD High Resolution Audio and linear PCM can be output by any HDMI socketry.

Instant guide to home cinema audio

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- Ensure matched, add-on speakers are available should you want to expand your setup later

- Select an amp that works with the power handling of your speakers and ensure that it has all the sound formats that you want now and in the future

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Samsung has gone out of its way to make the HT-X200 2.1 DVD system stand out from the crowd. The 2.1 system comes with twin satellite speakers and a chunky subwoofer, and there are two 'virtual' surround modes, a side-mounted USB port as well as MP3, JPEG and DiVX playback. The HDMI socket outputs video to 720p or 1080i, and images are portrayed with strong details and solid colour rendition. Its soundstage is strident with movie soundtracks, and tinkling high frequency sounds help to craft a wide soundstage.

The Philips HTS8100 Ambisound sound bar is the ideal partner. It incorporates a centrally located DVD player with wide compatibility and HDMI output with upscaling for 720p, 1080i and 1080p. Ambisound provides a wide and involving soundstage. It's remarkably effective with movies and doesn't rely on sidewall reflections to project surround effect. Bass levels are enthusiastic and hold the surround sound experience together.

Pioneer's 50-inch PDP-508XD is the perfect screen for a big movie experience at home. It has three HDMI 1.3 sockets and is 1080p/24fps capable, making it ideally suited to high definition movie discs. The screen is from the brand's 'Kuro' range and delivers an astonishing 16000:1 contrast ratio, which means incredibly good black levels. Colours are rich and skin tones have a tonal naturalism that's very cinematic. Pioneer's 72Hz mode shows up high definition material with remarkably smooth, clear motion and very little noise.

The DD-8 is JVC's flagship network media system. As well as its 'virtual' surround sound capabilities, the DD-8 will appeal to anyone who wants to route music or video files from a PC. HDMI video output is on hand but the DD-8 only upscales to 720p. Still, DVD images are respectable with good detail levels. The DD-8 is a 3.1 speaker system with large front stereo speakers plus an unobtrusive centre and a chunky sub. Bass levels are potent from the large sub, but we recommend a reduction to the factory-set level to achieve a smoother and more integrated bass level.

Arcam's Solo Movie 5.1 DVD/receiver combo is the ultimate in one-box home cinema flexibility. It's capable of driving five speakers and a subwoofer, but can also be configured to a 2.0 or 2.1 setup. There are two HDMI inputs and one output, with video upscaling to 720p and 1080i/p. Colours and details are smoothly rendered showing up subtle nuances. Black levels are extraordinarily deep, and look remarkably solid and noise-free during dimly lit shadowy sequences.

The Muso and Logo speaker package is designed to compliment and can be purchased in 2.0, 2.1 or 5.1 configurations. The satellite's two-way bass reflex design follows traditional speaker conventions while the 200W Logo sub provides crossover, volume and phase tuning controls. The Solo's built-in surround sound amplifier is rated at 50W per channel, but it sounds a lot more powerful than the figure suggests and soundtracks are expertly conveyed no matter what speakers are attached. Content courtesy of What Home Cinema

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