Academic Business Consultants Dhti+ Chapter 6, Home Theater Fundamentals David Stilson

2008
Academic Business Consultants

DHTI+
Chapter 6,
Home Theater Fundamentals
David Stilson
Academic Business Consultants | Chapter 6, Home Theater Fundamentals | Page 1
CHAPTER 6 HOME THEATER FUNDAMENTALS

6.0
Introduction
6.1
Signal Concepts
6.1.1 Amplitude, Wavelength, and Frequency
6.1.2 Analog and Digital Signals
6.1.3 Bandwidth
6.1.4 Decibels
6.1.5 Ohms Law
6.2
Surround Sound
6.2.1 Surround Sound Speakers
6.2.2 Surround Sound Formats
6.2.3 Common Surround Sound Formats
6.2.4 Dolby Laboratories
6.2.5 Digital Theater Systems
6.2.6 THX
6.3
Acoustics
6.3.1 Sound Reflection
6.3.2 Speaker Placement
6.3.3 Front Speaker Placement
6.3.4 Side Speaker Placement
6.3.5 Rear Speaker Placement
6.4
Home Theater Speakers

6.4.1 Speaker Components
6.4.2 Drivers
6.4.3 The Crossover Circuit
6.4.4 Speaker Specifications
6.4.5 Speaker Types
6.4.6 Speaker Connectors
6.5
Home Theater Video

6.5.1 Analog Television Signal Standards
6.5.2 High Definition Terms
6.5.3 Advanced Television Systems Committee
6.5.4 Digital Video Broadcasting
6.5.5 High Definition TV Tuners
6.5.6 Video Display Technologies
6.5.7 Video Projectors and Screens
Chapter Objectives
Describe terms associated with the creation, processing, and transmission of signals.
Define terms associated with home theater surround sound systems.
Define terms associated with acoustics.
Define terms associated with home theater video components.
Terms and Concepts to Know
Advanced Television Systems Committee
Amplitude
Analog Signal
Banana plugs
Bandwidth
CableCard
Crossover
Decibels
Digital Signals
Digital Theater Systems
Digital Video Broadcasting
Dolby Laboratories
Frequency
Liquid Crystal Display
Low Frequency Effects
Ohms Law
Pin-Type Connectors
Plasma
Quadrature Amplitude Modulation
Scalers
Spade Connectors
Surround Sound
THX
Wavelength
6.0
Introduction
What exactly is a home theater system? In general terms, a home theater system
consists of a large high-definition display that includes a high-quality sound system.
A high-definition display may be three or four times clearer than a standard
television. These components work together to give you the experience that you
would have in a movie theater. For example, a TV may have only one speaker. A
home theater may have five or more speakers so the listener is surrounded by
sound. In a well-equipped home theater system, people often say they feel like they
are actually in the movie.
(Figure 6.0, high-end home theater)
6.1
Signal Concepts
A home theater is a complete television and radio broadcast station within one unit.
Signals are created, processed, and transmitted between devices within the home
theater. Also, signals may be broadcast throughout the home where there may be
other televisions and speakers that receive the signals. It is important to be able to
describe how signals are created, processed, and transmitted. The signal concepts
that you should be familiar with include:
Amplitude, Wavelength, and Frequency

Analog and Digital Signals
Bandwidth
Decibels
Ohms Law
6.1.1
Amplitude, Wavelength, and Frequency

Amplitude
The amplitude of a wave is a measurement of how high the wave is (see figure
6.1.1a). When you turn up the volume on a radio you are increasing the amplitude of
the radio waves.
(Figure 6.1.1a, wave amplitude)

Wavelength
The distance between waves is known as wavelength (see figure 6.1.1b). If you have
been to the ocean, you know what a wavelength is (see figure 6.1.1b).
(Figure 6.1.1b, wavelength)

Frequency
Frequency is the number of waves that pass through a point in one second.
Frequency is measured in Hertz, or "number-of-waves" per second (see figure
6.1.1c). At a beach, if one wave hit the beach every second, the frequency of the
waves would be 1Hz. Also, there is a relationship between frequency and
wavelength; the higher the frequency, the shorter the wavelength.
(Figure 6.1c, wave frequency)

6.1.2
Analog and Digital Signals

Analog Signals
An analog signal looks the same as the object that created it. Your voice is an
example of an analog signal (see figure 6.1.2a). If you speak to a crowd, you may
need to use a microphone so everyone can hear you. When you use a microphone
your voice may be louder, but the signal shape (tone) of your voice does not change.
In an analog device, the output varies directly with the input (see figure 6.1.2b). In a
home theater system it is common to boost, or amplify, an analog sound signal
before it is sent to a speaker.
(Figure 6.1.2a, analog signal: human voice)
(Figure 6.1.2b, analog input and output signals)
Digital Signals
Digital devices take samples of analog signals to create digital signals. Unlike an
analog signal, the shape of a digital signal changes (in steps) as it encodes analog
signals (see figure 6.1.2c). The size of an analog signal is reduced when it is
converted into a digital signal. For this reason it is easier to transmit, receive, and
store digital signals. Electronic devices that convert an analog signal to a digital
signal are called Analog to Digital (A/D) converters. Electronic devices that convert
digital data to an analog signal are called Digital to Analog (D/A) converters.
(Figure 6.1.2c, analog vs. digital signals)
6.1.3
Bandwidth
Bandwidth is the range of signal frequencies that can be sent through a cable, the
air, or an electronic device. For example, the bandwidth of RG-6 coax cable is
typically measured between 1.5 and 3.0 GHz. In contrast a Cat 5e cable has a
bandwidth of 100MHz. You can think of bandwidth like the lanes of a road; the
more lanes, the more cars the road can carry (see figure 6.1.3). In an analog device,
bandwidth is measured in frequency (MHz).
(Figure 6.1.3, bandwidth)
6.1.4
Decibels
Early sound researchers devised the Bel system to compare the level of different
sounds. The Bel system measured the sound pressure that sounds produce. A sound
that was twice as loud as another sound was considered to be one Bel. However, the
Bel system was not useful in comparing the differences in sounds that were similar
in volume. The Bel system was dropped for the decibel system.
A decibel (dB) is one-tenth of a Bel. The dB works closer to the way the human ear
works and it quickly became the standard unit to compare two or more sounds. In
decibels, a sound that is twice as loud as another is considered to be 10 dB louder. 1
decibel is considered to be the smallest change in volume that the human ear can
detect. However, most people can only detect a 3 dB change in volume.
It is helpful to understand the relationship of sound level and power requirements.
In general terms, a small increase in sound level takes a large increase in power. For
example, a 3dB increase in sound pressure (volume) requires twice as much input
power. In other words, an electronic device would need to double its power output
before most people would notice a change in volume. A 10 dB change in sound
takes ten-times the power (see figure 6.1.4).
Volume Change
Measured in decibels
+3
+6
+ 10
+ 20
Additional Power Needed

(Multiplier)
2x
4x
10 x
100 x
(Figure 6.1.4, dB power chart)
6.1.5
Ohms Law
In an electrical circuit, the mathematical relationship between power, current,
voltage, and resistance is known as Ohms Law. You may already understand how
Ohms Law works and not know it. Have you ever walked across a stream of water?
The slope of the hill that the steam is running through determines the speed of the
water. The amount of water in the stream determines how much current will flow.
If the stream is fast moving, there is little resistance to the current. If the water
current is flowing fast and there is a lot of water, the stream can do a lot of work
(see figure 6.1.5a).
(Figure 6.1.5a, current flowing in a stream)

The amount of work an electrical circuit is capable of is similar to a stream. The
amount of work, or power, that an electrical circuit can do is calculated by
multiplying the circuits potential (voltage) by the circuits current (amps). The
power of a circuit is measured in watts. Although power is measured in watts, it is
usually written as a P. The relationship between voltage, current, and power is
expressed in a short mathematical equation:
Power (watts) = Potential (voltage) x Current (amps)
This equation is the basis of Ohms Law. Power is measured in watts and is written
as a P. Voltage is written as a V. Current is measured in Amps and is written as an I.
P=V x I
The resistance to the flow of current in a circuit is measured in Ohms and is written
as an R. To determine the resistance in a circuit, divide voltage by current.
R=V/I
Example:
Determine the current in a 100 watt light bulb. Look at the top of the light bulb to
find out its power rating; it will be written in watts. The voltage in most homes is
approximately 110 volts. To find the current that the light bulb needs, divide the
power by the voltage (see below):
P=VxI
100 (Power in watts) = 110 (voltage) x Current (amps)
100 / 110 = Amps
Current = .91 Amps
In other words, a 100 watt light bulb needs approximately 1 amp of current. Now
lets take the standard Ohms Law equation and rewrite it so we can see other
relationships (see figure 6.1.3b).
P=V x I
To determine current:
To determine voltage:
To determine the resistance:
I = P/V
V = P/I
R=V/I
Figure 6.1.3b, flash demonstration of Ohms Law. The student enters two numbers
from a choice of voltage, current, power, or resistance. The answer is shown to the
student. The Ohms Law circle shows the numbers that the student entered; the
answer, and the relationship between all the variables.
6.2
Surround Sound
At a concert you are surrounded by sounds. You may hear music reflect off of the
ceiling and walls, and you may hear sounds from the audience. A surround sound
format is an attempt to surround you with the same sounds that you would hear at a
concert. Sound is recorded on several tracks at a concert and these sounds are
played back on speakers that surround you in your home.
(Figure 6.2, home theater system)
6.2.1
Surround Sound Speakers

For many years, home systems relied on two (stereo) speakers. Today, several
surround sound speakers are placed in a home theater to surround the listener. The
minimum number of speakers in a surround sound system is six. There are three
common surround sound configurations, 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1:
5.1 Surround Sound
The 5 represents the following: front left, center, front right, right surround sound,
and left surround sound speakers. The .1 in a 5.1 system represents a LowFrequency Effect (LFE) subwoofer. A 5.1 surround sound system has a total of six
speakers.
6.1 Surround Sound
left surround sound, and rear speakers. The .1 represents a LFE subwoofer. A 6.1
surround sound system has a total of seven speakers.
7.1 Surround Sound
left surround sound, and two rear speakers. The .1 is for the LFE subwoofer. A 7.1
surround sound system has a total of eight speakers (see figure 6.2.1).
The trend in surround sound is to add more speakers that bathe the listener in
sound.
(Figure 6.2.1: 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1 speaker placements)

In a surround sound system, each speaker is connected to a sound source through a
channel. For example, a 5.1 surround sound system has six channels; one for each
of the following speakers:
Front right
Front left
Center
Left Surround Sound
Right Surround Sound
LFE Subwoofer
6.2.2
Surround Sound Formats

A surround sound format is a set of rules that define how sound is recorded and
played back. Surround sound formats have improved over the years to the point
where the surround sound system in a home theater rivals the sound that you once
only heard in a movie theater. Two companies are primarily responsible for creating
most of the surround sound formats used today: Dolby Laboratories (Dolby) and
Digital Theater Systems (DTS).
Dolby Laboratories and Digital Theater Systems develop surround sound formats
that encode sound as it is recorded and decode sound when it is played back. When
sounds are played back, they are decoded and directed to specific surround sound
speakers. For example, as the voice of an actor is decoded it is sent to the center
speaker. An electronic chip called a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) decodes the
sounds as they are played back (see figure 6.2.2a). DSPs are found in devices such as
Digital Versatile Disk players (DVD) and Audio/Video (AV) receivers. Most home
theater playback devices have a DSP that supports several surround sound formats
(see figure 6.2.2b).
(Figure 6.2.2a, DSP signal)
(Figure 6.2.2b, surround sound formats)
6.2.3
Dolby Laboratories
Dolby Laboratories and Digital Theater Systems have developed most of the
surround sound formats used in home theaters. Dolby Laboratories (see figure
6.2.3a, Dolby logo) is responsible for the following common surround sound
formats:
Dolby TrueHD Master Audio

Dolby Digital EX (DD-EX)
Dolby Digital (DD)
Dolby Digital Pro-Logic II
(Figure 6.2.3a, Dolby logo)

Dolby TrueHD
The Dolby TrueHD is the most recent 7.1 surround sound format from Dolby.
Dolby TrueHD supports eight surround speakers. Dolby TrueHD supports 7
channels for the front left and right, center, left and right surround, and two rear
speakers. In a Dolby TrueHD system, sound is not compressed and is said to be
lossless. With the Dolby TrueHD format, every sound you hear is exactly the
same as the original recording. As with most new surround sound formats, each
channel in Dolby TrueHD is discrete. In a discrete channel system, each channel is
independent of the other channels (see figure 6.2.4).
Tech Tip
Discrete surround sound is made up of sound tracks that are played back on their
own separate channel. Sound in a discrete channel is not mixed with any other
sounds. In some surround sound systems, the sounds are mixed (matrixed) with
other sounds in the same channel. Although matrixed systems produce clear sound,
sound technicians prefer to use discrete channels. Most of the new surround sound
formats use discrete channels.
(Figure 6.2.4, discrete and matrixed sound channels)
Dolby Digital EX (DD-EX)

DD-EX supports a 6.1 speaker arrangement. DD-EX uses 5 discrete channels to
send sound to the front left, front right, center, and the left and right surround
speakers. DD-EX also supports 1 matrixed channel for a rear speaker and 1 discrete
LFE channel for the subwoofer speaker.
Dolby Digital (DD)
DD supports a 5.1 speaker arrangement. DD uses 5 discrete channels to send sound
to the front left, front right, center, and the left and right surround speakers. DD
also supports 1 discrete LFE channel to send sound to the subwoofer speaker.
Dolby Digital Pro-Logic II
Dolby Digital Pro-Logic II supports a 5.1 speaker arrangement. Dolby Digital ProLogic II uses 2 discrete channels for the front left and front right speakers. This
format uses 3 matrixed channels to send sound to the left and right surround, and
center speakers. Dolby Digital Pro-Logic II supports 1 subwoofer channel. Dolby
Pro Logic II is also capable of converting stereo (two-channel) sound into the 5.1
surround sound format. Dolby Digital Pro-Logic II is useful in playing older VHS
tapes on a surround sound system.
6.2.4
Digital Theater Systems

Digital Theater Systems (DTS) (see figure 6.2.4a, DTS logo) is responsible for the
following common surround sound formats:
Digital Theater Systems High Definition Master Audio (DTS-HD)

Digital Theater Systems - Extended Surround (DTS-ES)
Digital Theater Systems (DTS)
Digital Theater Systems - Neo:6 (DTS Neo:6)
(Figure 6.2.4a, Dolby logo)

Digital Theater Systems - High Definition Master Audio (DTS-HD)
DTS-HD supports eight surround speakers (see figure 6.2.5). DTS-HD supports 7
discrete channels for the front left, front right, center, left and right surround, and
two rear speakers. DTS-HD also supports 1 discrete LFE channel for the
subwoofer speaker.
Digital Theater Sound - Extended Surround (DTS-ES)
DTS-ES supports seven surround speakers. DTS-ES supports 6 discrete channels
for the front left, front right, center, left and right surround, and one rear speaker.
DTS-ES supports 1 discrete LFE channel subwoofer speaker.
Digital Theater Systems (DTS)
DTS supports six surround speakers. DTS supports 5 discrete channels for the
front left, front right, center, left and right surround speakers. DTS-ES supports 1
discrete LFE channel for the subwoofer speaker.
Digital Theater Systems Neo:6 (DTS Neo:6)
Like Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS Neo:6 is capable of converting stereo (two-channel)
sound into surround sound. DTS Neo:6 supports 5.1 and 6.1 surround sound
speaker arrangements. DTS Neo:6 supports 2 discrete channels that are used for the
front left and front right speakers, and 3 matrixed channels that are used for the
center, surround left and surround right, and back surround speakers. This format
also supports 1 LFE subwoofer channel. DTS Neo:6, like Dolby Digital Pro-Logic
II, is useful in playing older VHS tapes on a surround sound system.
6.2.5
THX
If you have been to a movie in the last twenty years, you may have heard of THX
surround sound. THX surround follows the Dolby Digital EX 6.1 surround sound
format. THX is the trade name and standard that was originally developed for
movie theaters. THX stands for Tomlinson Holman's eXperiment. Tomlinson
Holman worked at Lucasfilm in 1982. He worked on a sound system to ensure that
the soundtrack for The Return of the Jedi film would sound the same no matter
which theater it was seen in.
THX does not specify recording standards. THX is not a surround sound format as
much as it is a quality assurance system. THX is used primarily as a certification
process that assures listeners that the sounds they hear will be what the movie
makers intended. The THX certification process has spread to home theaters. It is
now common to see the THX logo on home theater equipment (see figure 6.2.5).
(Figure 6.2.5, THX logo)
6.3
Acoustics
Acoustics is the study of the generation, transmission, and physical properties of
sound. Sound is produced when air is moved by a vibrating object. If you take the
cover off of a low frequency, bass speaker you can see the cone of the speaker
vibrate (see Figure 6.3). As the cone vibrates, the air in front of the speaker is
compressed and decompressed, when the cone moves backward and forward, and
sound is produced.
(Figure 6.3, flash animated speaker cone, as the cone moves slowly low base sounds
are heard. As the student pushes up a frequency bar, the speaker moves faster and
the pitch of the sound is increased)
6.3.1
Sound Reflection
Sound may reach the listener directly from the speakers or it may reach the listener
after it bounces off surfaces. A reflected sound is a sound that hits a surface and
bounces before it reaches the listener. The shape of a home theater room will affect
how sound is reflected in a room. A home theater room should not be perfectly
square, or where the length of the room is twice as long as the width. Also, domes
and concave surfaces can cause sound to be focused in a small area, and this can
cause unintended sound reflections. Rooms with these shapes and surfaces can
create noise, echoes, and fluttering sounds.
Adding surfaces that absorb sound can help to eliminate reflection problems (see
Figure 6.3.1). You may have to add a rug, and window and wall coverings, to reduce
sound reflections. Adding or moving furniture can also help reduce sound reflection
problems. It should be noted that adding too much absorption material can deaden
the sound in a room.
(Figure 6.3.1, Sound Absorption Materials)

Installer Tip:
Use a mirror to find a sound reflection point on a wall. Ask someone to sit in the
listening area. As you move along the wall with the mirror, have the person in the
listening area look for the home theater speakers. When the speakers appear in the
mirror, stop and mark the wall. The point on the wall where the speakers reflection
appears in the mirror is also the sound reflection point. At this point you may want
to use sound absorbing material to prevent sound from reflecting.
6.3.2
Speaker Placement
The speakers in a home theater system are based on the placement of the video
display. The larger the display, the farther the viewers will be sitting from it. As a
general rule, multiply the height of the video display by three or four to determine
where the viewers should sit. For example, if a video display is one meter high the
viewers should be sitting three to four meters from the display. Also, the furniture in
a home theater should be placed so the listener is no more than 15-20 degrees from
the side of the video display. In a home theater, the primary surround sound
speakers are placed near, and around, the video display.
(Figure 6.3.2, home theater layout)
6.3.3
Front Speaker Placement

In home theaters, the front speakers are the most important. The front speakers
consist of a front right, front left, and a center speaker. The front right and left
speakers are used mostly for music and sound effects. The center speaker is
responsible for reproducing human voices and is the most important of the three
front speakers. The center speaker should be placed in the center of the home
theater, and closer to the listening area than all the other speakers. All three front
speakers should be pointed to the listening area. Ideally the front three speakers
form an arc pattern, where the right and left speakers are angled to the listening area
and the center speaker is pointed directly at the listening area (see figure 6.3.3).
The front speakers may also include an optional subwoofer speaker. The subwoofer
speaker is responsible of reproducing Low Frequency Effects (LFE), or bass
sounds. The dinosaurs pounding feet in Jurassic Park is an example of a sound that
you may hear through a subwoofer. The most common placement for the
subwoofer is in the front of the room near the center speaker, or near either the
front left or front right speaker.
(Figure 6.3.3, Front Speaker Placement)
6.3.4
Side Speaker Placement

In a home theater, there are two basic types of surround side speakers: dipolar and
bipolar. A bipolar speaker disperses sound all around the speaker enclosure. Dipolar
speakers produce sound to the front and the back of the speaker enclosure. On the
sides of a dipolar speaker is an area that is called the null zone. There is very little
sound in the null zone of a speaker.
When placing the dipolar speakers, the null zone should point to the listening area.
Do not point the dipolar speakers directly at the listening zone. When dipolar
speakers are positioned this way, their sound will be reflected around the room and
each speakers sound will be diffused with the other speakers. When positioning
bipolar speakers, point the front of each speaker to the listening area (see figure
6.3.4).
(Figure 6.3.4, bipole and dipole speakers)
6.3.5
Rear Speaker Placement

In a home theater, the front and side walls should be set up to absorb unwanted
sound reflections. Reflections in the front of a room can cause voices and other key
sounds to be drowned out. If the room is tiled, place a rug down to absorb the
sound that is reflected from the floor. However, if rear speakers are going to be
installed, the rear wall should not be covered with sound absorbing materials. In a
home theater, you will want the rear sounds to be reflected back into the listening
area. Remember, absorb sound in the front of the room and reflect sound in the
rear of the room (see figure 6.3.5).
(Figure 6.3.5, rear speakers)
6.4
Home Theater Speakers

The sound quality of a home theater comes down to the speakers. Some people buy
the best audio and video components, and they make sure that all of the
components support the latest surround sound formats. However, if they skimp on
the speakers they will be disappointed with the sound of their system. The opposite
is also true. Spending too much on speakers will not help boost the performance of
poorly matched audio and video components. Audio and video components must
be matched to get the most out of a home theater.
(Figure 6.4, Speakers)
6.4.1
Speaker Components
Speakers convert electrical energy into sound waves. The cone in a speaker produces
sound when it vibrates. The cone is usually made of paper or plastic. The edge of
the cone is attached to the speakers metal frame (or basket) with a flexible material.
The flexible material allows the cone to freely move back and forth when a sound
signal is sent to the speaker. The center of the cone is connected to a device that is
called a spider. The spider connects the cone to the voice coil, and it is placed inside
of a permanent magnet. The voice coil fits inside the permanent magnet, but it is
not connected to it. The voice coil is allowed to move freely up and down inside the
permanent magnet.
The speakers voice coil is connected to an electrical sound source. As sound signals
are sent to the voice coil, it interacts with the permanent magnet. As the sound
signal changes between positive and negative voltages, the voice coil moves up and
down in the permanent magnet. This interaction between the coil and the
permanent magnet causes the speakers cone to move back and forth. As the cone
moves back and forth, air is compressed and decompressed and sound is produced.
(Figure 6.4.1, Speaker Components)
6.4.2
Drivers
If you take the front off of a speaker you may see three individual speakers within a
speaker enclosure. Technically the entire enclosure is called a speaker; the devices
inside are called drivers. Drivers are divided into three basic types: woofers,
tweeters, and midrange. Each driver type is designed to reproduce a range of
frequencies:
Woofers
Woofers are designed to reproduce low frequencies that are usually below 200 Hz.
A woofer is the largest of the speakers (see figure 6.4.2a).
(Figure 6.4.2a, Woofer driver)

Tweeters
Tweeters are small drivers designed to reproduce high frequencies above 2,000 Hz.
A tweeter is the smallest of the three types of drivers (see figure 6.4.2b).
(Figure 6.4.2b, tweeter driver)

Midrange
Midrange speakers reproduce the middle range of frequencies from approximately
200 Hz to 2,000 Hz. The size of a midrange driver is between the woofer and the
tweeter (see figure 6.4.2c).
(Figure 6.4.2c, midrange driver)

You may have noticed that there is a relationship between the size of the speaker
and the frequencies that the speaker is designed to reproduce. Low frequencies need
a large area to be reproduced correctly. High frequencies need a small surface area
to be reproduced.
6.4.3
The Crossover Circuit

Within a speaker, the woofer, tweeter, and midrange driver need to see just the
frequency that they are to reproduce. Speakers contain a circuit that is called the
crossover. It is the job of the crossover circuit to split up the frequencies and send
the signal to the correct speaker. The crossover circuit acts as a frequency filter. The
crossover blocks certain frequencies and passes others. The crossover only sends
low frequencies to the woofer and high frequencies to the tweeter; all other
frequencies would be sent to the midrange driver.
(Figure 6.4.3, crossover circuit and speakers)
6.4.4
Speaker Specifications
How are speakers compared with each other? Why is one speaker considered better
than another? The best way to answer these questions is to understand basic speaker
specifications. There are two speaker specifications that all installers should be able
to describe: frequency response and speaker sensitivity.
Frequency Response
The human ear can hear frequencies from about 20Hz to 20,000Hz. A speaker's
frequency response specifies how much of the 20-20,000Hz range can be
reproduced. It is also important that the frequency response is flat across this range.
In the frequency charts below you can see that speaker A is almost flat, where
speaker E drops off at the higher frequencies. Also, speaker Es frequency response
is not flat (see figure 6.4.4a). Speaker A is the best choice for your home theater.
(Figure 6.4.4a, Frequency Response)
Speaker Sensitivity
The speaker sensitivity rating lets you know how much sound pressure (volume) a
speaker will produce for a given amount of input power. The higher the sensitivity
rating, the louder the speaker will be for a given amount of power. The sensitivity
rating measures the volume (measured in dB) for every watt of input power.
Sensitivity is an industry standard, and test conditions are critical for sensitivity
specifications to be meaningful. To measure a speakers sensitivity, the following
test conditions must be in place:
Input test conditions:
The input power is 1 watt.
The standard input voltage is 2.83 volts.
The speakers input impedance will be 8 ohms.
Output test conditions:
The output will be measured in an anechoic chamber. An anechoic
chamber is a room that absorbs all sound.
The output is measured one meter from the speakers. The output is a
measurement of the speakers sound pressure level (SPL). SPL is the
acoustic power of sound waves produced by the speakers and is measured
in dB.
The following is an example of a sensitivity test: 87dB @ 1W/1m. This means that
the speaker produced 87dB of volume with 1 watt of input power at distance of 1
meter. A speakers sensitivity rating is usually displayed as a single number. In the
example above, 87dB @ 1w/1m would be displayed as 87dB. Sensitivity ratings can
be misleading if you dont remember how to convert dB into power. Remember, to
gain 3dB more of volume your speakers will need twice the power. For example, a
speaker with a sensitivity of 89dB will need twice the power to be as loud as a
speaker with a sensitivity rating of 92dB (see flash animation 6.4.4b).
(Figure 6.4.4b, flash animation: as the student slides the speaker sensitivity bar the
sound of the speaker changes. As the speaker is made to be more sensitive the
louder it becomes.)
6.4.5
Speaker Types
There are several types of speakers that are common in home theaters: freestanding,
in-wall, ceiling mounted, and surface mounted.
Freestanding speakers
Freestanding, or box speakers, stand alone on the floor (see figure 6.4.5a).
Freestanding speakers include the traditional wooden box speakers that have been
popular for years. Many freestanding speakers are thought of as furniture, and use
premium woods. However, today you may see tall speakers that look like a tower.
Unlike in-wall and ceiling speakers, freestanding speakers are tuned to the case. For
this reason, most audio technicians believe that freestanding speakers sound better
than in-wall speakers.
(Figure 6.4.5a, freestanding speaker)

In-wall and ceiling mounted speakers
If the space in the home theater is limited, mounting the speakers in the walls and
ceiling may be the installers best option. Any home theater speaker can be mounted
in a wall or in the ceiling. However, the front speakers need to be close to the
viewing area and should be placed near the video display. Most audio technicians
recommend that only the left and right surround sound and the rear speakers be
mounted in the walls. The left and right surround sound and rear speakers are used
for background sounds, like a helicopter flying overhead. Their overall sound is not
as important as the front speakers. When surround sound speakers are installed, it is
common to place the left and right surround sound speakers in the walls, and the
rear speakers in the ceiling (see figures 6.4.5b and 6.4.5c).
(Figure 6.4.5b, in-wall speaker)
(Figure 6.4.5c, ceiling speakers)
Surface mounted speakers

Surface mounted speakers are mounted to a wall or ceiling with a bracket (see figure
6.4.5d). Surface mounted speakers can easily be replaced and it may be easier to
install speaker wire on the outside of the wall in some homes. Also, some surface
mounted speakers are water resistant and are designed to be installed outside the
home.
(Figure 6.4.5d, surface mounted speaker)
6.4.6
Speaker Connectors
There are many ways to connect speaker cables to the home theater equipment. On
the back of most speakers is a connector that is called a 5-way binding post (see
figure 6.4.6a). Cables can be connected to a binding post with five different types of
connectors: bare wire, spade, pin-type, banana, and double banana.
(Figure 6.4.6a, speaker binding posts)

Bare Wire
This is the simplest method to connect speaker wire to the binding post. The wire
just needs to be stripped and twisted so wire stands stay together, and then placed
under the binding posts. The binding posts are screwed down to hold the bare wire
(see figure 6.4.6b).
(Figure 6.4.6b, bare wire connected to the binding posts)

Spade Connectors
A spade connector fits around the binding post and is held down when the binding
post is tightened (see figure 6.4.6c).
(Figure 6.4.6c, spade connectors)
Pin-type Connectors
If you are using thick speaker wire, you might consider using pin-type connectors.
The slender pin will fit in the hole that is at the base of the binding post. This is
similar to the way bare wire is connected to a binding post. After the pin-type
connector is placed in hole, the binding post can be tightened down to hold it in
place (see figure 6.4.6d).
(Figure 6.4.6d, pin-type connector)

Banana Plugs
Banana plugs plug straight into the center of the binding post and are held in place
by friction. Since banana plugs are not tightened down in the binding post, they are
easily disconnected by pulling the plug out (see figure 6.4.6e).
(Figure 6.4.6e, banana plug)

Double-Banana Plugs
Audio equipment needs two wires to connect to a speaker. The two wires are
polarized; one positive and one negative. A double-banana plug connects both
wires to the speaker in the same plug (see figure 6.4.6f). A double-banana plug
works the same way as a single banana plug. It simply plugs into the binding post
and is held in place with friction.
(Figure 6.4.6f, double-banana plug)
6.5
Home Theater Video

The analog television standards used today are outdated. To switch to the new High
Definition Television (HDTV) digital standards, you will need a television tuner to
receive and decode high definition signals, and a high definition display that can
reproduce HDTV images. In this section we will discuss television broadcast
standards, high definition tuners, and high definition displays.
(Figure 6.5, Video Components)
6.5.1
Analog Television Signal Standards

In North America most televisions use the National Television System Committee
(NTSC) signal. The NTSC standard is now over fifty years old. The NTSC signal
draws 525 lines of video, 30 times per second, on a TV screen. NTSC is an
interlaced signal which means that lines have to be drawn twice to make one video
frame. The first video signal draws a video signal on the screen, but skips every
other line. The second time the video signal is drawn, it is placed in-between the
lines of the first signal. Each pass of the video signal creates a field. It takes two
fields (two passes of the NTSC video signal) to create one frame. Therefore, it takes
60 fields to create 30 frames of video (see figure 6.5.1).
In Europe, and most of the rest of the world, the Phase Alternating Line (PAL)
video standard has been in use for over fifty years. PAL draws 625 lines of video at
50 times per second. PAL also uses an interlaced signal. A version of PAL that is
called, Squentiel couleur avec mmoire (SECAM) is used in France. NTSC, PAL,
and SECAM are analog signals and are no longer considered to be high resolution.
In this section we will discuss new digital standards that have been developed.
(Figure 6.5.1, video interlaced signals)

In the United States, the last day analog signals will be broadcast is February 17,
2009. After this day all television stations will broadcast only digital signals. To
receive a digital signal on an analog television, an inexpensive digital to analog
converter box is needed. The analog converter box converts digital broadcast signals
into an analog signal. However, a digital to analog converter box will not convert the
signal into a high definition signal.
6.5.2
High Definition Terms

Before we discuss the new digital TV technologies, you should be able to define
some of the terms associated with high definition. At a minimum, you should be
able to describe the following terms: aspect ratio, digital broadcast signal, and pixel.
Aspect Ratio
A televisions aspect ratio refers to the width and the height of a picture. Analog,
NTSC televisions use a 4 by 3 (4:3) aspect ratio; if the screen was 20 inches wide it
would be 15 inches tall. HDTVs are wider than standard televisions. HDTVs use an
aspect ratio that is at least 16 by 9 (16:9). The Sixteen-by-Nine aspect ratio is
closer to what you would see on a movie theater screen (see figure 6.5.2a). Some
high definition standards are calling for even wider screens with higher aspect ratios.
You might see HDTV with a 1.85:1 or 2.36:1 aspect ratio in the near future.
(Figure 6.5.2a, aspect ratio comparison)

Digital Broadcast Signal
Older broadcast signal standards (NTSC and PAL) were based on analog signals.
High definition signals are transmitted using digital signals. A digital signal encodes
the signal as it leaves the broadcaster and is decoded when it reaches a High
Definition Television (HDTV). If the high definition television sees an error as it
decodes the signal, it considers the error to be noise and drops it. This is one of the
reasons high definition televisions produce a clearer signal.
Pixel
The word Pixel is made from two words: Picture and Element. A pixel is the
smallest video element in a digital television. You can think of the pixel as being an
individual dot on the television (see figurer 6.5.2b). The more pixels (dots) a
HDTV supports, the better its picture will be.
(Figure 6.5.2b pixel)
6.5.3
Advanced Television Systems Committee

The Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) is a not-for-profit, vendorneutral organization that was created in 1983 to develop new digital broadcast
standards. The standards created by ATSC have been primarily adopted by countries
in North America including: Canada, The United States, and Mexico. In December
of 1996, the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted the
ATSCs Digital Television (DTV) Standard. The ATSC standards that are important
to home theater installers include:
Standard Definition Television (SDTV)

High Definition Television (HDTV)
Multichannel surround sound audio
8-level vestigial sideband modulation (8VSB)
Standard Definition Television (SDTV)

The SDTV digital format is a designed to replace the NTSC and PAL standards.
SDTV supports both analog and digital signals. SDTV is not a high definition
standard. However, SDTV has a resolution of 480 lines and supports both
traditional (4:3) and widescreen (16:9) aspect ratios.
High Definition Standard Resolutions
The resolution of a High Definition TV (HDTV) determines the quality of the
picture. Current high definition resolutions are listed below:
HDTV 720 (1,280 horizontal pixels x 720 vertical pixels) 16:9 aspect ratio
HDTV 1080 (1,920 horizontal pixels x 1,080 vertical pixels) 16:9 aspect ratio
You may also see and i or a p next to the resolution standard. The i means
that the signal is interlaced. In an interlaced signal, every other line is skipped during
the first pass of the video signal and filled in on the second pass (see figure 6.5.3).
The p stands for progressive scanning. A progressive signal does not skip any
lines as it draws a picture. In a progressive signal picture, every line of the HDTV is
drawn the first time the video signal passes over the display. A 1080p HDTV has a
higher resolution than a 1080i HDTV. Most digital broadcast signals can achieve
resolutions up to 1080i. Some digital video disks can achieve resolutions up to
1080p.
(Figure 6.5.3, 1080i, Interlaced Signal)
Whether it is an interlaced or progressive signal, high definition signals produce a

frame rate of 60 frames per second. A signal at 60 frames per second has twice the
resolution of an analog signal. Also, HDTVs use approximately one million to two
million pixels to display one frame. A conventional TV will use approximately
300,000 to one million pixels to display one frame.
Multichannel surround-sound audio
The Dolby Digital surround sound format was chosen to be used as the surround
standard for ATSC broadcasts.
8-level Vestigial Sideband Modulation (8VSB)
8VSB is the ATSC standard for the transmission of digital television using radio
frequencies. 8VSB defines how terrestrial broadcasts are sent and received in North
American countries. Terrestrial broadcasts are transmitted along the surface of the
Earth from antenna to antenna. 8VSB helps installers determine the correct antenna
for a home theater antenna.
6.5.4
Digital Video Broadcasting

Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) is a European, vendor-neutral, group that was
brought together to create new digital broadcast standards. Like the ATSC, the
DVB has created several standards that define how high definition, digital
equipment will work together. The Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) project
standard covers digital services over cable (DVB-C), over satellites (DVB-S), and
using terrestrial (DVB-T) transmitters.
DVB-C
The C in this standard is for cable networks. DVB-C defines how high-definition
digital signals will be transmitted over cable networks.
DVB-S
The S in this standard is for satellite networks. This standard defines the encoding
method for high-definition satellite transmissions. The primary use for the DVB-S
standard is for the distribution of HDTV.
DVB-T
The T in this standard stands for terrestrial networks. High-definition televisions
do not need a satellite disk to receive high-definition broadcasts. Similar to 8VSB,
the DVB-T standard defines how high-definition digital signals are transmitted
along the surface of the Earth from antenna to antenna. DVB-T also sets standards
on how homes receive over-the-air signals. DVB-T is comparable to the ATSCs
8VSB standard (see figure 6.5.4).
(Figure 6.5.4 DVB-T signal)

Tech Tip
In the UK, Digital Terrestrial TV (DTTV) is used for broadcasts. DTTV is also
referred to as DVB-T, to separate it from satellite and cable networks. DTTV in the
UK carries some radio stations as well as TV stations.
6.5.5
High Definition TV Tuners

TV tuners are designed to receive TV broadcast signals. The tuner that is in your
TV determines which kind of signals your TV will be able to display. For the last
fifty years, people did not need to pay attention to their analog TV tuner because
they were all the same. To use a high-definition television in a home you will need a
tuner that can decode HDTV signals.
In North America, your tuner will need to receive NTSC and ATSC signals. In
Europe, Africa, and Asia most tuners will need to receive PAL and DVB signals. If
you plan to use satellite or over-the-air (terrestrial) signals you need to make sure
that your receiver is capable of decoding those signals. In addition to the TV tuners,
you should be familiar with Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM), CableCards,
and scalers.
Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM)
In most countries, a high-definition tuner (ATSC or DVB) is required in all new
TVs. However, you will need a different kind of tuner if you use a cable provider.
The QAM format is used in North America to encode and transmit digital video
signals over cable networks. The QAM format is similar to the European DVB-C
format. The QAM TV tuner decodes digital signals and sends them to your TV.
QAM signals are usually sent over private cable networks, and therefore a QAM
receiver is optional on most TVs. Most cable providers will install a QAM tuner box
in your home to connect you to their network.
CableCard
If you dont want your cable providers tuner box and all the wires that go with it,
you might consider installing a CableCard (see figure 6.5.5a) in your TV. A
CableCard is a small card that plugs into a TV. For a TV to use a CableCard, it must
be Digital Cable Ready (DCR) (see figure 6.5.5b). When the CableCard is installed,
the cable from the cable provider can be directly plugged into the TV. Before you
install a CableCard you need to make sure it supports all the features you need.
Many CableCards do not support features that you might find with a cable
providers tuner box.
(Figure 6.5.5a, CableCard)
(Figure 6.5.5b, Digital Cable Ready logo)

Scalers
A video scaler converts an input signal to a higher resolution, to match the
resolution of a HDTV. For example, if the input signal is 720p and the HDTV is
capable of 1080i, a scaler will fill in the blanks to match the resolution of the
HDTV. This scaler process is called up-conversion. Scalers are not always used to
increase resolution. A home theater may have a DVD player that produces a higher
resolution than a HDTV can service. In this case, the scaler would be used to reduce
the resolution. The process of decreasing resolution is known as decimation.
6.5.6
Video Display Technologies

The high resolution of a HDTV video display is enough reason to convert a
standard TV into a home theater. As we discussed earlier, a HDTV can have three
or four times the resolution of a standard TV. As the industry has grown, the quality
of video displays has improved and most are sharp and bright even in well lit rooms.
As an installer, you should be familiar with all of the major video display
technologies. You should also be able to describe the following high-definition
video technologies: CRT, DLP, LCD, LCOS, and Plasma. Also, you should be able
to describe the characteristics of rear and front projections, direct view, and flat
panel displays.
Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)
In a CRT, three beams of light (red, green, blue) are pointed to the inside of the
screen to create an image. The front of the screen is coated with phosphorus. The
phosphorus is excited and lights up as the CRT beams pass over (see figure
6.5.6a). As the three beams of light vary, a full spectrum of colors is displayed.
(Figure 6.5.6a, CRT display)

Digital Light Processing (DLP)
DLP technology uses an optical semiconductor that is called a Digital Micromirror
Device (DMD). The DMD (also called a DLP chip) uses mirrors to reflect light
onto the screen (see figure 6.5.6b). Each mirror in a DPL chip is the size of one
pixel.
(Figure 6.5.6b, DLP technology)
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

LCD technology uses three separate (red, green, blue) glass panels to create a video
image. As light passes through the liquid crystals, individual pixels open to allow
light to pass or close to block light (see figure 6.5.6c). Each LCD pixel acts like a
venetian blind. As the venetian blind is opened and closed, the light produces an
image and it is projected onto a video screen.
(Figure 6.5.6c, LCD pixels)

Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS)
The LCoS is a hybrid technology that shares technologies from both LCD and
DPL. In LCoS, as liquid crystals open and close, light is either reflected from a
mirror or it is blocked (see figure 6.5.3d).
(Figure 6.5.6d, LCoS)

Plasma
Plasma displays use small fluorescent lights to create an image. When the gases in
the fluorescent lights are energized, they light up. Each pixel on a plasma screen is
made up of very small red, green, and blue fluorescent lights (see figure 6.5.6e).
(Figure 6.5.6e, plasma display technology)
6.5.7
Video Projectors and Screens

High-definition video technologies have to be projected onto a video display for
them to be viewed. There are several display options that are available today
including rear and front projectors, and direct view and flat panel displays.
Rear Projectors
A rear projector projects the video signal from the rear of the display. In a rear
projector, the video source is inside of the television cabinet. The video source
produces a video signal that is reflected off of a mirror that enlarges the picture. The
video technologies inside of a rear projector include: CRT, DLP, LCD, and LCoS
(see figure 6.5.7a).
(Figure 6.5.7a, Rear Projectors)

Front Projectors
A front projector display is made of two components: the projector and a screen.
The screen is usually mounted on the home theater wall or drops down from the
ceiling. The front projector can be set on a table, but it is usually mounted in the
ceiling. Front projectors use LCD and LCoS video display technologies (see figure
6.5.7b).
(Figure 6.5.7b, Front Projector)
Direct View
Direct view displays use CRTs. Direct view displays have been around the longest
and deliver an excellent picture. However, CRTs are heavy and need more power
than other video displays. The largest direct view display measures about 40 inches
(see figure 6.5.7c). For these reasons, direct view displays are losing home theater
market share.
(Figure 6.5.7c, Display View Screen)

Flat Panel
Flat panel displays use LCD and Plasma technologies. LCD flat-panel displays use a
similar technology to those found on a laptop computer. The video in a flat panel
screen is projected directly onto the screen. Flat panel can be lighter and thinner
when compared to other projected technologies (see figure 6.5.7d). In many home
theaters the flat panel display is mounted on the wall (see figure 6.5.7e, flat panel
wall mount).
(Figure 6.5.7d, Flat Panel Screen)
(Figure 6.5.7e, Flat Panel Wall Mounted)

Academic Business Consultants Dhti+ Chapter 6, Home Theater Fundamentals David Stilson

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Originaltitel

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Academic Business Consultants Dhti+ Chapter 6, Home Theater Fundamentals David Stilson

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

2008

Academic Business Consultants

Academic Business Consultants | Chapter 6, Home Theater Fundamentals | Page 1

CHAPTER 6 HOME THEATER FUNDAMENTALS

Home Theater Speakers

Home Theater Video

Academic Business Consultants | Chapter 6, Home Theater Fundamentals | Page 2

Academic Business Consultants | Chapter 6, Home Theater Fundamentals | Page 3

(Figure 6.0, high-end home theater)

Academic Business Consultants | Chapter 6, Home Theater Fundamentals | Page 4

Amplitude, Wavelength, and Frequency

Academic Business Consultants | Chapter 6, Home Theater Fundamentals | Page 5

Amplitude, Wavelength, and Frequency

(Figure 6.1.1a, wave amplitude)

(Figure 6.1.1b, wavelength)

(Figure 6.1c, wave frequency)

Analog and Digital Signals

(Figure 6.1.2a, analog signal: human voice)

(Figure 6.1.2b, analog input and output signals)

Academic Business Consultants | Chapter 6, Home Theater Fundamentals | Page 7

(Figure 6.1.2c, analog vs. digital signals)

Academic Business Consultants | Chapter 6, Home Theater Fundamentals | Page 8

(Figure 6.1.3, bandwidth)

Academic Business Consultants | Chapter 6, Home Theater Fundamentals | Page 9

Additional Power Needed

(Figure 6.1.4, dB power chart)

Academic Business Consultants | Chapter 6, Home Theater Fundamentals | Page 10

(Figure 6.1.5a, current flowing in a stream)

Academic Business Consultants | Chapter 6, Home Theater Fundamentals | Page 12

(Figure 6.2, home theater system)

Academic Business Consultants | Chapter 6, Home Theater Fundamentals | Page 13

Surround Sound Speakers

(Figure 6.2.1: 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1 speaker placements)

Academic Business Consultants | Chapter 6, Home Theater Fundamentals | Page 14

Surround Sound Formats

(Figure 6.2.2a, DSP signal)

(Figure 6.2.2b, surround sound formats)

Academic Business Consultants | Chapter 6, Home Theater Fundamentals | Page 15

Dolby TrueHD Master Audio

(Figure 6.2.3a, Dolby logo)

(Figure 6.2.4, discrete and matrixed sound channels)

Academic Business Consultants | Chapter 6, Home Theater Fundamentals | Page 16

Dolby Digital EX (DD-EX)

Academic Business Consultants | Chapter 6, Home Theater Fundamentals | Page 17

Digital Theater Systems

Digital Theater Systems High Definition Master Audio (DTS-HD)

(Figure 6.2.4a, Dolby logo)

Academic Business Consultants | Chapter 6, Home Theater Fundamentals | Page 18

(Figure 6.2.5, THX logo)

Academic Business Consultants | Chapter 6, Home Theater Fundamentals | Page 19

Academic Business Consultants | Chapter 6, Home Theater Fundamentals | Page 20

(Figure 6.3.1, Sound Absorption Materials)

Academic Business Consultants | Chapter 6, Home Theater Fundamentals | Page 21

(Figure 6.3.2, home theater layout)

Academic Business Consultants | Chapter 6, Home Theater Fundamentals | Page 22

Front Speaker Placement

(Figure 6.3.3, Front Speaker Placement)

Academic Business Consultants | Chapter 6, Home Theater Fundamentals | Page 23

Side Speaker Placement

(Figure 6.3.4, bipole and dipole speakers)

Academic Business Consultants | Chapter 6, Home Theater Fundamentals | Page 24

Rear Speaker Placement

(Figure 6.3.5, rear speakers)