Video Asylum

Posted by RAW on October 11, 2000 at 08:25:38:

In Reply to: Will 5.1 be obsolete in a few years? posted by Jim P. on October 11, 2000 at 07:43:05:

NO, NO, NO.

You have nice hardware. DTV's audio standard is 5.1. If you have a DISH with 5.1 output, your playing 5.1. Also, if you have a small room or medium size room, the 5.1 will play nicely. EX is an extension to 5.1 by adding rear speakers, but there isn't a lot of software utilizing the EX. Most of the programming you'll hear is in 5.1 or pro-logic (maybe some DTS). Now I have a Lexicon unit that can play the EX but I only have 2 discs with the EX, I have a large room, so I need the extra speakers. If you really want to hear a differance, try treating the walls with accoustic material. The room is where you'll really hear a differance, aside from the speakers you use. My pro-logic sounds better than most people's 5.1 because of my room accoustics. Add a sub if you don't have one. One other thing, hardwood floors look nice but sound bad, so add a throw rug to soften the room. In other words, enjoy what you have don't worry and put that money into buying a DVD or CD (or invest it while the market is running stagnant).