Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
If you still use a CRT, how can you tell whether wireless satellite speakers are causing in-
terferenceWatchyourmonitor;frequenciesashighas2KHzcaninterferewithyourvideo
display. Move the speakers away from the monitor, and check the display again.
Theater and Surround Sound Considerations
Ifyou'reaseriousgamerormovielover,youwon'tbecontentwithordinarystereophonic
sound. Most sound cards and integrated audio now support up to 7.1 surround sound. For
high-end use, you may prefer to connect your PC's audio subsystem to a home theater
system.
To ensure you get the sound you expect from four or more speakers, either directly con-
nected to the system or via a home theater amplifier, check the following:
• Use the properties sheet for your audio adapter to properly describe your speaker
setup. This includes selecting the number of speakers you are using, setting options
for 3D environmental audio and positional sound such as reverb, and setting up your
subwoofer if present.
• Make sure you use the correct cabling between your speakers and audio adapter. If
you are planning to use AC3/Dolby speaker setups, such as 4.1, 5.1, 6.1, or 7.1, be
sure you use the correct S/PDIF connection and configuration. This varies from audio
adapter to audio adapter; check the vendor's website for details.
• Make sure you have placed your speakers correctly. In some cases you can adjust the
audio adapter's properties to improve sound quality, but you might need to move the
speakers.
• Make sure you have connected your speakers to the proper jacks. Mixing up left and
right or front and rear causes poor sound quality.
•Selectthecorrectsettinginyouramplifierconfiguration.Ifyouaresendingyourcom-
puter'saudiosignalstoahometheater'samplifier,makesureyouselecttheoutputop-
tion corresponding to the input jacks you used. For example, many home theater amps
have selections for various types of devices. Be sure to select the correct input for BD
playback, DVD playback, or PC audio. The PC audio input you select depends upon
whether you are sending HDMI, S/PDIF, or stereo signals to the amp.
The simplest audio configuration available today is stereo, which uses two speakers
placed to overlap sound. Most audio adapters now support at least four speakers, but de-
pending on the audio adapter, settings, and sound output options in the program, the rear
speakers might simply mirror the front speakers' output, or you might have four distinct
sound streams.
