5.1-channel systems
If you're not familiar with "5.1," it simply refers to a system's number of speakers: Three at the front, near your TV—left, center and right—and two speakers behind you.
The ".1" denotes a floor module that produces low-frequency musical notes and certain sound effects you'd hear in a movie, like the rumble of a jet plane or thunderstorm. Together, the speakers work in tandem to provide a total sound experience.
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You may prefer a 5.1-channel system if ... you have a larger room and love the idea of
sound truly surrounding you
and your guests.
A five-speaker setup can deliver particular sounds to specific speakers, depending on the soundtrack or recording.
It immerses you in a sound environment, with discreet
audio playing from each speaker. |
Let's say you're watching an auto racing movie, and the visual point of view is within a car. You'll hear sound effects of the cars behind you in the rear speakers. The sound of the cars in front of you will come from the front speakers. Just as if you're behind the wheel.
5.1-channel systems from Bose:
Lifestyle® systems designed for your own audio and video sources, offering easy connection for your DVD player, Blu-ray Disc™ player and other components (Lifestyle® V30 system shown above)
Speaker-only options:
If you already own a home theater receiver, you may prefer a
speaker-only package for your surround sound. These offer just the
speakers, without the connections or controls built in to other home theater systems.
For this selection, Bose® Acoustimass® speaker systems fit the bill, with both 5.1-channel systems and a 6.1-channel system (includes a rear center speaker for 6.1 sound). 2.1-channel systems
These simpler systems deliver home theater sound with just a left front speaker, a right front speaker and a floor module.
You may prefer a 2.1-channel
system if ... you have a smaller room in mind or would like a system with fewer speakers.
The two front speakers of a
2.1 system are designed to deliver a cinematic experience by spreading sound in a wide arc across the room.
This can still produce sound that conveys direction and motion. |
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Imagine that the point of view for that auto racing movie is now in the stands, with the crowd. A car zooming by from left to right on your screen might sound as if it's traveling left to right as well.
To provide the kind of spacious sound you might expect from a
5.1-channel system, Bose 2.1 systems include a proprietary innovation called TrueSpace® digital processing circuitry. It delivers multichannel sound with a very wide soundstage, and a strong center-channel
presence (even though there is no center speaker).
2.1-channel systems from Bose
CineMate speaker systems, the easiest Bose home theater offering, with one easy connection to your TV (CineMate GS Series II system shown above)
The Bose home theater guide
If you've determined the type of system that might suit your needs, you may want to try our handy home theater selection guide. Answer a few simple questions and the guide will recommend a specific product. |
