HDTV Entertainment: Is Your Home Theater Ready?

Digital TV and high-definition (HD) entertainment have finally arrived. New HDTV channels, HD programming, movies, and music videos are constantly being announced as networks and studios strive to release more HD content. To help consumers with their HD buying decisions, Dolby Laboratories has created HD Essentials: Get in the Middle of the HD Action—an easy-to-follow guide that demystifies the process and outlines the essentials of HD technology.

Following the FCC regulation that all full-power TV broadcasts in the United States go digital by February 17, 2009, many consumers have been upgrading to high-definition TV displays. And why not? Enjoying favorite movies, sporting events, and TV shows with an HD picture and surround sound is pretty exciting and fast becoming more affordable.

Knowing what to buy can be confusing, though. Some consumers don’t realize that there’s more to HD entertainment than just selecting an HDTV display. In order to bring HD entertainment to life, HD-quality surround sound plays an important role. Fortunately there are a number of choices available to meet specific budget and space requirements, from the stereo speakers that come with new digital TVs and HDTVs, to single sound-bar solutions and home-theater-in-a-box systems, to complete 5.1 and 7.1 speaker systems for custom home theaters.

“What we need to remember is that audio is a large part of the experience. With great surround sound, movies like the Harry Potter series or Transformers leap off the TV,” comments John Griffin, Marketing Director, Dolby Laboratories. “For anyone who experiences the amazing quality of today’s entertainment in the right setting, and who wants to have a great setup for their home, it’s possible with just a few essential components: an HDTV display and HD service, a surround sound system, and some great HD entertainment.”

Quality Sound Matters

The results of a research study conducted by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) showed that good TV sound actually improves perceived picture quality (CEA, Audio Purchasing Study, 2006). In other words, with HDTV you see the rain. Add a top-notch surround sound system, and you’ll be reaching for your umbrella.

Get Started with Dolby's HD Essentials Guide

Viewers have come to expect the emotional impact that surround sound brings to the viewing experience. To enable HD surround sound, you’ll need a set of speakers, a subwoofer, and a receiver. You can opt to purchase these separately or choose a home-theater-in-a-box system.

If you’re ready to experience HD entertainment with your own home theater, download HD Essentials: Get in the Middle of the HD Action and get started. It’s available on Dolby’s website at http://www.dolby.com/hdguide.

About Dolby Laboratories

Dolby Laboratories (NYSE:DLB) is the global leader in technologies that are essential elements in the best entertainment experiences. Founded in 1965 and best known for high-quality audio and surround sound, Dolby® innovations enrich entertainment at the movies, at home, or on the go. Visit www.dolby.com for more information.

Dolby and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. S08/19876 DLB-G