• 5.1 Audio Test File
• Dolby 5.1 Audio Test File

Surround sound audio is, simply put, sound that completely surrounds you. It means a speaker in virtually every corner of the room, projecting high-quality digital sound at you from all angles just as though you were in a theater.

To test for DTS 5.1 passthrough via HDMI ARC, we connect a Blu-ray player to our TV via HDMI and play the 5.1 audio test found on the Spears & Munsil Calibration Disc, outputted via DTS 5.1. We then output the TV’s audio to our 5.1 receiver via HDMI ARC and see whether the receiver receives a 5.1 signal, or if it is downgraded to 2.1.

Oh, but there’s so much more. It also means sound diversification, with deep, thunderous bass rumbling the floorboards as an explosion happens on screen, and subtle sound effects skittering and tapping behind you in a suspenseful scene. For music, it’s being purely enveloped by the song you’re listening to.

In terms of nuts and bolts, it means a set of speakers, usually five, including the all-important “center speaker,” and a subwoofer for powerful bass. This is where the term “5.1” comes from -- five speakers and a subwoofer. If you're interested in buying a surround sound system, be sure to read the definitions below, as well as the breakdown of how the different parts work.

Components of a Surround Sound Speaker System

5.1 Audio Test File

• • Subwoofer
    A subwoofer is a large, powered speaker specifically designed to produce bass tones and other low-frequency notes. A subwoofer uses air pressure to create a deep, rumbling sound in order to fill a room with bass noises. Subwoofers are most often placed on the floor in the corner of a room or auditorium for maximum effect across the entire venue. When you’re in a room or theater with loud bass that makes the floor rumble impressively under your feet, that’s the subwoofer you’re feeling. On a PC surround sound system, a subwoofer helps create fantastic bass tones when playing music or a particularly exciting movie.
  • Center Speaker
    The center speaker in a surround sound system is often considered to be the most important speaker of all the speakers in a surround sound system. Usually larger, more versatile, and containing more individual speaker cones than the other satellite speakers, most of the “important sound” is channeled through this speaker. In movies, for example, this means dialog and other important sound effects. High-quality surround sound systems will have a center speaker that is different from the left and right satellites.
  • Satellite Speakers
    A satellite speaker is a general term used for any of the speakers meant to be placed on the left or right sides of the room. In a standard 5.1 system, this means left and right front speakers and left and right rear speakers. That’s a total of four speakers plus the center speaker, which makes five, and then the “.1” represents the subwoofer, which is how the term “5.1” developed. So, 6.1 surround sound means six speakers plus still just one subwoofer.
  • Equalizer or Mixer
    Usually, the equalizer or mixer will just be a part of your PC (or audio receiver, for home theaters). Most computers have built-in equalizers or mixers as part of their sound card output specs, and most audio software, such as iTunes, also comes with its own mixer. On really high-end systems, or on systems which require a lot of power, you may need a separate equalizer as part of a powered amplification system.

Types of Surround Sound Speaker Systems

• • 2.1 Speaker Systems
    2.1 audio systems are not technically “surround sound,” but they are definitely a step up from simple shelf speakers (which don’t have the benefit of a subwoofer). Just as with 5.1 systems, the “2” stands for two satellite speakers -- at the left and right front -- and the “.1” stands for the subwoofer. So 2.1 sound is a great economic solution if you don’t have the money or space for what is called “true” surround sound (at least 5.1 speakers), but you still want high quality, dynamic sound.
  • 5.1 Surround Sound Speakers
    5.1 surround sound and better is often referred to, when the system is of a high enough quality, as “true” surround sound. This is because the five speakers allow for two left and right front speakers, two left and right rear speakers (behind your head), a quality center speaker (thus the “5” in 5.1), and a powered subwoofer for deep, rumbling bass tones (that’s the “.1” in 5.1). When digital surround sound signals (such as Dolby or THX) are played through a system like this, you enter a whole new realm of sound, with thundering explosions, dynamic music, and subtle, encompassing sound effects all around your room.
  • 6.1, 10.2, and other Multi-Speaker Systems
    5.1 surround sound is considered the minimum number of speakers needed for true surround sound. Other common configurations include 6.1 (six speakers and a subwoofer) or 10.2 (ten speakers and two subwoofers). The configuration doesn’t matter a great deal and is mostly dependent upon your room size and personal desire. Most audio experts will tell you that above all, you just need to ensure that the speakers are balanced on each side of the room. In a 6.1 system, the extra satellite usually goes at the back center of the room, to balance out the front center speaker.

There's a lot more to having a perfect PC sound system than simply buying the latest and greatest 5.1 surround sound audio system or most sophisticated sound card.

You also have to maintain that audio system, making sure the speakers are all placed and adjusted correctly, that the volume for each individual satellite speaker is appropriate for where it sits, that the bass and treble are in line and in concert with one another and that you have appropriate settings for each type of media you're hoping to experience -- including music, movies, video games, or anything else you do.

Below you'll find some helpful hints and links to software designed specifically to help you test and calibrate your PC sound system -- even if you don't have a surround sound set up:

Objectives of Calibrating Your PC Audio

• Appropriate Volume - Make sure your rear speakers aren't too loud, your center speaker isn't too soft, and remain confident that your audio is balanced throughout the entire room.
• Balance Bass and Treble - Subwoofer rumbling too much? Speakers hissing when they hit those high notes? Calibrating your audio system will help reduce the overpowering aspects of your system, cut out clipping, soften bass, and generally result in a balanced and complete media experience.
• Ensure Correct Speaker Placement - Your system isn't all about volume and setting. If you have a large or otherwise oddly shaped room, you may have to spend a little time finding that perfect speaker placement for your side and rear speakers -- putting them on the back wall doesn't always automatically result in the best surround sound.

Special Software to Test and Adjust Your PC Audio

Dolby 5.1 Audio Test File

• PassMark SoundCheck - PassMark helps you test your PC sound card. Available for a free trial and then purchase.
• THX Audio Optimizer - THX Audio is a respected industry standard for audio systems, and so their audio testing is respected and widely used for home theater systems and PC audio systems alike. Usually available on a disc sold separately, a thorough description is available on the THX website.