In a typical setup, multiple source devices will be connected to the TV via HDMI, a cable which can transmit both video and audio. You also benefit from having a dedicated subwoofer, as that provides deeper bass than you would get from regular speakers. Plays deep bass.Īll six speakers receive and play their unique audio channel, and having five speakers in different places, each playing different sounds, adds a sense of space and direction to the audio that you would not get with stereo setup (2.0). Subwoofer: Should be placed on the floor to the side of the TV.

These are mostly for playing sound from action occurring to the side and rear of the camera’s point of view. To the sides: One speaker each to the left and right of the seating area. For the most part, these handle dialogue and the sound of onscreen action. In front: One speaker to the left of the TV, one in the center (either just above or just below the screen), one to the right. The speakers are ideally positioned as follows. ‘5.1’ is the typical surround sound setup, and involves five (5) ‘regular’ speakers, and one subwoofer (which is the ‘.1’ in '5.1'). Here are a couple of examples of home entertainment setups that take advantage of a TV's 5.1 audio output and passthrough.Īdditional information 5.1 surround sound setup In short, 5.1 passthrough is just an option that allows you to get surround sound for multiple source devices, with few cables. This image is an example of a 5.1 surround sound setup with a TV that doesn’t support passthrough. If you use the TV’s speakers, or just use a 2.0 (two speakers) or 2.1 (two speakers + one subwoofer) sound system, you don’t need to worry about 5.1 passthrough.Īnd keep in mind that 5.1 passthrough isn’t a necessity. Note that some TVs can only pass 5.1 through over a certain connection (either digital optical or HDMI ARC), and some can only pass through certain signal types (DTS or Dolby Digital), so make sure you pick a TV that supports both the connection and signal type you wish to use. At least one source device capable of outputting a 5.1 audio signal.A 5.1 speaker system with an HDMI ARC or digital optical input.5.1 passthrough is only useful when you have the following:

Dolby 5.1 surround test