Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, September 12, 1995 TAG: 9509120047
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DAVID BUTLER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: The introduction of Dolby Surround to consumer audio marked the genesis of home theater. For the first time, motion picture soundtracks could be enjoyed at home as they were intended (sort of). However, this wasn't the first time that video and hi-fi audio danced together.
Even before stereo VCRs and TVs existed, consumer electronics manufacturers included "line-level" audio/video connections on their equipment. Consumers quickly caught on: Television sounded much better when routed through a stereo system. (Never mind that the signal wasn't stereo!)
At the time, stereo formats for albums, cassettes, FM radio and motion pictures were firmly established. Meanwhile, the VCR emerged as the centerpiece of home entertainment. Later came the stereo VCR, stereo A/V connections and, eventually, stereo television. Technology developed by Dolby Laboratories emerged as the standard for both theatrical and consumer audio.
Then something happened: "Star Wars" and other high-energy films began to push the motion picture industry into the realm of surround sound. Moviegoers took delight at being immersed in an aural virtual reality. The entire motion picture industry soon followed suit, forever elevating the roll of sound as film's equal partner. Again, Dolby set the standard - this time for theatrical surround sound.
Enter the audio/video receiver - actually, somewhat of a misnomer. In the audio world, a receiver consists of an amplifier, a preamplifier, an audio source switcher and an FM tuner. Following this logic, one might mistakenly expect an A/V receiver to include a video tuner. What an A/V receiver adds is video source switching - a valuable feature when you have multiple video sources.
The first A/V receivers did not include surround decoders. When Dolby Surround moved into the home, it was a peripheral component, connecting to an existing receiver or preamp via the tape loop. The rear speakers required a third amplifier (an aging stereo amp would do, even though the surround signal was monaural).
Dolby Surround soon gave way to Dolby Pro Logic, today's dominant home theater format. Pro Logic adds a center channel to elevate the dialog over other sounds. A number of companies now offer all-in-one Pro Logic A/V receivers for just about any budget. Most models provide a line-level output for a powered subwoofer.
THX, originally developed by Lucas Arts Entertainment, is a standard for sound reproduction in movie theaters. Home THX sets standards for a variety of home theater equipment including preamp/decoders, amps and speakers. Not only is it fully compatible with Pro Logic, Home THX
goes further by mandating a subwoofer and splitting the surround signal into left and right channels. Several THX-certified A/V receivers are now available.
Dolby Stereo Digital (SR-D), now the premier sound format for motion picture theaters, supports six channels (consistent with THX). The consumer version - dubbed Dolby Surround Digital - will soon be available, and a related format (AC-3) will be part of the long-awaited standard for digital high-definition television
To receive a list of companies that manufacture Pro Logic and THX integrated receivers and amplifiers, please send $1.50 and a self-addressed envelope to David Butler F-529, Department (please insert code), 14713 Pleasant Hill Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28278-7927. The list includes toll-free phone numbers and a summary of each company's products.
Q: I've heard that one shouldn't mix home stereo with home theater. Why is this?
A: Surround equipment is distinct in many ways from conventional stereo gear. For this reason, many audio purists would never consider mixing home audio with home theater. For the rest of us, however, a quality Pro Logic A/V receiver can serve both audio and home theater source components.
by CNB