| What you need
What goes into a home entertainment center is up to the discretion of the owner, but there are a few bare essentials. • Television
• Four speakers
• Splitting equipment (receiver) The owner can add onto this
list as well: • DVD player or VCR
• Digital satellite/cable system
• Computer/laptop ---------------- 
Television
The television is a key component to any entertainment system. The DVD player, satellite/cable run through the TV while it runs through the receiver so the sound is synchronized. They come in flat screen, High-definition, digital, and standard. -------------- Speakers
Speakers are essential to building a successful entertainment system. There are three types of speakers to choose from: Floor-standing units, bookshelf units or in-wall units. Bookshelf and in-wall speakers are usually good when there is not much space in the room. | | Bookshelf speakers typically cost about $100 for a good pair. | | Standing floor speakers will cost the most, some starting at $100 each, running up to $300 each. |  | | | In-wall speakers can start as cheap as $75 and go up to $250. |
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Receivers
 Along with the importance of speakers comes the necessity of a receiver. The receiver serves as the brain of the home entertainment system; everything runs to it and is dispersed throughout. Speakers, TV, DVD player, VCR, computer devices all go through the receiver and with a click of the remote all sound can be controlled.
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 Putting it together
Getting everything together starts with the room you choose. Try to stick with an enclosed room because sound will remain in the room. The second step is to decide where the television goes because the system should be built around the TV. The two or three main speakers should be spaced evenly around the TV. The idea is that viewers shouldn't be aware of the speakers when watching the TV. Also when positioning two speakers from the rear, they should be evenly spaced behind the central listening position.
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| Surround-sound
 There are four variations of surround-sound now, and depending on the receiver, it can be set up different ways.
Dolby Surround Sound
This is the most basic setup. This is the combination of left and right front and rear sound. Dolby Pro Logic
This setup involves five speakers, three in the front and two in the rear. It gives a rich stereo sound in front, and a general sensation noise from the behind. Dolby Digital
The difference from Pro Logic is that it has a separate channel for a subwoofer. Dolby Digital EX
A sixth speaker is added right behind the listener | |
