Before we speak too much about connection plates we need to talk about sound. More specifically surround sound. When we do, what comes to most people’s mind is Dolby surround sound and quite rightly so. As they are without a doubt a world leader when it comes to audio noise reduction and compression.

But did you know there are more than one type of Dolby surround sound speakers?

DOLBY ATMOS

First, let’s talk Dolby Atmos. Dolby boasts that that their Atmos product has ‘revoluntionalised’ cinema sound and now allows users to ‘enjoy the same multidimensional experience in [their] home theatre’. Sounds great, right? Well, let’s take a closer look.

Traditional Dolby surround sound speakers work by using speaker placement to provide listeners with a 360-degree sound area. However, what Dolby Atmos enabled speakers or the additional Atmos in ceiling speakers does, is also direct that sound upwards. So rather than just dealing with sound working in a 360-degree circle around the listener, it bounces sound off the ceiling which gives it a truly 3-D feel.

These speakers come in two options: (i) integrated units that incorporate traditional speakers in addition to the Atmos technology, and (ii) add on modules that only use the new Atmos elements that you would simply add onto your existing speaker set up. This means the choice is between a brand new fully integrated set up, or an add on to your existing one.

Although 2 Atmos speakers would be enough to enhance your audio experience, the recommendation from the Dolby team is to use four speakers if possible for optimum results.

SO, WHAT DOES THE SET UP LOOK LIKE?   

5.1.2 Set Up

The 5.1.2 set up utilises the standard 5.1 speaker recommendation from Dolby with the addition of X2 Atmos enabled speakers. If you are using Dolby enabled speakers then these should be placed on the front left and front right speakers, or installed in the ceiling above the listening position.

5.1.4 Set UpThe 5.1.4 set up utilises the standard 5.1 speaker recommendation from Dolby with the addition of X4 Atmos enabled speakers. If you are using Dolby enabled speakers then these should be placed on the front left and front right along with the rear left and right speakers, or installed in the ceiling around the listening position as detailed below.

7.1.2 Set Up

A similar set up to the 5.1.2, the 7.1.2 set up incorporates 2 additional speakers into the configuration. This adds an additional dimension to the surround experience giving it a fully 360-degree, 3-dimensional sound. The additional speakers can be used on the front left and right or installed in ceiling as detailed below.

7.1.4 Set Up

A similar set up to the 7.1.2, the 7.1.4 set up incorporates 4 additional speakers into the configuration. This adds an additional dimension to the surround experience giving it a fully 360-degree, 3-dimensional sound. The additional speakers can be used on the front left and right along with the rear left and right  or installed in ceiling as detailed below.

9.1.2 Set Up

The 9.1.2 set up utilises the standard 9.1 speaker recommendation from Dolby with the addition of X2 Atmos enabled speakers. If you are using Dolby enabled speakers then these should be placed on the front left and front right speakers, or installed in the ceiling around the listening position as detailed below.

9.1.4 Set Up

The 9.1.4 set up utilises the standard 9.1 speaker recommendation from Dolby with the addition of X4 Atmos enabled speakers. If you are using Dolby enabled speakers then these should be placed on the front left and front right along with the rear left and right speakers, or installed in the ceiling around the listening position as detailed below.

So that’s the speakers and the set up options available, but how do you connect it all together?

NEXT, WE NEED TO TALK connection PLATES

Connection plates – also known as termination plates – are used in permanent AV installations. These plates allow equipment to be connected via panels and bring the added benefit of that is allows the connection of multiple input devices from an easily accessible point.

We stock a variety of manufactured AV Wall / Connection Plates for the most commonly used connections along with modular wall plate solutions. This allows customers to customise their wall plates by selecting the appropriate connector modules and face plate surround. More specifically our range of speaker connection plates for home cinema installation provide the perfect solution for surround sound installations and pair perfectly with the Dolby Atmos range.

We use banana plugs to make connections between the speakers and home cinema receiver via professional connection plates and provide a single point of access for all devices and speakers.

There are a wide range of finish options available in all our connection plates including: white or black plastic, Georgian or Edwardian brass, polished or brushed chrome, gum metal black as well as polished or brushed brass. This means there really is a connection plate to match any decor, complimenting your home cinema finish.

If you would like to discuss Dolby surround sound technology and the supporting connection plates that we have available, you can call the experts today for free independent advice. Therefore, please don’t hesitate to get on touch on 0800 669 6600 and speak to our AV experts today.