Video:Quick Tip: Proper Speaker Placement for a 6.1 Home Theater

Transcript:Quick Tip: Proper Speaker Placement for a 6.1 Home Theater

Hi I'm Chris Davis for About.com.  A 6.1 surround sound system sounds great. Let's quickly review where to place your speakers.

6.1 Surround Sound for Rectangular Rooms

Assuming that you are using a square or rectangular room this speaker placement will apply.  You may have to make some slight alterations with a different room shape.  You will have 6 speakers to properly place in this system plus a subwoofer. The subwoofer is the point 1.

Placing the Main Front Speakers

Your center channel and left and right main speakers will be placed at the front of the room.  The center channel will be directly in front, either above or below the television. Optimal positioning places the speaker at ear level while seated.

The left and right main speakers should be placed on either side of the viewing screen equally apart from the center speaker.  If you are mounting on the wall than place them at ear level. If you are using stands then the speakers should be placed inward facing the viewer at about a 30 degree angle.

Placing the Subwoofer

The subwoofer provides low frequency omnidirectional sound so you can experiment with the placement a little.  Start at the front of the room to the left or right of the viewing area.  Try to avoid placing directly in a corner.  It will produce a booming or muddled bass.

Position the Final Surround Speakers

The two surround speakers should be placed at the left and right side of the listening area.  They will be slightly behind and above the listener to provide ambient audio.
And finally the rear center channel speaker should be placed directly behind to fill in the surround experience.

For additional home theater and audio tips, check out the About.com gadgets site. To learn more check us out on the web at About.com.  Thanks for watching.