This was the first true surround sound setup. There was a four point surround system but the lack of centre speaker prevented the true cinematic sound experience. The 5.1 speaker setup had 5 satellite speakers and a subwoofer (the subwoofer is the .1 as it doesn't provide anything more than the bass). The 5 satellite speakers were setup up as follows.

* Centre speaker

* Front left speaker

* Front right speaker

* Surround left speaker

* Surround right speaker

To set up a 5.1 speaker system you should position them as above. The centre speaker should be position either on top or underneath the screen if your screen is on a stand. The front left and right speakers should be set up on either side of the screen or mounted on the wall behind the screen on either side. The surround speakers should be setup approximately level with your seating position. Do not neglect the position of the surround speakers. Effectively these speaker set the 5.1 speaker system aside from standard stereo formats. The Surround speakers produce the ambient effects and special effects that cause the sound to fill the room. For example the 5.1 system allows you to hear a bullet whistle past you and cars roar along side you. The setup is crucial if you are to achieve this.

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