Zombietronix - Digital Audio & Surround Sound Help

Digital Audio & Surround Sound Help

A massive number of combinations and configurations of hardware exist that will work with Zombietronix 5.1 Channel effects. The purpose of this document is to guide you through recognizing the requirements for a hassle-free deployments.

If your surround sound system is functioning properly and you've watched movies with 5.1 channels then skip to Final Suggestions.

If you bought your DVD and amplifier separately, you'll have more options for integration as well as more opportunities to create a non-functioning configuration.

If you bought your home theater system as an all-in-one package containing the DVD player, speakers, and amplifier, then you'll likely have fewer opportunities for choosing an improper setting.

Do you have a dts decoder?

For the widest possible audience, we've created our 5.1 surround sound CDs to work with all versions of dts surround sound. You don't need to worry about having the right version of dts decoding, only that you can find one of several various dts logos on your equipment.

Do you have the proper hardware connections?

You have a variety of options for making sure the signal from your player reaches your receiver. In most cases, you'll use digital audio connections like those below. Notice that you have two options for digital audio: coaxial or optical.

The optical jack might look odd in the diagram above, but it usually has a plastic dust cap or cover.

An HDMI connection will also carry digital audio signals. If your equipment carries the HDMI logo and you have your system connected this way, you don't need to worry about the digital audio previously mentioned.

The final connection will look something like this:

Do you have the proper software settings?

You'll need to consult the manual for your player to make sure that a dts signal is being sent over the digital audio line.

This is more likely to be something you'll need to research if you bought the player and amplifier separately. If you bought an "all in one" home theater system, you probably won't need to worry about player to amplifier signaling.

Final Suggestions

Unlike movies, Zombietronix needs the five speakers to have the same volume to experience the spatial effects properly. Most surround sound configurations will not default to this setting. Your amplifier's owner's manual should be able to guide you through this tweak.
Each speaker should be an equal distance apart and in the shape of a circle.
Watch your FX! Surround sound amplifiers are replete with environmental effects that can artificially alter how a 5.1 Edition is played. Keep that in mind as you work through the process of integrating speakers into your environment.