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Okay, you have the system up and running. There are still a few more things to be done before you sit back to watch that first movie. Test your system. For DVD surround sound systems chose a DVD that really uses the technology. 'Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith' or any of the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy are favorites of many for showing off Dolby 5.1, DTS, EX and ES. Watch the whole movie later, right now go right to one of the battle scenes and listen for the effects. Are they clear and crisp? Do they follow the action? Do they go smoothly from one speaker to the next. If not check the wiring and connections. Reference Films There are many tapes and DVDs out there that can be used to test your new system and, lets be realistic, to impress your friends. For Dolby Prologic tapes use something like 'Independence Day' or 'Men in Black'. (Yes, many people still have legacy collections and have VCRs around.) Any modern Sci-Fi with the Dolby Prologic or surround sound logo will do. Make sure the sound is realistic and balanced. Dolby Prologic receivers and amps have a test tone. Use it to balance your speakers. For DVDs several discs are outstanding in putting your system to the paces and testing its limits. Right now, the best disc is still The Abyss. This disc shows off every aspect of your system form full Dolby 5.1 surround sound, DVD-ROM applications, special additional information and picture clarity. This DVD while older than most offers a good test of seamless branching. Another great demo disc is Terminator 2 or Pink Floyd's The Wall. There is also a Dolby 5.1 test tone present on the decoders. Set them to how you feel is best. After all, it is your system. Consider a good calibration disc if you have a laser disc or DVD system. I have reviewed the best I have found with links above and to the left. Either one will walk you through the steps of getting the most out of your TV and sound system. Currently, DVD International's Digital Video Essentials is about the best around but it may be difficult to find. It is well worth the effort though. You might also try Avia Guide to Home Theatre. These discs will test a wider range of system functions including ProLogic, Dolby 5.1 and DTS providing head to head comparisons. They will also allow you to optimize the video settings for your systems. For DTS systems the test tone usually will not function, its part of the Dolby standards. Still, you can use a couple of great DTS DVDs. Sin City (Extended Cut) has both DTS and Dolby 5.1 so you can easily compare the two formats. Also try Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind which is also in both formats. Get an envelope and store the manuals. You will need them later. Write down the serial number and date of purchase in the manual. Also any notes on problems you had during installation and (very important here) what you did to solve the problem. Store your new diagrams and calculations for speaker placement in the envelope. Read through the manual carefully. Not only will you find many features you may not have been aware of but, believe it or not, a lot of time and money went into the manual to optimize your enjoyment. Look for and read any care procedures and safety measures you should take. Now, set up is almost done. The last thing is while you are using the test tapes or DVD play with the controls to make sure you like the sound and picture. The default settings are usually midline for all dials but you own the equipment and you should set things up for how YOU like things. Experiment, be creative but first write down the factory settings in the back of your manual. Now for the most important part of Home Theatre, enjoy your new system!! |
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