According to Rob Sample, western regional manager for Paradigm Electronics, studies reveal that the more loudspeakers you add to a room, the more it can confuse the human brain. So if that's the case, does it mean integrators that create object-based surround sound home theater setups for their clients are sending them to the funny farm?
Not necessarily. The same room equalization principles that apply to a 2-channel listening room or a 5.1-channel home theater will still apply for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro 3D applications.
Sample made those comments during an impromptu panel discussion organized by CE Pro at the recent Pacific Northwest Consumer Electronics Expo (PNWCEE) in Seattle. He, along with Brian Sandifer, product manager at Integra, and Brandon Cook, director of technical services at AudioControl, discussed the impact on room design from having an object-based surround sound system.
“Electronic room EQ is going to be an integrator's best friend [when setting up a object-based system],” says Sample. He adds that good room correction can align everything. All the room variables of ceiling height, furniture, wall surfaces, room size and doorways can be taken care of using the Room EQ power in today's processors.
“Geometry is more important today than ever,” adds Sample.
Sandifer notes that the beauty of the new formats and room EQ systems is that it offers integrators more flexibility than ever before in where they can place individual speakers.
Also, See: Dolby, DTS and Auro: Is Another Format War on the Way?
