General Points

The instructions included with your system will ensure that you are able to set up your system easily. Apart from the size (two people will be needed to unpack a Plasma screen), it is identical and just as easy as setting up a new TV. However, to get the most out of your Home Cinema system it is important that you are familiar with connections that will give you the best results. In some cases you may have to purchase additional cables to maximise your viewing pleasure.

Below is basic advice on how to set-up your Home Cinema System. For further detailed information regarding the different types of connections and cables please refer to the 'Connections & Cables' page.

How to set-up your Plasma / LCD

The majority of plasmas and LCDs have the connections arranged underneath the screen on the back. HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is the best connector as it includes high quality digital video and audio in one cable. DVI or Component video are alternatives and may be included instead or as well as HDMI on some on plasma screens

SCART is the next preferable connection and is likely to be the connection of choice for older external tuners (and older SKY) for simplicity reasons. Ensure that they are set-up to receive an RGB signal though. As a last resort, S-Video is a good temporary solution. Best not to use composite connections for your plasma /LCD as these provide the lowest quality signals.

How to set-up surround sound speakers

Most screens will include built-in sound and may come with stereo speakers. However to get the best sound you will need to get a 5.1 system. First of all you need an amplifier, which drives the speakers with discrete surround sound channels (Some DVD players and Recorders may have a small 5.1 amp/decoder built-in, but for real power you need a proper dedicated amp). 5.1 surround sound consists of a centre speaker, front speakers, a subwoofer and rear speakers. See image below for how to position your speakers.

6.1 and 7.1 surround sound is essentially the same as 5.1 with the addition of rear centre speakers, creating a wider sound-field and broader effects placement.