[Home Theater Network HDAV.com.cn] THX was created to ensure a high standard of performance in commercial cinemas, and over time, it has expanded its certification to include home theaters and private audio-visual products. In a recent interview, AVS spoke with THX's Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Scott Francis, about the key techniques used to optimize displays, speakers, and seating for the best possible system performance. Today, we’re sharing the full interview with Scott.
Scott Francis said, "The best settings are always those that provide the most enjoyable experience for you and your family or guests. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments based on your personal preferences. As long as the underlying technology is correctly set up, you can enjoy your media without any issues."
Where is the best place to position your monitor?
The ideal placement is such that the center of the screen is directly in line with the viewer’s eye level from the main seating position. A slight tilt—either horizontal or vertical—within 10 to 30 degrees is generally acceptable, especially since modern displays have wide viewing angles. However, room layout and furniture arrangements may affect this. It's important to avoid uncomfortable postures like looking up for extended periods, which can cause neck strain.
Mounting the monitor above a fireplace is often problematic because it might be too high for many couches, forcing viewers to look up. But if you typically watch at an angle, this setup could still be comfortable.
What’s the best speaker placement?
Once the display is fixed, the speakers should be placed symmetrically around the center. While not all rooms are perfectly symmetrical, minor asymmetries are usually manageable. If the left and right speakers are not equidistant from the center, it can affect the image quality and create unnatural sound positioning. In such cases, adjusting the display might help.
The center channel should be very close to the screen, ideally positioned directly above or below it. Although some projectors can be mounted behind the screen, this isn't ideal for narrative content where most dialogue comes from the center. Keeping the center speaker near the screen enhances immersion.
The front left and right speakers should be equidistant from the center and the main listening position. Small offsets of 10–20% can be adjusted using the AV receiver’s delay and gain settings, but larger discrepancies can lead to a disjointed sound experience, making it seem like you're hearing the speakers rather than the content.
Surround and height speakers should be placed symmetrically relative to the listening position. The most important thing is that you can hear them clearly. Many people install them randomly, but they should be aimed directly at the listener. Symmetry in sound path length is also crucial for optimal performance.
Subwoofers are easier to place, but finding the perfect spot is tricky. While bass is omnidirectional, placing it away from the center or in unusual positions can cause phase issues or delays. Using two subwoofers can significantly reduce these problems, or you can experiment with placement and delay settings. Room acoustics also play a big role, so testing different positions is essential.
Editor’s Note: According to THX's official guidelines, if you have four subwoofers, place one in the middle of each wall. With two, place them in the middle of opposite walls. For a single subwoofer, the front wall is the best option.
Where should the seating be placed relative to the walls and speakers?
Choose a spot where you can see and hear clearly. Consider the reflective and absorptive surfaces in the room, as well as the acoustic path between the speakers and your ears. Think about what’s behind you—paintings or tapestries can help reduce unwanted reflections. Ensure there’s a clear path from your seat to the screen and all speakers.
Also, consider the path between your head and the speakers. What’s on the other side of your head? Is it a wall? Is it reflective or absorbent? What’s the angle of reflection? Sound can behave in interesting ways through reflection, and understanding these factors can help you shape a better sound field. Adjustments in angles, placement, or the use of acoustic treatments can all improve the overall experience.
What’s the best monitor setting for watching sports?
Many displays have a “sports†mode that’s optimized for fast motion. These settings often follow certain patterns. For example, edge enhancement works well on some models, while others may use frame interpolation to create smoother motion. However, if the display simply inserts frames without proper processing, it can result in a less natural image, sometimes resembling the “soap opera effect.â€
What’s the best sound setting for sports programming?
If you follow the setup guidelines discussed here, the sound should be excellent. Most AV receivers offer various modes, such as “Stadium,†which can enhance the atmosphere during live events. For basketball, for instance, a wide and dynamic sound field is ideal, giving you the feeling of being in the crowd. Slight treble attenuation can make the sound more pleasant and smooth.
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