Tech Tuesday – FRC Towers Now Supports 7.1 Sound
After weeks if not months of debate, we finally took the plunge and set up 7.1 sound in FRC Towers, Scott is here to talk about the change
Way back in March I started this train of thought. I had always had a 7.1 capable AV Receiver but had not ever utilized the extra 2 channels, I always felt that 5.1 was enough for me. But when I posted THIS post by Rodney on Fernby Films back then I got thinking.
At the end of last week I finally took the plunge, and my word am I glad I did.
I honestly didn’t think I would notice much of a difference. But with an extra two channels behind me that are both set at the correct level not to be over powering of the fronts, the sound stage just got a lot bigger. Not only bigger, but also fuller. FRC Towers really has cinematic sound.
It has been one of those upgrades that has been pretty life changing. I thought we had the set up as good as we could get it with the kit I had, but the addition of the backs has made me want to attack my old favourite BLU-RAY disks the way I did when i first got a projector.
OK so most of the disks that are being released only have 5.1 sound, but even with them the ONKYO does a brilliant job of sending the sound over to the backs to give you a much more consuming sound. When you do put a film on that has 7.1 it totally blows you away too. For instance, I put on TRON LEGACY, now I didn’t really like this film, but it is now one of my showcase disks for when people come to see a film. Not only is it bright, bold and crispy fresh in picture, but the 7.1 soundtrack is truly something to behold. The opening sequence is amazing with Daft Punk’s opening song spread around all of the speakers evenly with Jeff Bridges beautiful introduction to the grid coming heavily from the centre. AMAZING!!
I bought Super 8, I need to hear that train crash in lossless 7.1 and the Jurassic Park trilogy – Dinosaur over my shoulder? Spooky. Hopefully they will be here today so I can watch them tonight. As you can tell I am a little excited.
So to sum up then, if you get a chance of upgrading to 7.1 it is not a pointless upgrade. Far from it. It has been the best decision I have made in FRC towers since deciding to get a projector!!
About The Author – Scott Lawlor
Chief Editor of FRC. A self confessed geek with an unhealthy thirst for all things Home Cinema. Whether it is the latest Action film or Subwoofer. Check out his home set up HERE
Have you thought about upgrading to 7.1? What are your thoughts? Comment below…
Scott Lawlor
He he, Man, I’m so glad I could be the one to finally push you over the edge (so to speak) and upgrade the system! If you’re wife ever complains, I’ll take the blame for that!
You can always tell a true fan of cinema because whenever they upgrade their equipment, they must immediately go through their film collection and run the gamut of demo material to “test” it out again…..
Thanks matey, I am firmly laying the blame at your feet. You better start running…. NOW!!
I am JEALOUS!
hehe Thanks Jaina
Nice, congrats on the upgrade mate!
Love me some Tron: Legacy, not a great film but damn the soundtrack was just awesome. I also recommend Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol disc, the TrueHD 7.1 is just out of this world. All of your speakers will get a good workout once the movie starts. 3:10 To Yuma is another winner and Hellboy 2 is no shabby either.
I assume for the 5.1 surround sound discs, you let the Onkyo do the Dolby Pro-Logic IIx to out put to 7.1? If you want to test how cool 5.1 can improve on when listening in 7.1, pop in Batman Begins and The Dark Knight discs; in Batman Begins when the tumbler was introduced, my whole room was filled with that thunderous sound. On The Dark Knight, the tunnel was amazing, machine guns and explosions will fill out your speakers.
My Panasonic BD player can convert 5.1 to 7.1 automatically so I just let the player do the decoding.
Ooh nice recommendations Ted. I wil have to see if I can pick up those cheaply!
Yeah that is correct for the 5.1, although some come out in Dolby D EX, which seems even better.
I second the response to Ghost Protocol’s soundtrack. That was awesome!!!
In my Apartment I can’t even set up my speakers properly for true surround sound. All five of them are shooting straight at the couch. Someday I’ll have them arranged probably. Then I’ll be able to hear all my Blu-ray’s for the first time again.
I look forward to you having them arranged properly. It will make a world of difference to your viewing experience
Dude I wish I could hire you for a day and get you to take me shopping and sort all my home cinema needs. I just have the TV. No extra speakers, surround sound or nothing! I wouldn’t know where to begin with setting it all up. If I ever move, I’m going to think very carefully about the layout of the living room so I can start turning it into a home cinema. And I will be getting 7.1 one day!
When you go shopping, talk to me first and I will try and guide you into something very special…. Deal?
Oh man, that sounds AWESOME. I wish I could get a full system in my apartment but I’m pretty sure my neighbors wouldn’t appreciate it.
They would love it, I guarantee!!
I guess I am lucky to have a room that is pretty isolated from the neighbours
I’ve got the feeling this is only the start, you will get those speakers on the ceiling (you know the ones you were posting about a while ago
) Cool upgrade!
Ooh that is somethign I have thought about, but that would mean me actually spending money!! so that is out for the moment.
I can only imgaine what the missus might say if Scott walked in with a 9.2 amp….. and I wouldn’t want to be around when he did….
I think room size is the biggest factor, I’ve actually tried 7.1 and my room is too small for it to make a worthwhile difference.
You are right of course BT. Luckily I have a substantial amount of space to make it work!
Obviously I’m nowhere near as tech-savvy as you, but you are an inspiration!
Thanks Tyler, that means a lot!!
I just need to get to 1.0!
That’s cool Scott. Welcome to the club. Ive had 7:1 for over a decade but honestly didn’t know so many movies in the format were available. I too will have to buy some to experience the home cinema to full capacity.