A Discouraging Fact.
Too many of our AV amigos do not understand fundamental audio & video terms.
I have confronted many for decades with this simple question: “What is stereo?”
I am still driven crazy by the answers I receive.
At a minimum, to protect what’s left of my sanity, please confirm your understanding of the audio terms
High-fidelity and Stereo. I will shortly make the case why it’s in your self-interest.
High-fidelity
High fidelity audio refers to the accurate reproduction of recorded sound that adheres to standards of
flat frequency response, high signal-to-noise ratio, maintained phase, and a low level of many types of distortion. Check out this List.
However, High Fidelity can be framed by two questions.
1 – Does the reproduced sound of a piano sound like an actual piano?
2 – Does the audio system faithfully reproduce the artist’s intent?
Stereo
Stereo employs two separate audio channels, via two speakers properly placed (roughly) in an equilateral triangle with the listener. This arrangement creates a three-dimensional illusion or image of musicians on a stage of height, width, and depth. For example, the drummer is placed center rear, a bass player front right, and the saxophone front left.
High-fidelity Stereo Audio
If the stereo system meets high-fidelity standards, it is a high-fidelity stereo audio system.
This fact surprises many.
Stereo audio is about music, right?
Well, Alan Blumlien, the inventor of binaural (stereo) audio, created it to improve movie theater sound.
I will address multi-channel movie-theater audio in an upcoming blog.
Self-interest
I offer two reasons why it’s in your self-interest to understand fundamental audio/video terms.
First: The audio or video advice of anyone ignorant of fundamental terms should be severely discounted.
If their expertise lies in carpentry, electrical, or related contracting skills, limit their assistance to pulling wire & cable, hanging a TV, or speaker installation per your instructions.
If not, confine their assistance to fetch, deliver, and install muscle.
Second: If you own vinyl records, analog tape, compact discs, digital downloads, or an audio streaming app, understanding audio fundamentals can deliver a new level of musical enjoyment with a few free, simple tweaks. Check out this LINK to get started.
Closing Thought
It is not my intention to insult our AV amigos. I offer this blog as an attempt to motivate professionalism, advance the trade, and save the world from poor fidelity.
That’s It
Were You Robbed?
You Were Robbed,
If your custom in-ceiling/in-wall speakers are installed in drywall.
Drywall (paper, chalk, & glue) crushes music & movie sound.
Reclaim the audio fidelity you paid for; tighter bass, warmer vocals, and more dynamic audio.
Check out the SandTrap patented Architectural Speaker Tuning System.
Only $69.99 ea.
Go To SandTrapAudio
Leave a Reply