Choosing Surround Sound 5.1 or 7.1 for your home ?

5.1 surround sound means 5 speaks and 1 subwoofer. That's 2 behind you,  and 3 in front of you, left, center and right; plus the subwoofer for bass.

7.1 adds 2 more speakers, one on either side of the where you sit.

But wait, there is also 10.2 and even 22.2, if you need the sound that will blow you away.

MOST people, and this probably includes you, will not notice a difference between 5.1 and 7.1 in your home. so spend your dollars elsewhere, like better speakers.

Wikipedia

Sirius XM Merger New Channel Lineup

The revised sirius XM satellite channel lineup has just been revealed, and it is a compromise between the two companies. As a compromise has been explained before, it's a resolution where no is happy. XM gains 22 new channels and loses 15 old ones. Likewise, Sirius hands in 11 and draws 10 new channels.

How does this affect You, the homeowners trying to understand which one to choose? Some Manufacturers offer both, so you can simply buy a Sirius and separate XM tuner, which would be separate audio inputs into your whole house system.

You can new get an XM tuner and subscription and add the "best of sirius" package. this will let you listen to select Sirius channels on your XM tuner.

A similar package is available for Sirius subscribers as the "best of XM"

Sirius Channels

XM Channels

Many Manufacturers offer an integrated Satellite tuner. Russound is a trusted name in the business and offers Metadata and control of the tuner from touchscreens in each room of your home, making it easy to select and view your favorite stations.

Electronic House Expo 2008

The Electronic House Expo Just concluded it's fall conference this year in Long Beach, CA. The vendors were showing off their new products for this coming year, and they just keep getting better. From Home Automation to Home Theater, There was enough Gadgets to overwhelm.

Stay tuned as I review the different manufacturers to choose from , and how you can educate yourself on these products and the companies that install them in your home.