Audio for Video

I have a Samsung HDTV and use the set’s analog minijack output to route an audio signal to my NAD integrated amplifier. Here’s my question: Would using an HDMI switcher/ audio extractor that has HDMI inputs and HDMI and RCA-jack audio outputs increase sound quality? I have been told that using such a device would actually decrease audio performance.

James P. Landolt / via e-mail

There are loads of devices available on sites like Amazon that can extract audio from an HDMI input, most in the under-$30 range. I wouldn’t expect any of these to improve audio quality in your setup, however, since you will likely be swapping out the cheap digital-to-analog converter (DAC) in your TV for a cheap DAC in an outboard converter box. Another problem: You’ll make your setup more complicated by adding an extra component to the mix.

On the other hand, if your integrated amp has digital audio inputs, you could buy an HDMI switcher/audio extractor with optical and/or coaxial digital outputs and use one of those jacks to connect to your amp. That way, you’ll be using the NAD’s built-in DAC to handle conversion, which will likely provide better sound quality than a direct analog connection from the TV. Some advice: If you do decide to buy an inexpensive HDMI audio converter, be careful when shopping online. Look for a unit that has plenty of positive user reviews, and check to see that the seller offers a money-back return policy.

I have a home theater system based around a Sony STR-DN1080 7.2-channel receiver and am on a quest to pick up new speakers to use for Dolby Atmos. What’s the best speaker match in the $1,000-to-$2,000 range? Also, how would I hook everything up to optimize the system for Atmos?

Ernest Walker / via e-mail

There are two Atmos speaker options I can think of that fit your price range. The first, less expensive, option is to buy a bookshelf-based 5.1 speaker system and add a pair of in-ceiling speakers for the height channels. The second would be a system that uses tower speakers for the front left/right channels with Atmos Enabled speaker modules situated on top. Systems fitting that bill are available from companies such as Definitive Technology, ELAC, and Klipsch, though with each of those options you’ll be pushing the outer limit of your $2,000 budget.

As for Atmos setup, you’ll need to either install the speakers yourself (see “The Connected Life” on page 32) or hire a professional installer if you go the in-ceiling route. For the tower-based option, you simply place the Atmos Enabled modules on top of the main left and right speakers (ELAC, Definitive Technology, and Klipsch) or run an additional speaker wire connection to power the built-in top-firing drivers (select Klipsch models). For electronics setup, all you’ll need to do is configure the Surround Back/Height speaker output connections for Atmos Height speakers in the Sony receiver’s setup menu.

I’ve owned my Panasonic plasma TV for seven years but am now wondering about its life expectancy. Refresh rate, viewing angle, and, in particular, aspect ratio control are major concerns for my next TV. Can any of the latest TVs display a constant aspect ratio regardless of signal source?

Joe Nagy / via e-mail

Most TVs provide Zoom and Stretch controls that will allow you to consistently fill the set’s 1.78:1 (or 16:9) screen area when viewing movies that have either a squarish 1.33:1 aspect ratio or a wide aspect ratio—typically 2.35:1. The effect of selecting these modes will be to eliminate the black bars located at the top and bottom or sides of the picture.

Having said that, I wouldn’t characterize using a TV’s Zoom and Stretch controls as maintaining “a constant aspect ratio.” What you’re essentially doing when you apply these modes is distorting images to make them conform to the TV’s fixed 16:9 aspect ratio display. The sides of the picture will be cut off, and circular objects can end up looking like footballs. If you have an interest in experiencing a movie as its director intended for it to be seen, a far better option is to accept and live with any black bars on your

TV’s screen.

Would using an HDMI switcher with my TV and integrated amp increase sound quality?