5 Ideas For Getting The Utmost Through Your Television And Surround Sound Set-up

You wish to watch the large matches while in the comfort of your own home with as good an image and sound set-up as achievable. Now is the time to buy a new 3D TV and surround sound system. Even if you can't afford it, and for that matter even if you can, there are several things it is possible to do to make sure that you obtain the best performance from any TV & surround sound system.

1. Postioning your Television
Your Television might be sat where it is because that's where the closest aerial socket is. A TV of some sort has probably been sat there since the late '60's. So, you're probably watching Television where you are because some bloke decided that's where he wanted it 50 years ago. Which isn’t neccessarily the best location for it. The most effective position is one where you’re most comfortable watching it - probably at eye level when seated, and where the lighting conditions are optimal. For example, you won't want direct sunlight or even reflected sunlight onto your screen. During the day time it will affect your viewing. Now, in the old days when your TV was the dimensions of a small car, it was a smart idea to place it in the corner. But now a flat screen may be placed almost any place. So, if that means moving the aerial point or power socket then get the proverbial 'man' in, to have a look at it.

2. Your Television picture.
Most Televisions are set up by default with everything boosted to appear brighter and more colourful. That’s because when you go to look in the shop for that new Television it will look like it's giving a better picture than one next to it. We're drawn to bright vivid colours. However, this is not neccessarily the best and most realistic setting. Obviously, professional calibration is going to cost equipment and money. But it is possible to make some adjustments yourself to increase your viewing enjoyment.

a) Adjust the brightness and contrast in making the blacks blacker as well as the whites whiter.
b) Adjust the colour. Unless you’re watching Katie Price and Alex Reid, not everyone on television is orange.
c) Adjust the picture sharpness. Make the image as clear and crisp as possible. You will know if you've gone too far because borders and double edges will start to show around the images. If you wish to tweak it some more, then I would suggest purchasing Digital Video Essentials on DVD or Blu Ray. It is a step by step guide to calibrate your LCD or plasma picture settings. Probably for the uber geek, but you can still pick the DVD up for around £12.

3. Cables
The price of cable for AV setups is really a joke. A good HDMI cable can cost £100. Crazy talk. But do they work? Well, I am sorry to let you know, yes they do. An outstanding cable can dramatically increase the performace of your TV and audio system. I wish it wasn't true but I actually performed this experiment myself last week. I had a vintage scart lead connecting my TV and DVD player. I knew that it was not all that good, but I could just about live with it ( I am a little short sighted anyway). But, finding myself in a well know electronics retailer store, I thought I might buy a fancy cable and see how much the picture improved.

Do not beleive the hype I thought. I will take the lead back at those prices if I don't get a good result. However, after plugging it in, it was like someone had switched the lights on. An incredible, crisp, bright picture appeared before me. Damn I thought - that has cost me!

A tip though. I do have a very nice 1080p Full HD LCD. There won't be any point spending numerous pounds on top quality cables if you have a cheap, rubbish TV you purchased from ASDA for next to nothing with 2 cut price DVDs. It is not a magic wand.

4. Sound
Now we turn to sound. If you haven't got a surround sound system, you're not going to get that rich, deep, sound and the atmosphere of the stadium. So, you really should consider purchasing one. And I'm afraid yes, you usually get what you pay for. But even a £150 system will be better than your TV. And if space is an issue have a look at purchasing all-in-one speaker bars. They provide surround sound from a single box by bouncing the sound off the walls.

With traditional surround sound, the position of your speakers is key. You'll get the best sound by placing the centre speaker directly above or below your TV. Left and right speakers should go either side of the TV. The rear left and right speakers should go either side of the sofa at ear height. If you're not allowed to leave them there (like me, the wife won't have it), just make sure you can move them when the big match starts. You can put your subwoofer anywhere you like, as it provides bass frequencies that are non-directional.

5. High Definition - are you really watching it?
Just because you've an HD ready or Full HD TV doesn't mean that you're automatically going to be watching TV in high definition. You'll will require to add a high-definition source such as Freeview HD, Sky HD, Virgin V+ or Freesat. And that means you will need to either upgrade your package. Or in the case of Freeview, by an HD decoder. Remember only certain channels are broadcast in HD and you'll will need to be tuned in to watch them.

That should about cover it. Follow this advice and watch the world cup at high quality in the comfort of your own home. While you might not get the atmosphere of the pub, at least you can guarantee a seat..

By: Saen Ansellt

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