Feel the whoosh of the jet fly overhead, the gut-wrenching grumble of the earth exploding. Step into the scene as her true love commits. Whatever your mood or the movie you’re watching, surround sound is an essential element in any home cinema system.

You may choose to go for a 5.1 channel setup (the most common), 6.1 or even 7.1 (check first what your amplifier can handle!) A typical system comprises two front speakers, a centre speaker, two rear speakers that deal with atmosphere-enhancing effects and a subwoofer (the ‘1’ in 5.1).

Speaker Packages allow you to get a full configuration in place quickly and offer excellent value for money.

Centre Speakers deliver dialogue, detail and are the centre of the action – never underestimate what a good centre speaker can do – it’ll be the hardest working speaker and is crucial to the overall effect.

Rear/Surround speakers are located strategically around the room, placing you in the heart of a movie experience.

Subwoofers provide the bass sounds that really bolster movie soundtracks and shake the room. DVD soundtracks commonly have a dedicated bass soundtrack, just for a subwoofer!