How to Install Surround-Sound Speakers

If you want to experience the full range of sight and sound from your DVD movies, install surround-sound speakers for use in your home theater. Finding the right speakers and installing them can be challenging but, if done correctly, rewarding as well.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• connector cables
• owner’s manual for speakers
• surge protector
• speaker cable
• wire cutter/stripper tool

1. Choose a room that is wider than it is deep. Determine where the TV, amplifier and DVD player will be located.

2. Plug your electronics into a surge protector that is grounded. Make sure it is within reach of the electronic components and a convenient wall outlet.

3. Place the front left and right speakers equidistant on either side of the center of the TV screen. For example, if your chair or couch is 10 feet away from the TV, then place front speakers at least 5 feet on either side of the TV screen center.

4. Set the center channel speaker on top of the TV or below it. Place the subwoofer speaker next to the TV.

5. Position the rear surround speakers slightly behind and to the left and right of the seating area. These should be at least as far apart from each other as the front speakers are.

6. Install speaker wire to each of the speakers from the corresponding connectors on the back of the amplifier. Prepare the ends of the wires so you can attach the positive and negative terminals correctly (strip off a small amount of the plastic covering and twist the strands together).
   

7. Install the proper audio and video cables from the DVD player to the amplifier and from the DVD player to the TV.

Tips & Warnings

• Use quality wiring to get the best sound.
• Place speaker wires and cables where they cannot be tripped over.
• Take care to avoid electric shock!
• Do not turn your home theater speakers up too far, as they can damage your hearing.