How to Get HD Audio

HD audio can give you the quality of sound that, in the past, you could get only if you were in the studio.

While high-definition TVs have drastically improved picture quality, users are now able to improve upon audio quality, as well. In the past, with standard cables, the audio data had to be compressed to make it from the source to the output speakers. This process often negatively affected the sound quality. With what has been dubbed as "High-Definition Audio," the cables now provide for no compression or a type of compression that does not affect the quality. This allows customers to have studio quality audio in their homes.

Things You'll Need

• HDMI cable or Multichannel Analog cable
• Blu-ray disk or HD DVD

Instructions

1. Consult your TV or Home Theater System manual to determine if your device needs any sort of special options to enable HD audio.

2. Replace the standard audio cables with multichannel analog cables. If you are using an HDMI cable for video, then you do not need to replace anything, unless the audio is going to a separate output, such as a home theater. Make sure that you are not using a standard audio cable for sound.

3. Insert a Blu-ray disk or HD DVD. The Blu-ray disk is the preferred option. Allow it to run.

4. Adjust your speaker settings as necessary for your setup. This may involve accessing the device's menu and turning on HD audio in the audio settings. Usually, just by attaching the new cables will immediately improve the sound quality on its own. If you have a surround-sound system, you may need to move the speakers slightly, depending on where you view your TV.

Tips & Warnings

• While you can use your TV's speakers to listen to HD audio, a home theater system is ideal.

References

• High-Def Digest: High-Def FAQ: Blu-ray and HD DVD Audio Explained