5.1 Surround Sound: Up and Running (Paperback)

by Tomlinson Holman (Author) "Multichannel sound has a history that dates back to the 1930's, but is, at the same time, just emerging as a major format for music..." (more)
Key Phrases: potted stereo, stereo sound field, multichannel work, Laser Disc, Head Related Transfer Functions, Star Wars (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"After revolutionizing theatrical film surround sound and promoting among other things the use of single common subwoofers in home theater surround systems, he went on to design and set up some of the top multi-channel studios of today. his book lays out all the types of multichannel sounds, from its roots in film to its new uses in DVD video and audio and DTV broadcast." - Audiophile Audition

"His book lays out all the types of multihannel sound, from its roots in film to its new uses in DVD video and audio and DTV broadcast. It would be a valuable reference for anyone involved in surround sound production in any form and for home theater dealers and installers as well." - Audiophile Audition

"Apart from the nuts and bolts, enough theory and debate is provided to keep any practitioner or sound student happy...Holman has a rare gift for simple explanation of complex concepts. I have read many sound textbooks but this volume has clarified things I never fully grasped before. 5.1 Surround Sound should be the first port of call if you are new to the subject and will provide a good source of reference for anyone already involved." - Studio Sound -- Review

"Apart from the nuts and bolts, enough theory and debate is provided to keep any practitioner or sound student happy." -- Studio Sound

"Holman has a rare gift for simple explanation of complex concepts." -- Studio Sound

"I have read many sound textbooks but this volume has clarified things I never fully grasped before." -- Studio Sound

"valuable reference for anyone involved in surround sound production in any form and home theater dealers and installers as well." -- Audiophile Audition

Review
"After revolutionizing theatrical film surround sound and promoting among other things the use of single common subwoofers in home theater surround systems, he went on to design and set up some of the top multi-channel studios of today. his book lays out all the types of multichannel sounds, from its roots in film to its new uses in DVD video and audio and DTV broadcast." - Audiophile Audition

"His book lays out all the types of multihannel sound, from its roots in film to its new uses in DVD video and audio and DTV broadcast. It would be a valuable reference for anyone involved in surround sound production in any form and for home theater dealers and installers as well." - Audiophile Audition

"Apart from the nuts and bolts, enough theory and debate is provided to keep any practitioner or sound student happy...Holman has a rare gift for simple explanation of complex concepts. I have read many sound textbooks but this volume has clarified things I never fully grasped before. 5.1 Surround Sound should be the first port of call if you are new to the subject and will provide a good source of reference for anyone already involved." - Studio Sound

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press (December 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240803833
• ISBN-13: 978-0240803838
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #773,008 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars 5.1 Channel Surround Sound: Up and Running, July 10, 2000

By A Customer

It is true that surround sound is a topic that has only recently been resubmitted to the scholarly and professional community for reconsideration. A book on this topic, especially by an accomplished expert such as Holman, should be welcomed. It is somewhat disappointing therefore that his efforts fall short and his book reads like a direct outcome of introductory lectures on the subject. There is a certain lack of precision and lucidity in its structure and format. Scholarly references have been almost completely omitted despite the fact that the professional world has been concerned with surround sound for years now and there are many publications available in form of technical papers; instead there is a long list of soon to be outdated addresses and phone numbers of respective manufacturers of surround sound equipment. Many technical terms are mentioned -- often quite casually, but very few explained in detail; information tends to be scattered and redundant without ever reaching a particular depth. I would recommend this book to a novice in sound recording if it weren't for the many terms that lack thorough explanation. It seems regrettable that what should have remained an introductory paper on the topic was artificially padded to become a book.

3 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Rather good book for an audiophile., April 30, 2000

By	"kveen" (Moscow, Russia) - See all my reviews

So, I've finished to read this book yesterday. I think it's rather good one (note that one can find not enough titles to get an information about improving of 5.1 channel surround sound). For me this book is what I need and think that it worth to buy it...

2 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, Tom !, September 26, 2000

By	Eric Axelson "rxl" (Paris, France) - See all my reviews

Excellent introduction to surround sound. Tom is definitely more than a great teacher and legendary figure that I had the opportunity to meet at the IIM-Paris (Institut International du Multimédia)... he's also a very good writer ! Buy his book, it's a great one !