Practical Home Theater: A Guide to Video and Audio Systems (2007 Edition)

Book Description

How can an average person navigate the maze of audio/video technologies in a home theater system? Turn to Mark Fleischmann's Practical Home Theater: A Guide to Video and Audio Systems, now in its sixth edition, thoroughly revised and updated for 2007. The ultimate answer book, it tells you everything you need to know when shopping for HDTV and surround gear -- including how to read a spec sheet, how to separate fact from hype, and how to get good value for your money. To keep up with new technology, this edition reorganizes the television and surround sound chapters, and includes more than a dozen pages of new content. It weighs the pros and cons of HDTV display technologies such as plasma, LCD, DLP, and tube-based sets. It explains the differences between Dolby and DTS surround, including the new Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master standards. And it covers all formats under the sun including the new Blu-ray and HD DVD discs, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, SACD, and anything that plays in an iPod. The book also explores often ignored topics such as buying a DTV antenna, power-line accessories, and cables. A richly detailed connections chapter tells how to hook up every component and how to solve common problems. By knowledgably guiding readers through the briar patch of video and audio, Practical Home Theater has become the standard reference work for home theater buffs. Future annual editions will continue to track changes in home theater technology.

Customer Reviews:

A complete novice on the subject of home theater, this book was my rescue........2007-02-11

I recently bought a LCD HDTV by mail and set about to install it myself. I made the purchase after careful research, and with some head scratching was able to correctly connect the TV to my new high definition satellite receiver, and was delighted (and relieved) to see a stunningly lovely picture. However, I realized that I had managed just the "easy" part, next I faced the daunting challenge of adding enough black boxes to make a proper home theater. My knowledge of home theater was zip, nada! I did not even own a stereo music system. So, I searched home theater on Amazon and bought this book for no other reason than it said it was the "2007 Edition" and I wanted current information. I knew that an easy solution was to buy a theater-in-a-box, but which brand, and could I get a better value if I could put together a component system specifically designed for what I wanted, or thought I wanted?

The book arrived in the mail and I settled down to read. My total lack of knowledge was to test the author's ability to explain a complex technical subject to the complete novice. I cannot say I found the book to be a delight to read, but it did just what I wanted it to do, provide a through grounding in all aspects of home theater, preparing me well to make an informed decision about what to buy to add a good sound system to my new HDTV. This book is not an easy read, but then it should not be if it is to adequately cover the subject matter in detail. I must say that not once did I find myself hopelessly lost as the author attempted to guide me through a maze of technical detail. I found that this one book brought me up to speed, from zero to 60, on home theater. I now go back and use it as a reference. My only mistake was not reading the book before buying the HD TV, as the video sections are excellent and would have saved me much research time.

Building your own home theater system requires a considerable outlay of money. Do not start the project without first reading this book. If nothing else, it will arm you to know hype from fact when you face the salesperson.

Excellent and Informative.......2004-12-17

This book contains a wealth of valuable and useful information and "demystifies" the subject of home theater with clear, concise explanations. It is an excellent resource, exceptionally well-written and extremely comprehensive, and as the book's title indicates, it offers a great deal of practical, real-world advice. The author clearly knows the subject matter thoroughly. I recommend this book highly to both novices and experienced home theater enthusiasts.

Everything You Wanted To Know About Home Theater, But ..........2004-11-19

Mr. Fleishman has written and clear and concise primer on Home Theater. Clearly, from his years as a staff writer for Audio Video Interiors and other pubs, he has an in-depth knowledge of the ins and out of HT. Certainly, everyone who is interested in HT should buy this book and read it from cover to cover. The best of all is that this volumne is updated on a on-going basis so that its always current with the latest trends and developements from HDMI to DTS 96/24.
Great job!

A Great Book Stufffed With Useful Information.......2004-10-20

Even if you think you know it all this book adds detailed information that's hard to find elsewhere. Written in an easy to read style by someone who knows his subject matter I think this book is a winner. This books presents the facts of Home Theater without any bias often seen in similar publications. Definitively worth reading if you want to get behind what goes into a good Home Theater.

The Gold Standard of Home Theater Guides........2004-10-19

This 2005 edition by industry guru Mark Fleischmann is the gold standard of home theater guides. It's got it all--from sound basics to advanced calibration, aspect ratio to the zen of Ohm settings. The new section on digital audio servers is thorough, specific and totally up-to-date. Technology is a moving target but Fleischmann's got tremendous aim. It's also a compulsively readable book; how many home theater guides will have you laughing out loud?

Average customer rating:

Pretty comprehensive
Too technical for and audio "engineer"?!? LOL
too technical
WAAAAY TOO TECHNICAL
great advice, but dont stop here

Sound Studio Construction on a Budget
F. Alton Everest
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill/TAB Electronics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0070213828

Book Description

From one of the world's leading acoustics experts, this nuts-and-bolts book offers complete instructions and guidance for building your own inexpensive sound studio. Anyone with a discerning ear and a modicum of electronics skills can follow the clear plans for 10 designs, which include a voice-over recording studio; recording studios for modern, classical, and rock music; a home theater; small announce booth; control room; and music listening room. All projects are fully illustrated and accompanied by complete part lists.

Customer Reviews:

Pretty comprehensive.......2007-01-09

This book is useless if you already own "The Master Handbook of Acoustics" by the same author. However as the title suggests it's all about being on a budget, which it explains fairly well. If you are building a projects studio in your house for example..this is a must read.

Too technical for and audio "engineer"?!? LOL.......2006-04-27

This book is an update of Everest's classic "Acoustic Design for Home and Studio". It is great for what it is. For more capable types, Everest's "Master" book is more complete. This one has the basics. For those who thought this is too technical, I wonder how they expect to deal with the other aspects of audio engineering. Just knowing how to twist a knob is not a path to excellence.

In actuality this is a well written, very direct primer, starting with very basic physics, and leading to easy design engineering. It's not hard to calculate, design, finance or construct good acoustics, and the payoff is huge. It does require a modest amount of work, and calculations to get good data. Remember: "Garbage in, garbage out." Acoustics control your recording and playback. This book will give you a fighting chance.

too technical.......2004-09-25

if you are on a financial budget, you are likely on a time budget, and this book can be a time sucker. it reminded my of my high school trigonometry book. I didn't spend much time with that, either. To the defense of the writer, my friends in the business who actually know what they are doing, swear by this guy and his books. I, however, am just trying to make a room in my house sound a little better, and could care less to know about the science behind it any more than I care about the science behind a combustion engine while I'm driving. I recommend 'basic home studio design' by paul white. simple, small, easy, the minimum that you need to know- but as much as i think 90% would need.

WAAAAY TOO TECHNICAL.......2002-07-25

Too much time spent on the mathematics of sound transfer and acoustics. Not enough on how to build the studio. Could not find a "complete parts list" for any of the plans. This is not for someone looking to build a simple studio. Very technical and boring.

great advice, but dont stop here.......2001-11-06

as another reviewer says, this appears to be the previous edition of what is currently titled "how to build a small budget recording studio....". also, as another reviewer has noted, you dont have to read it in order -- each example project its its own chapter with its own self-contained presentation. each example does stress diffferent design goals that translate to different acoustic treatments.

its a little annoying that every page seems to be an advertsemen for an rpg product. this is mitigated by the author's inclusion of journal and patent references that tell you everything you need to know to build these treatments yourself if you like. or if your budget doesnt allow for the beautiful wood forms from rpg, just take the keywords and run -- diffusor, absorber, abfussor -- and its easy to find someone besides rpg that makes the things using less expensive materials.

Book Description

A low-tech way to understand a high-tech system!

Create the home entertainment center that fits your home and your tastes

Gadget fans, a home theater setup is the stuff your dreams are made of. This book keeps the dream from becoming a nightmare! Here's how to select, set up, and optimize a system, translate the salesperson's geek-speak, connect all the parts throughout your home, and even do cool stuff like accessing your system from your laptop computer.

Discover how to
* Choose the right space for your system
* Select and connect source devices
* Understand speakers, TV types, and remotes
* Create a whole-home network
* Access your system away from home

Customer Reviews:

Home Theater for Dummies.......2007-02-06

This was a well written basics type book. Definitely good for someone who knows nothing about home theater.

Very nicely written - but needs an update.......2005-08-12

This book is a bit dated. But since I am really a dummy in this area, it has been good to bone up my knowledge, as I gear up to buy and build up a audio home theater - I skipped most of the stuff on the video chapters as I don't plan a movie theater at home.

It does need to be updated. PC and network information are old, so are some of the things around emerging standards. It could also do with some pictures and wiring diagrams - I am no dummy with electronics, but had difficulty understanding what was mean by a central panel, that could be placed in my basement or some place out of sight.

Must read for newbie.......2005-06-08

Three months ago, my wife suggested that we upgrade our 15 year old TV to a "home entertainment center". So off we go to the local store to look at options. Spoke to a couple of salesmen who were worse than useless. In frustration, I bought this book. After a quick and pleasant read, I felt that I had a reasonable understanding of the options one has when setting up a "home entertainment center." We now have a v-e-r-y nice component system that is a breeze to use.
It isn't difficult to specify and install a system. However, now that I've done it, I realize that most people make a number of unneccesary mistakes. If you know all about this stuff then don't buy the book. However, if you have questions like I did then buy the book and you'll find that you'll end up with a system far superior to the ones owned by most "know it alls".

Great for novices.......2004-02-03

Wish I'd bought this when I first started researching home theaters. I was a novice, having purchased only a couple of 27" analog sets in the past 15 years. Rather than starting with a book like this, I researched mine the time consuming way: talking to knowledgable friends; wasting time with sales droids at electronic stores, reading home theater magazines. About two months later things reached critical mass and I could finally make an informed decision.

My advice: buy this book, read it, and afterwards *still* do what I did. Only save the sales droids for last (by then you'll know more than they do), and look but don't buy. Then go home and buy what you want at Amazon.

Good primer for newbies, but not great.......2004-01-25

For someone who's entirely new to home theater -- from A/V receivers to speakers to display monitors to hooking everything up -- "Home Theater for Dummies" offers a quick primer on the subject. It covers both sound and sight and gives honest opinions on many things.

However, it suffers from excessive use of parenthesis and side notes and confusing run-on sentences. Also, the explanation of key topics such DVI and a display's aspect ratio still leaves the reader highly confused. The trouble seems to stem from the fact that neither author has a deep grasp of the home theater technologies and they might have just lifted all this information from various sources and put it in book form.

Book Description

Design and build awesome audio amps. Amateur and professional audiophiles alike can now design and construct superior quality amplifiers at a fraction of comparable retail prices with step-by-step instruction from the High-Power audio Amplifier Construction Manual. Randy Slone, professional audio writer and electronics supply marketer, delivers the nuts-and-bolts know-how you need to optimize performance for any audio system--from home entertainment to musical instrument to sound stage. Build a few simple projects or delve into the physics of audio amplifier operation and design. This easy to understand guide walks you through: Building the optimum audio power supply; Audio amplifier power supplies and construction: Amplifier and loudspeaker protection methods; Stability, distortion, and performance; Audio amplifier cookbook designs; Construction techniques; Diagnostic equipment and testing procedures; Output stage configurations, classes, and device types; Crossover distortion physics; Mirror-image input stage topologies.

Download Description

Randy Slone, professional audio writer and electronics supply marketer, delivers the nuts-and-bolts know-how you need to optimize performance for any audio system--from home entertainment to musical instrument to sound stage.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome........2007-09-13

The book is outstanding. I'm an EE and an audio enthusiast. I love the way this guy writes. He tells it how he sees it.

Out of Date.......2007-08-26

Great book. One major problem ... all of the "pro high end" designs discussed require L-MOSFET outputs 2SJ162 / 2SK1058 that are no longer available from reputable suppliers AT ANY PRICE. Also ... the PCB's are no longer available from Seal Electronics (in fact they are defunct). If you are looking for a good power amp project, don't waste your money here.

With basic understanding of electronics this book is great.......2007-07-18

Unlike other amplifier books this skips all the math. It focuses on topology of amplifier design. To make your own from the book you would need to know some EE math to figure everything out. If you understand how basic components like capacitors and transistors work this book is amazing. There is also a lot of incite about high end audio products available and dismisses many myths. I'm a third year electrical engineering student and this book was great. It is definitely not for beginners but great for everyone else.

Poor description and content .......2007-07-08

Don't purchase this book if you only have a basic knowledge of electronics. The title and covers are very misleading. Contains few illustrations and the so-called step-by-step instruction is nonexistent. Author talks down to you and does not deliver the "nuts-and-bolts know-how" the Editorial Review states. It also states, "Easy to understand guide walks you through": Building the optimum audio power supply; Audio amplifier power supplies and construction: Amplifier and loudspeaker protection methods; Stability, distortion, and performance; Audio amplifier cookbook designs; Construction techniques; Diagnostic equipment and testing procedures; Output stage configurations, classes, and device types; Crossover distortion physics; Mirror image input stage topologies. He doesn't walk you through anything. Maybe good for the professional but novices beware!!

Now you understand..........2006-12-03

Very well and clearly written book which which explains the basic principles of power audio amplifier design and construction. To be able to understand, you should have appropriate technical education, or previous experience with electronic circuits. The book also contains a real world do-it-yourself examples (+ pcbs) of power audio amplifiers. However, do not expect to be able to design your own amp after reading this book - it is beyond any single volume. Excellent. Kind regards, Mario Mitas.

Designing, Building, and Testing Your Own Speaker System with Projects

Average customer rating:

Kind of usless a few good projects
If you want to code your own software
This is a very good reference
Good for some, not so good for others.....
Still the Best Speaker Book for the Money!

Designing, Building, and Testing Your Own Speaker System with Projects
David B. Weems
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill/TAB Electronics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 007069429X

Book Description

The definitive do-it-yourself book on creating and testing all kinds of speaker systems is updated for the computer age, covering the latest makes and models and featuring an innovative computer program to assist with speaker design. Previous editions of this compendium of simple-to-advanced projects have sold well, thanks to a large audience of electronics hobbyists and technicians, handy audiophiles, and libraries and technical schools. This version supplies step-by-step details on using the expanded computer program, which can be ordered at significant savings with an included coupon. It also includes new speaker tests, expanded information on crossover networks, techniques for designing double-chamber reflex enclosures, practical rather than theoretical dimension charts, and more.

Customer Reviews:

Kind of usless a few good projects.......2007-07-18

The science of acoustics cannot be explained so briefly. It zips through very important things and doesn't go in depth enough. It will give your some tips for basic designs but there is no way you can walk away from this book to design a top notch speaker enclosure. By all means you can copy the projects in the book but I don't feels its worth my money. Many other pre-designed enclosures are available for free. Its just to brief.

If you want to code your own software.......2006-08-21

I came across with this book in my search of free loudspeaker design code. If you are planning to code a simple program which will help you in your everyday work, like finding the right size of a box (vented or sealed) depending on the alignment tables or finding the values of a n th order filter, there is a BASIC code at the end of this book which can ease your work. Although the code belongs to an ancient BASIC compiler, the algorithm is quite useful and easy to follow. I have converted the code into C++ and ported it to HP 49G+ with HP-GCC easily. The rest of the book covers some details about building enclosures and the basics of designing a successful multi-way loudspeaker system.

This is a very good reference.......2006-03-30

Like some of the others I started with the first edition of this book it is the single best guide I have found for getting started. While now dated it is still as valid as ever since design concepts have not changed. As for those that say one no longer needs to measure driver parameters because the are now published with the drivers, think again. I have found it common that measured parameters will vary as much as 30% from those published. I personally took the formulae and created Excel spreadsheets to automate things. BTW I own several editions of Vance Dickenson's book and still consider this a better reference especially for the beginner.

Good for some, not so good for others............2005-07-13

This book may be a little complicated for begginers into the audio world. Also don't be fooled by the name of the book, this book does NOT tell you how to design and make speakers, rather, speaker systems. As in, 4-5 speakers and a subwoofer. Although, this book does touch on why speakers do certain things, along with distortions, and all those little goodies that rob you of true quatlity! It will also help you on designing different types of enclosures for all audio.

Still the Best Speaker Book for the Money!.......2005-01-09

I'm a big Weems fan! I bought the 1st edition ~25 years ago. I used the first edition to build dozens of Hi-Fi, Pro-Audio and Car loudspeaker systems. With my first edition getting pretty worn with use, so I recently purchased the 4th edition, and I am very pleased. There are other books, but Weems book is stell the best speaker book for the money!

The 4th edition has been edited to the fundamental information required to design loudspeakers. In addition, Mr. Weems added design information on 3rd and 4th order cross over networks and added the governing equations to determine fb, f3 and Vb for closed and vented boxes. The BASIC source code for programs to design speaker and cross overs is also provided. Yea, the BASIC code is a little dated since most operating systems don't have a BASIC interpreter these days. I would like to see the programs downloadable (preferably in VB), but I have used the source code and the equations to write make my own VB application.

Weems provides both exact solutions (for math lovers), and the "minimal math" approach as well. Either way, you need to do "some" math to correctly design a loudspeaker enclosure. Most folks, who have mastered high school algebra and can solve simple equations, should be able to use the charts and graphs and design boxes and cross over networks.

I recommend this book for everyone from pro's to beginners. For the Physicists and Engineers out there, you may be a little disappointed that the derivation of the solutions are not presented. For beginners, if the design task seems overwhelming, this book will provide a great foundation to buy a kit from one of the online retailers. Either way, if I had to choose one speaker building book, this would be the one.

Audio in Media: The Recording Studio (Music)

Average customer rating:

A Fine book, but...
Not to bad

Audio in Media: The Recording Studio (Music)
Stanley R. Alten
Manufacturer: Schirmer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0534260640

Book Description

This book offers a practical overview of the theory, operations, and techniques related to audio production. The discussions are straight-forward and nontechnical and are supported by illustrations and photos.

Customer Reviews:

A Fine book, but..........2004-05-07

This is a fine book but it makes little sense to buy this softcover book, when you can purchase the hardcover book it's based on, Audio In Media (ISBN: 0534548040), for an additional eight dollars list.

The hardcover book covers more subject areas including broadcast video production. I use this as a textbook for my entry-level Audio Production courses at Mercy College. One key feature missing in the softcover edition is the end of chapter summary, entitled "Main Points." I tell my students to start the chapter by reading these first--then reading the chapter.

For the minimal difference in price, I'd buy the hardcover version (and as I write this today, Amazon's price for the hardcover is actually cheaper!).

Stephen Ward
Mercy College
White Plains, NY

Not to bad.......2000-04-02

I found this to be a helpful source in writing my term paper. It is great for any college student wanting to learn more about music or any music major

Recording Studio Technology, Maintenance, and Repairs : Everything You Need to Properly Care for Your Equipment

Average customer rating:

If you know which end of a soldering iron won't burn you, buy this book!

Recording Studio Technology, Maintenance, and Repairs : Everything You Need to Properly Care for Your Equipment
Tom McCartney
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill/TAB Electronics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0071427260

Book Description

* A nuts-and-bolts guide detailing everything studio professionals need to know about operating, maintaining, and repairing the major equipment found in a modern recording studio

* Covers both analog and digital technology

* Wire and install equipment like a pro

* Repair any speaker, board, or amplifier

* Understand every piece of studio equipment, from meters to oscilloscopes to mixers

Customer Reviews:

If you know which end of a soldering iron won't burn you, buy this book!.......2007-07-16

Practical! No theory, just facts! This book is awesome! I am a semi-professional recording engineer and I was thinking about building my own studio when I discovered this book. My degree is in electrical engineering but all of my "school house" knowledge was theory and is useless in the real world of stray electromagnetic fields, studio grounding techniques and tape machine repair. Therefore this book is worth its weight in gold! The chapter on patchbays alone is worth the price. I can already tell that just like a motorcycle repair manual, I need two of these. Once clean reference for the bookshelf and one for the shop. I am VERY grateful that Mr. McCartney decided to write this book.

Standard Handbook of Audio and Radio Engineering

Average customer rating:

Standard Handbook of Audio and Radio Engineering
Jerry Whitaker , and Blair K. Benson
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Professional
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0070067171

Book Description

More than 70% all-new material!

THE #1 ON-THE-JOB AUDIO ENGINEERING GUIDE--NOW UPDATED WITH THE LATEST DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Get clear answers to your every question on every aspect of audio engineering in the updated reference of choice of audio and video engineers and technicians, Standard Handbook of Audio Engineering, Second Edition. You'll find no other source that covers such a broad range of audio principles and technologies--with an emphasis on practical applications, including design, production, installation, operation, and maintenance of recording studios, broadcast centers, and multimedia operations. Now fully updated for the first time in a decade, this trusted guide brings you completely up to speed with:

Book Description

Provides a thorough overview of audio post-production theory and technique. It is a good introduction for beginners and has enough technical depth to suit practicing professionals, whether in small production houses or larger facilities. Equipment and processes are illustrated with explanatory diagrams throughout, and supported by a straightforward narrative divided into manageable and logical sections.

Computer and digital audio recording have radically changed the audio post-production industry over the past few years. This new and moderately priced technology has increased opportunities for those with even just a basic knowledge of sound and limited equipment to produce high quality results.

This second edition has been completely rewritten to include the very latest techniques in:
· digital audio
· new computer equipment and workstations
· recording and sound editing
· new transmission methods and standards and formats such as DVD.

A technically detailed introduction to the subject suitable for beginners.
Update your knowledge of the latest standards and formats.

Customer Reviews:

I found it boring.......2000-12-13

There was no description of the book when I bought it, so I did not realize that it was a dry technical read. It is not for the creative person, and offers little to nothing on the how to make dynamic layered audio in post. It's about notch filters, and VITC timecode. Very techincal, very non-creative. Maybe that's the point, but is wasn't for me.

Average customer rating:

great book
Good reference for electronics engineers
Definitive!
The "bible" of Digital Audio
Good Reference Book

Principles of Digital Audio
Ken C. Pohlmann
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Professional
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0071348190

Book Description

Cash in on the hottest digital audio technologies. Through three bestselling editions, Ken C. PohlmannÆs Principles of Digital Audio has illuminated the frontiers of digital audio science, taking readers from fundamental principles to the state of the art. Since the last edition, digital audio technology and applications have expanded explosively - a situation well-reflected in the new fourth edition of this user-friendly guide by a leading digital audio engineer. You'll find fresh, tell-all treatments, both theoretical and practical of: PC audio - including IEEE 1394, USB, AC æ97, and DirectX; Internet audio ù especially MP3, SDMI, and RealNetworks G2 streaming audio; Low bit rate topics ù including MPEG-2, AAC, MPEG-4, Dolby Digital, and PAC; DVD ù DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, recordable DVD, UDF, and MLP; Television and radio broadcasting topics ù ATSC DTV, AM-IOBC and FM-IBOC (including USA Digital Radio and LDR prototypes); New compact disc topics, such as CD-R, CD-RW, and Super Audio CD. You'll also get valuable insights into new AES standards, jitter, sound cards, data compression, digital audio extraction, watermarking, and much more.

Customer Reviews:

great book.......2006-04-12

This book really deserves to be called 'The Ultimate Digital Audio Bible'. It has anything and everything. From basic DSP to video, it's not limited to audio topics. When I read the reviews, I would not hope to read the book from the start, just use it as a reference to explain specific standard highlights. But this book is very readable. I loved it. If you are a computer eng. major who wants to dwell in DSP in any field, this book is great. I don't agree with the prejudice that the book is not very readable. There are sections that are more difficult, but the author explains things in very good analogies and examples. I must mention that I'm a comp. eng. a few months away from MS, so I may not be doing justice to the average reader. But I would never expect to find myself reading through that 700+ book with pleasure. Don't think, buy it. Then try and conceal this secret gem from others.

Good reference for electronics engineers.......2006-04-12

First off, this book is in its fifth edition, and Amazon has lumped together reviews of all editions of this book. So the oldest review shown, written in 1998, is speaking of the 3rd edition, and reviews written prior to 2005 are talking about the 4th edition.
This book is more about the principles of digital audio hardware design than anything. The author, also a college professor, starts with the absolute beginning and the binary number system, sampling, quantization, aliasing, and dither and then moves into all of the topics that you need to design and analyze modern digital audio systems. However, if the information in the first two chapters is news to you, chances are the rest of the book will be over your head. The book is full of flow charts, frequency response diagrams, and detailed block diagrams of actual systems. What it is lacking in is any kind of signal processing mathematics to explain the detailed theory behind what is being covered. There is a chapter entitled "Digital Signal Processing", but it barely introduces and defines the terms. It does show some assembly code for performing some simple filtering tasks, though, but that's the extent of the coverage. If you didn't know DSP before you read this chapter, you certainly won't know it after you read this chapter. The book does a pretty good job of discussing some of the more popular audio standards including MP3. I think this book is best suited for someone with an electronics/electrical engineering background that already knows the theory of digital signal processing and wants to apply that knowledge to the actual design and analysis of digital audio processing systems. Amazon shows the table of contents from the 4th edition, so I show the detailed table of contents for the 5th edition here:
Sound and Numbers
Fundamental Theory
Digital Audio Recording
Digital Audio Reproduction
Error Correction
Digital Audio Tape
Optical Disc Storage
Compact Disc and SACD
Recordable CD
Interconnection
Perceptual Coding: Theory and Applications
MPEG-1 and MPEG-2
MP3 Codec
MPEG-4 and AAC
Psychoacoustic Models
Surround Sound Coding
Lossless Coding
DVD-Video and DVD-Audio
Recordable DVD
HD-DVD and Blu-ray
Minidisc
Desktop Audio
Network Audio
Downloadable and Streaming Internet Audio
File Formats
Digital Rights Management
Watermarking and Encryption
MPEG-7
Digital Radio and TV Broadcasting
HD Radio
Satellite Radio
Digital Audio Workstations
Digital Signal Processing: Theory and Applications
Sigma Delta Conversion and Noise Shaping

Definitive!.......2006-02-28

Prof. Pohlmann's book has become a firm favourite on my technical bookshelf. I enjoy his easy-going style and commend him for writing an informative and interesting book. I cannot imagine why anyone would not feel the same!

The "bible" of Digital Audio.......2005-09-17

Mr. Pohlmann's book is the most encompassing treatise on Digital Audio that is available today. As an employee at Dolby, I can tell you that you won't find an engineer at Dolby who does not own a copy of Digital Audio. The book can be used in many different ways. Whether you are an expert or a novice, this book will come in handy. I would equate this book to drinking directly from the source of a mountain spring. Don't think about it, just buy it.

Good Reference Book.......2005-08-26

The author does a great job in covering all broad aspects of digital audio. The perceptual coding chapter is specially useful in that the author gives mathematical models that you can implement for your work (equations related to masking, bark conversion, spreading functions, thresholds, etc). My only concer with this book is that too often the information is just simply thrown at you, the reading does not flow well and sometimes its seems like the topics are out of place, or at least, they could have been transitioned more smoothly.

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