Surround Sound is ideal for watching movies and sports. Watching football on a surround sound system, for instance, is a lot of fun -- action on the field goes between the front speakers, commentary in the center speaker, and crowd sounds in the rear channels.

"Home Theater" is a sub-category of Surround Sound and is becoming increasingly uncommon, as giant boxy TVs are left moldering in the basement and flat panels are able to enter the more civilised areas of the home. As a result, Surround Sound systems as we realise them are stealthy and self-effacing, while providing realistic effects. All surround sound systems will do an adequate job with music, although a dedicated two channel system is de riguer for a true audiophile.