Should you watch movies in stereo?
We are all told that we “need” a 5.1 (or even higher) channel surround system to enjoy TV and film content. Though the center channel is one of the more important pieces in a HT system, we sometimes can’t have them. There are various reasons why we might add one later, but it’s important to know that your favorite movies can still sound good, even without a center channel. How?
Enter the phantom center. A phantom center refers to the perceived location of a sound source in the center of a stereo setup, even though you only have a left and right speaker. This is achieved through stereo imaging, where audio signals are adjusted and mixed to create the illusion of a centered sound source. Basically – you will think the dialogue and sound are coming from straight in front of you! Based on necessity, you may employ a phantom center to create a far more immersive audio experience.
So, YES, you can watch movies in stereo.