High Definition Versus High Fidelity

I am sure you have heard the term high fidelity. It has been around for many years, while high definition audio is a relatively new term. Technology leader Intel has been at the head of the pack, defining a finite set of rules and specifications as well as hardware for digital sound on computers that they call HD Audio. Unlike high fidelity (or hi-fi) systems that sometimes incorporate analog and digital signals together, high definition audio if aimed at only using digital media sources. Basically, it turns your computer into an audio receiver as well as an amplifier.

The high definition audio chip from Intel allows your computer to send out a digital audio signal to speakers, headphones and even telephones. It works with most other audio equipment too. Earlier computer audio systems only produced a simple stereo sound and were very low quality. This high definition audio system can support surround sound up to Dolby 7.1. This effectively turns your computer into a movie theater.

When you get down to brass tacks, this product is designed to create an immersion type experience. Through surround sound and superior quality, it is possible for your computer to create an audio realm where you are the center of the performance with the best seats in the house. Of course, none of this means that the sound your computer puts out is accurate of the conditions in which that sound was recorded. The company does not recommend a certain kind of speakers, nor does it come with them. You have to bring your own speakers to the party, and hooking up low end ones, you will not get sound that is a replicate of the original performance.

To explain, a cheaper surround sound theater system might take you into the listening experience, meaning it will work, but it will not be the pinnacle of sound by any means. For many of our current home theater systems, these cheaper sound setups would be just fine. Even if your system does not exactly replicate the sound to perfection, it can still create the experience you want. Most people probably will not be able to tell the slight differences in tone and separation.

There is the best explanation I have. High fidelity sound meets very subjective standards and recreates sound to precision accuracy. It is the obsessive compulsive sound system. High def audio supports the latest formats and creates an immersion setup for you. While they are related, they are not interchangeable. Either way, it will probably sound good to you.