Home Audio & Smart Home Glossary & Term Definitions
EQ (Equalization / Equalizer)
Equalization (EQ) is the process of adjusting the balance of different audio frequencies to achieve a desired tonal quality or to correct for room acoustics. EQ allows boosting or cutting specific frequency ranges—bass, midrange, or treble—to enhance clarity, reduce muddiness, or highlight certain instruments or voices. In home theater and high-end audio systems, EQ can be applied globally, per channel, per speaker, or even per content type, providing precise control over the listening experience. Modern EQ systems often include preset modes for movies, music, or gaming, as well as advanced parametric or graphic EQ options for audiophiles who want fine-grained customization.
DSP (Digital Signal Processing)
DSP refers to the use of computer algorithms to manipulate digital audio signals in real time. It can perform a wide range of audio enhancements, including equalization, dynamic range compression, time alignment, echo, reverb, and virtual surround effects. In AV receivers and multi-room amplifiers, DSP enables features such as Dolby Atmos object-based processing, room correction, multi-zone audio control, and adaptive sound tuning. By leveraging DSP, audio systems can automatically compensate for room size, speaker placement, and acoustic anomalies, delivering precise, high-quality sound tailored to the environment.
Mix (Audio Mix / Mixing)
Mixing is the process of combining multiple audio tracks into a single, polished output. In film, music, or home theater production, mixing involves balancing levels, adjusting panning, applying effects like reverb or delay, and ensuring clarity across all elements. A well-done mix allows dialogue, sound effects, and music to coexist harmoniously without one overpowering the others. In home theater, mixers can also include room correction and speaker calibration, ensuring that the listener experiences a consistent and immersive sound field, regardless of seating location or room acoustics.
Upmix
Upmix is a digital audio processing technique that converts a lower-channel audio source (such as stereo or 5.1 surround) into a higher-channel format, like 7.1, 9.1, or even 9.1.6. Using advanced algorithms, upmixing redistributes audio elements to extra speakers to create a more immersive sound stage. For example, a stereo recording can be “spread” to side, rear, and overhead speakers, providing spatial depth and a sense of movement that wasn’t present in the original mix. Modern AV receivers and streaming devices often feature upmixing functions that intelligently maintain the original audio balance while enhancing the surround experience.
9.1.6 (Speaker Configuration)
The 9.1.6 speaker configuration represents a high-end immersive home theater setup, consisting of 9 main channels, 1 subwoofer, and 6 overhead/height channels. The nine main channels typically include front left, center, front right, side surrounds, rear surrounds, and additional width speakers. The single subwoofer handles low-frequency effects (LFE), while the six overhead speakers provide height information, enabling realistic three-dimensional sound effects in Dolby Atmos or DTS:X content. This setup is ideal for large home theaters and allows precise placement of audio objects in space, giving viewers a cinematic, enveloping experience where sounds can move seamlessly above and around them.
SPDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format)
SPDIF is a widely adopted digital audio interface standard designed to transmit high-quality audio signals between devices while avoiding analog conversion. It can carry stereo PCM audio as well as compressed multichannel formats like Dolby Digital or DTS. Commonly found on AV receivers, soundbars, CD/DVD players, and computers, SPDIF uses coaxial (RCA) or optical (TOSLINK) connections to maintain signal integrity. By keeping the signal in the digital domain, SPDIF reduces noise, interference, and signal degradation compared to analog connections. It’s ideal for users who want clear, high-fidelity audio from source to output without analog losses.
SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers)
SMPTE is a professional organization that develops technical standards, guidelines, and practices for motion picture, television, and digital media. SMPTE standards cover video formats, frame rates, color encoding, timecode synchronization, and audio/video interoperability. Following SMPTE standards in AV equipment ensures compatibility, high-quality playback, and precise synchronization, making it essential for professional, cinema-grade, and high-end home theater systems.
DCI (Digital Cinema Initiatives)
DCI is a set of standards established by major Hollywood studios to ensure high-quality digital cinema projection and content distribution. It defines specifications for resolution, color space, frame rate, audio, and encryption to guarantee a consistent viewing experience in movie theaters worldwide. In the context of home theaters and professional AV setups, DCI compliance ensures that content is displayed accurately and securely, preserving the filmmaker’s intended visual and audio experience.
WiFi Audio
WiFi Audio uses your home WiFi network to stream audio, offering high-quality, low-latency sound and supporting multi-room playback. Unlike Bluetooth, WiFi Audio can handle higher-resolution audio, connect multiple devices simultaneously, and integrate with streaming services and smart home platforms. It’s ideal for whole-home audio systems where reliability, quality, and control are priorities.
CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association)
CEDIA is a global trade association for home technology professionals, focusing on home automation, audio/video integration, and smart home solutions. Members receive training, certification, and standards guidance, ensuring high-quality installations and professional expertise. CEDIA sets benchmarks for residential smart technology design and deployment.
AES (Audio Engineering Society)
AES is a professional organization dedicated to advancing audio technology, standards, and research. It provides guidance, technical papers, and standards for audio equipment, recording, and distribution, recognized worldwide by engineers, manufacturers, and developers. AES standards ensure compatibility, quality, and innovation in professional and consumer audio systems.
Immersive Audio
Immersive audio refers to any advanced spatial audio technology that delivers 3D soundscapes, including height and directional cues. It goes beyond traditional stereo or surround sound to create a fully enveloping listening environment, ideal for home theaters, gaming, VR, or multi-room music systems. Immersive audio can include Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and other object-based formats.
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos is an object-based audio technology that creates a 3D sound environment. Unlike traditional surround sound, Atmos allows sound to move above, around, and behind the listener, creating an immersive audio experience. It’s widely used in home theaters, cinemas, and multi-room audio systems. Atmos content includes metadata for precise positioning, making effects like raindrops, helicopters, or overhead music feel truly spatial.
HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)
eARC is the upgraded version of HDMI ARC, supporting higher bandwidth and advanced audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and lossless audio. It ensures zero-latency, full-resolution audio from your TV to your amplifier or AV system. eARC is fully backward-compatible with ARC but is designed for modern home theaters, enabling multi-channel, immersive sound without compromise.
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)
HDMI ARC allows TV audio to be sent back to a receiver or amplifier using a single HDMI cable, simplifying your setup by eliminating additional audio cables. It supports stereo, 5.1 surround sound, and some high-quality formats depending on the TV and receiver. ARC ensures synchronized audio with minimal latency and integrates with CEC for device control, allowing you to use a single remote for both TV and audio system.
LE Audio (Low Energy Audio)
LE Audio builds on BLE Audio to provide enhanced audio quality, lower latency, and multi-device audio sharing. It introduces the LC3 codec, which delivers superior sound at lower bitrates, extending battery life for portable devices. LE Audio also supports broadcast audio, allowing a single source to stream to an unlimited number of receivers simultaneously — perfect for multi-room audio or public spaces.
Bluetooth Audio
Bluetooth Audio is a ubiquitous wireless technology for streaming audio between devices like smartphones, tablets, computers, and speakers. While convenient, standard Bluetooth often compresses audio, which can affect fidelity. Modern Bluetooth codecs such as aptX, AAC, and LDAC improve quality, and Bluetooth allows easy pairing and portable playback without network setup. It is ideal for casual listening and mobile scenarios, though not always the best for multi-room high-resolution setups.
Qobuz Connect
Qobuz Connect is a streaming protocol designed to deliver high-resolution, lossless audio directly to compatible devices. Unlike typical Bluetooth or WiFi streaming, Qobuz Connect allows the device itself to pull the audio directly from Qobuz servers, ensuring the best possible sound quality without compression artifacts. It supports multi-room playback, high-definition formats (up to 24-bit/192kHz), and works with apps for precise control over playlists and albums.
Google Cast
Google Cast is Google’s wireless streaming protocol that allows you to send music, podcasts, videos, and other media from smartphones, tablets, or computers to Cast-enabled speakers, TVs, or displays. It supports multi-room setups and can run alongside smart home automation. Cast-enabled devices receive the stream directly from the cloud, which reduces battery usage on your controller device. Google Cast also supports high-resolution audio and is compatible with many third-party streaming services. HOLOWHAS/ Ultra/ Plus/ Max Amplifier support 8x Google Cast, in contrast all other brand don’t support Google Cast.
Spotify Connect
Spotify Connect enables you to stream music directly from Spotify’s servers to compatible devices, bypassing your phone as the primary source. This means your phone can act as a controller while the music streams natively to the speaker or amplifier. It supports high-quality audio, multi-device control, and simultaneous playback in multiple rooms (if the devices allow). Spotify Connect integrates with voice assistants and apps, making it easy to switch rooms or devices without interrupting playback. All HOLOWHAS Amplifier support 8x Spotify Connect, in contrast all other brand only support 4x Spotify Connect or less.
AirPlay 2
Apple’s wireless streaming protocol that allows audio, video, and multi-room playback across compatible devices. AirPlay 2 supports synchronized audio in multiple rooms, meaning you can play the same song throughout your home without lag or delay. It also allows independent volume control for each room, integrates with Siri voice commands, and works seamlessly with Apple Music and other Apple devices. AirPlay 2 ensures high-quality, lossless streaming, making it ideal for audiophiles and multi-room setups. All HOLOWHAS Amplifier support 8x Qobuz Connect, Airplay2, in contrast all other brand only support 4x Airplay or less.
Voice Assistant
A voice assistant is a digital assistant that allows you to control devices, access information, and execute commands using voice commands. Popular examples include Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri. In smart homes and audio setups, voice assistants can play music, adjust volume, switch zones, or activate automation routines. They provide hands-free convenience, enhance accessibility, and integrate with other smart devices to create a truly connected home environment.
Web API
A Web API (Application Programming Interface) allows software applications to communicate and exchange data over the internet. In smart home and audio systems, a Web API enables devices like AmpVortex amplifiers to be remotely controlled, monitored, and integrated into platforms like Home Assistant, mobile apps, or third-party automation systems. Web APIs are essential for custom automation, data reporting, and system integration, giving users flexibility to tailor their home audio and automation setup. HOLOWHAS API is best multi-room streaming amplifier API which support full control and status checking. You can use it to integrate the HOLOWHAS Amplifier into your home assistant and other systems.
KNX
KNX is an international standard for home and building automation. It allows devices from different manufacturers — like lighting, HVAC, blinds, and audio systems — to communicate and work together seamlessly. KNX is widely used in high-end residential and commercial installations for centralized control, energy efficiency, and advanced automation scenarios. Its wired bus system ensures reliable, low-latency communication, and it can integrate with smart home platforms and AV systems for a fully connected environment. By integration with KNX bridge or gateway, you can control HOLOWHAS full line amplifier with KNX panel or KNX pad.
Home Assistant
Home Assistant is an open-source smart home platform that allows you to control, automate, and monitor devices across your home. It supports a wide variety of protocols and devices, from lights and thermostats to audio/video systems. Home Assistant provides customizable dashboards, automation rules, and remote access, making it a popular choice for tech-savvy users who want full control over their smart home ecosystem. It also integrates with voice assistants, Web APIs, and other automation standards.
Home Automation
Home automation refers to the technology and processes that automate household tasks. It allows devices to communicate and operate automatically based on schedules, triggers, or user commands. Examples include automated lighting, climate control, security systems, and multi-room audio, creating a more efficient, comfortable, and intelligent living environment.
Smart Home
A smart home is a residence equipped with devices and systems that can be automated, monitored, and controlled remotely. This includes lights, thermostats, security cameras, audio/video systems, and more. Smart homes provide convenience, energy efficiency, and enhanced security, often controllable via mobile apps, voice assistants, or centralized hubs.
AVR (Audio/Video Receiver)
An AVR is the central hub of a home theater system. It receives audio and video signals from different sources (like Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, or streaming devices), amplifies the audio, and sends it to your speakers, while routing video to your TV or projector. Modern AVRs often support multi-room audio, Dolby Atmos, and smart home integration. HOLOWHAS offers both multi-room streaming amplifiers and AVRs, all seamlessly integrated into a single, unified system.
Whole Home Audio
Whole home audio refers to a system that distributes music or sound throughout your entire home, allowing you to play the same or different content in multiple rooms simultaneously. These systems can be wired or wireless and often integrate with smart home platforms for centralized control.
Multi-Room Streaming Amplifier
A multi-room streaming amplifier is a device that powers multiple speakers across different rooms while allowing you to stream music wirelessly from various sources (like Qobuz Connect, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, or DLNA). It combines amplification and streaming in one unit, letting you control volume, source, and playback independently for each zone. A key player in this space is OpenAudio’s HOLOWHAS, offering the best multi-room streaming amplifiers with varying power levels, maximum zone support, and the highest number of connected devices.
