FAQs
Onsia Technology
The Onsia Difference
Material Science in Onsia
Onsia’s Sound Quality
Speaker Placement
Setup and Operation
Installation
Technology
(back to top)
What is the technology and how does it work?
The Onsia™ Concealed Flat Panel Speaker is genuinely unique from all other forms of
electrical audio sound reproduction (most of which are based on the controlled motion of
a piston-like structure). Onsia utilizes the principle of distributed mode vibrations in a
lightweight rigid body.
Onsia works in much the same way as the majority of acoustic musical instruments —
utilizing the principle of a vibrating sound board or vibrating structural body. The entire
body of an acoustic guitar, for example, is a complex vibrating mass that radiates sound
energy in all directions. The strings of the acoustic guitar through the guitar’s bridge
function to excite or set off those vibrations. By themselves, the vibrations of the strings
contribute little to the acoustic energy radiated from the instrument; hence an electric
guitar does not make a great deal of sound without an amplifier.
In essence, Onsia speaker technology replaces the strings and bridge of an acoustic
musical instrument with a compact electromagnetic coil device, called a transducer. The
transducer is capable of converting electrical signals that carry the full audio frequency
bandwidth, into a small linear motion. The transducer is then used to “excite” a
soundboard. It is the soundboard itself, through a complex distributed mode vibrating
action, which then radiates large amounts of sound energy into the surrounding
environment without any perceived large excursion of a diaphragm.
How is the Onsia technology and performance different than a traditional cone speaker?
Conventional speakers use a pair of magnetic fields to cause a membrane, or diaphragm,
to vibrate, thus creating sound. Onsia speakers, by contrast, use electronic impulses to
produce multiple vibrations across a single surface. When you tap a drum, the sound
vibrates across the drumhead, starting at the point at which you tapped. If you tap it
softly, the volume is lower. Tap along the edge, and you get a different tone than if you
tap the center. That’s the basic idea behind Onsia technology, but it goes one step further.
An electronic “exciter” on the back of each speaker sends electronic “taps” along the
surface of the panel. By changing and regulating each electronic tap, the exciter creates
different volumes and frequencies that vibrate through the panel. The resulting vibrations
are heard as sound. Onsia technology operates on a principle of complex vibrations
across an entire panel rather than the piston-like motion of a diaphragm.
No, it has been around for about 15 years. In the early 1990s, the British Defense
Ministry authorized the use of lighter, stiffer materials in the cockpits of fighter jets.
British fighter pilots complained about increased noise in the cockpit. When the
ministry’s scientists investigated, they discovered that the new materials carried the
plane’s own vibrations very efficiently —too efficiently for comfort. A London-based
company called NXT™ took the findings and conducted more research. In late 1997,
NXT began licensing technology for flat panel speakers. While flat speakers have been
around for nearly 50 years, NXT technology is the first to use multiple, chaotic vibrations
instead of a pulsating diaphragm to create sound. The result is an inexpensive,
lightweight and flexible speaker that can reproduce low, mid and high-range frequencies
better than conventional speakers. The first loudspeakers to utilize NXT technology
became available in 2000 marketed under the Benwin™ brand.
Where else is NXT technology used?
NXT technologies can be found in audio systems, TVs, PCs and laptops, mobile phones,
PA systems, cars, aircraft, and in public buildings and facilities around the world.
How much power can an Onsia speaker handle?
The In-Ceiling models are rated at 25w RMS/50w Peak (120Hz high pass filter @
6dB/oct). The panels are rated at being able to accept 50w of RMS power provided the
signal is high pass filtered at 120 Hz with a filter of slope 6dB per octave or steeper. A
high pass filter, as described above, is engineered into each Onsia speaker.
How good are Onsia loudspeakers?
Products incorporating NXT technology have won many awards and received
enthusiastic press coverage worldwide, in some cases sweeping the board against
conventional loudspeaker solutions. To quote a few examples: Pioneer’s NXT-equipped
5.1 speaker system won Stuff magazine’s “hot buy” for boxed home theatre systems;
KEF’s innovative KIT was the winner of a prestigious EISA award in 2004; Mission’s
M-Cube Home Theatre system took the prize in “What Hi-Fi?” test of surround sound
systems carried out in May 2005; and Philips’ range of Ambi-light TVs incorporating
NXT flat panel speakers have won almost every conceivable media and industry
award since their introduction.
How reliable are Onsia speakers?
NXT technology is inherently maintenance free. As the
exciter is only moving fractions of a millimeter, the mechanical stresses are far less than
with the drive unit of a conventional speaker. Equally, the technology has no cone
surround or suspension that can fail due to material fatigue. The unit does contain a
moving coil, and it is possible to overdrive this like any other speaker by applying too
much power for too long. However Onsia’s protective, self-resetting polyswitches are
built into each speaker, thus eliminating “blown” speakers due to overpowering or signal
spikes. This virtually eliminates the risk of failure due to abuse, so your Onsia products
should last a lifetime.
How do you install each different item?
See installation instructions under the models section.
No, The unit does contain a moving coil, and it is possible to overdrive this like any other speaker by applying too much power for too long. However Onsia’s protective, self-resetting polyswitches are built into each speaker, thus eliminating “blown” speakers due to overpowering or signal spikes. This virtually eliminates the risk of failure due to abuse, so your Onsia products should last a lifetime. See also # 13
How does the sound performance compare to other national leading brands?
Is there a sound quality difference between the three products?
Yes, although they have the same sound characteristic, they do sound slightly different
because they are designed for different applications
How hard or how loud can I push the In-Ceiling speakers?
The In-Ceiling model is rated at 25w RMS/50w Peak (120Hz high pass filter @
6dB/oct). The panels are rated at being able to accept 50w of RMS power provided the
signal is high pass filtered at 120 Hz with a filter of slope 6dB per octave or steeper. A
high pass filter, as described above, is engineered into each Onsia speaker.
What if my receiver has a higher watt-per-channel rating than the Onsia speakers max wattage?
The standard receiver generally has 100 watts per channel. Turning up the volume on the receiver is what increases the wattage to its full potential. If the volume is too high, it will cause the protective mechanism to kick in and mute the sound.
What is the maximum sound pressure for the speakers
For the In-Ceiling there is “A 100 db (decibel) max spl” and the In-Wall has ”A 105 db max spl”.
One item to note that due to the unique construction of our product, different than cone speakers, our speaker fall off is 3 dbl less at every doubling of distance when compared to conventional speakers. I.e.
| Conventional | Onsia | |
| Dbl @ 2 meters | 80 dbl | 80 dbl |
| Dbl @ 4 meters | 75 dbl | 78 dbl |
How has the Onsia speakers been tested?
Currently we have done laser vibrometer testing in our own laboratory against other national brand loudspeakers to identify the frequency and decibel response. We have not done independent or third party testing as that is purely subjective to the listener. Flat panel technology has been around for many years; however, no one has incorporated it with specific materials and substrates to get the response and sound quality that we have achieved thus far.
What is impedance and why is one speaker rated at 8ohms and the others are 16ohms?
A simple definition of impedance is “the opposition of one thing to another.” For an analogy: you are in a room and you would like to leave that room, but if there were a 365-pound wrestler standing in the doorway and he didn’t want you to go through the door, he would represent a significantly high impedance. He could easily impede or prevent you from going out of the room. If, on the other hand, some person much smaller and lighter than you were standing in the doorway, he would not offer much opposition to you if you truly desired to go through that doorway.
A loudspeaker’s impedance is its opposition to current flow from the power amplifier. It is the current flow from the power amplifier that actually performs the work, or causes the voice coil attached to the paper cone to move back and forth in the magnetic field, which causes the loudspeaker cone to start the air molecules bumping in to each other to produce what we hear as sound. The more current that flows in the voice coil, the greater the cone’s motion and the higher the sound pressure level, i.e., the louder the sound that is produced. The loudspeaker is a transducer, or a device that changes energy from one form into another.
The loudspeaker takes the electrical current produced by the amplifier and transforms it into acoustical energy, thus creating a phenomenon we recognize as sound. However, the loudspeaker is far from being 100% efficient. The electrical current that is not converted into acoustical energy is converted into another form of energy we know as heat. Since impedance is the opposition to current flow, the higher the loudspeaker’s impedance, the less current flow from the power amplifier. The lower the loudspeaker’s impedance, the more current will flow from the amplifier. The power amplifier produces energy in the form of both voltage and current.
The In-Ceiling speakers use 2 transducers that are rated at 8 ohms each. The transducers are then wired in series for a total value of 16 ohms.
Difference between Onsia and traditional cone speakers
(back to top)
What makes Onsia different or better than other flat panel speakers?
Laser Interferometer research has helped us develop and discover new materials and
combinations of materials that strike the best balance between stiffness, damping and
mass. Our research led to the development of a proprietary panel design. The core of the
panel is made from aerated polystyrene which is then skinned with asymmetrically
aligned paper and styrene laminates.
So how loud are Onsia speakers?
Onsia flat panel speakers can generate sound pressure levels comparable to conventional
loudspeakers. A significant advantage of Onsia technology is its room-filling sound.
Unlike conventional speaker technology, Onsia speakers produce a wider, more diffuse
sound that reaches to the perimeter of the room without experience the “hot and cold
spots” associated with traditional cone speakers.
How good are Onsia loudspeakers?
Products incorporating NXT technology have won many awards and received
enthusiastic press coverage worldwide, in some cases sweeping the board against
conventional loudspeaker solutions. To quote a few examples: Pioneer’s NXT-equipped
5.1 speaker system won Stuff magazine’s “hot buy” for boxed home theatre systems;
KEF’s innovative KIT was the winner of a prestigious EISA award in 2004; Mission’s
M-Cube Home Theatre system took the prize in “What Hi-Fi?” test of surround sound
systems carried out in May 2005; and Philips’ range of Ambi-light TVs incorporating
NXT flat panel speakers have won almost every conceivable media and industry
award since their introduction.
How reliable are Onsia speakers?
NXT technology is inherently maintenance free. As the
exciter is only moving fractions of a millimeter, the mechanical stresses are far less than
with the drive unit of a conventional speaker. Equally, the technology has no cone
surround or suspension that can fail due to material fatigue. The unit does contain a
moving coil, and it is possible to overdrive this like any other speaker by applying too
much power for too long. However Onsia’s protective, self-resetting polyswitches are
built into each speaker, thus eliminating “blown” speakers due to overpowering or signal
spikes. This virtually eliminates the risk of failure due to abuse, so your Onsia products
should last a lifetime.
No, The unit does contain a moving coil, and it is possible to overdrive this like any other speaker by applying too much power for too long. However Onsia’s protective, self-resetting polyswitches are built into each speaker, thus eliminating “blown” speakers due to overpowering or signal spikes. This virtually eliminates the risk of failure due to abuse, so your Onsia products should last a lifetime. See also # 13
Why are there not limit switches in traditional cone speakers?
Traditional speakers often use limit switches in tweeters.
How does the sound performance compare to other national leading brands?
Do I still need a subwoofer with my surround sound system?
Yes, as with conventional speakers, to reproduce all the channels of surround-encoded
program content, you will need to use a subwoofer. It is not a function of the speaker
technology, but rather a function of the surround sound process.
What is the maximum sound pressure for the speakers
For the In-Ceiling there is “A 100 db (decibel) max spl”.
One item to note that due to the unique construction of our product, different than cone speakers, our speaker fall off is 3 dbl less at every doubling of distance when compared to conventional speakers. I.e.
| Conventional | Onsia | |
| Dbl @ 2 meters | 80 dbl | 80 dbl |
| Dbl @ 4 meters | 75 dbl | 78 dbl |
How has the Onsia speakers been tested?
Currently we have done laser vibrometer testing in our own laboratory against other national brand loudspeakers to identify the frequency and decibel response. We have not done independent or third party testing as that is purely subjective to the listener. Flat panel technology has been around for many years; however, no one has incorporated it with specific materials and substrates to get the response and sound quality that we have achieved thus far.
Material Science
(back to top)
Is the Onsia technology new?
No, it has been around for about 15 years. In the early 1990s, the British Defense
Ministry authorized the use of lighter, stiffer materials in the cockpits of fighter jets.
British fighter pilots complained about increased noise in the cockpit. When the
ministry’s scientists investigated, they discovered that the new materials carried the
plane’s own vibrations very efficiently —too efficiently for comfort. A London-based
company called NXT™ took the findings and conducted more research. In late 1997,
NXT began licensing technology for flat panel speakers. While flat speakers have been
around for nearly 50 years, NXT technology is the first to use multiple, chaotic vibrations
instead of a pulsating diaphragm to create sound. The result is an inexpensive,
lightweight and flexible speaker that can reproduce low, mid and high-range frequencies
better than conventional speakers. The first loudspeakers to utilize NXT technology
became available in 2000 marketed under the Benwin™ brand.
What makes Onsia different or better than other flat panel speakers?
Laser Interferometer research has helped us develop and discover new materials and
combinations of materials that strike the best balance between stiffness, damping and
mass. Our research led to the development of a proprietary panel design. The core of the
panel is made from aerated polystyrene which is then skinned with asymmetrically
aligned paper and styrene laminates.
So what exactly is aerated polystyrene and why is it so good?
It is mineral-filled polypropylene that has been “puffed up” with injected air to form a
honey-comb like structure. Take a look at the scanning electron microscope photo of the
cross section of an Onsia panel diaphragm (pictured below)
.
How good are Onsia loudspeakers?
Products incorporating NXT technology have won many awards and received
enthusiastic press coverage worldwide, in some cases sweeping the board against
conventional loudspeaker solutions. To quote a few examples: Pioneer’s NXT-equipped
5.1 speaker system won Stuff magazine’s “hot buy” for boxed home theatre systems;
KEF’s innovative KIT was the winner of a prestigious EISA award in 2004; Mission’s
M-Cube Home Theatre system took the prize in “What Hi-Fi?” test of surround sound
systems carried out in May 2005; and Philips’ range of Ambi-light TVs incorporating
NXT flat panel speakers have won almost every conceivable media and industry
award since their introduction.
How reliable are Onsia speakers?
NXT technology is inherently maintenance free. As the
exciter is only moving fractions of a millimeter, the mechanical stresses are far less than
with the drive unit of a conventional speaker. Equally, the technology has no cone
surround or suspension that can fail due to material fatigue. The unit does contain a
moving coil, and it is possible to overdrive this like any other speaker by applying too
much power for too long. However Onsia’s protective, self-resetting polyswitches are
built into each speaker, thus eliminating “blown” speakers due to overpowering or signal
spikes. This virtually eliminates the risk of failure due to abuse, so your Onsia products
should last a lifetime.
No, The unit does contain a moving coil, and it is possible to overdrive this like any other speaker by applying too much power for too long. However Onsia’s protective, self-resetting polyswitches are built into each speaker, thus eliminating “blown” speakers due to overpowering or signal spikes. This virtually eliminates the risk of failure due to abuse, so your Onsia products should last a lifetime. See also # 13
Can the In-Ceiling model be washed?
Yes, using a soft cloth and surface or glass cleaner
Sound Quality
(back to top)
How is the Onsia technology and performance different than a traditional cone speaker?
Conventional speakers use a pair of magnetic fields to cause a membrane, or diaphragm,
to vibrate, thus creating sound. Onsia speakers, by contrast, use electronic impulses to
produce multiple vibrations across a single surface. When you tap a drum, the sound
vibrates across the drumhead, starting at the point at which you tapped. If you tap it
softly, the volume is lower. Tap along the edge, and you get a different tone than if you
tap the center. That’s the basic idea behind Onsia technology, but it goes one step further.
An electronic “exciter” on the back of each speaker sends electronic “taps” along the
surface of the panel. By changing and regulating each electronic tap, the exciter creates
different volumes and frequencies that vibrate through the panel. The resulting vibrations
are heard as sound.
So how loud are Onsia speakers?
Onsia flat panel speakers can generate sound pressure levels comparable to conventional
loudspeakers. A significant advantage of Onsia technology is its room-filling sound.
Unlike conventional speaker technology, Onsia speakers produce a wider, more diffuse
sound that reaches to the perimeter of the room without experience the “hot and cold
spots” associated with traditional cone speakers.
How good are Onsia loudspeakers?
Products incorporating NXT technology have won many awards and received
enthusiastic press coverage worldwide, in some cases sweeping the board against
conventional loudspeaker solutions. To quote a few examples: Pioneer’s NXT-equipped
5.1 speaker system won Stuff magazine’s “hot buy” for boxed home theatre systems;
KEF’s innovative KIT was the winner of a prestigious EISA award in 2004; Mission’s
M-Cube Home Theatre system took the prize in “What Hi-Fi?” test of surround sound
systems carried out in May 2005; and Philips’ range of Ambi-light TVs incorporating
NXT flat panel speakers have won almost every conceivable media and industry
award since their introduction.
How reliable are Onsia speakers?
NXT technology is inherently maintenance free. As the
exciter is only moving fractions of a millimeter, the mechanical stresses are far less than
with the drive unit of a conventional speaker. Equally, the technology has no cone
surround or suspension that can fail due to material fatigue. The unit does contain a
moving coil, and it is possible to overdrive this like any other speaker by applying too
much power for too long. However Onsia’s protective, self-resetting polyswitches are
built into each speaker, thus eliminating “blown” speakers due to overpowering or signal
spikes. This virtually eliminates the risk of failure due to abuse, so your Onsia products
should last a lifetime.
How does the sound performance compare to other national leading brands?
Do I still need a subwoofer with my surround sound system?
Yes, as with conventional speakers, to reproduce all the channels of surround-encoded
program content, you will need to use a subwoofer. It is not a function of the speaker
technology, but rather a function of the surround sound process.
Will my In-Ceiling speaker vibrate?
Not if installed according to instructions.
Can Onsia speakers be used for Karaoke?
It is possible. However, because of the nature of amplified microphone input, you may often cause the self-resetting poly switch to activate because of the varying vocal input.
What is the maximum sound pressure for the speakers
For the In-Ceiling there is “A 100 db (decibel) max spl”.
One item to note that due to the unique construction of our product, different than cone speakers, our speaker fall off is 3 dbl less at every doubling of distance when compared to conventional speakers. I.e.
| Conventional | Onsia | |
| Dbl @ 2 meters | 80 dbl | 80 dbl |
| Dbl @ 4 meters | 75 dbl | 78 dbl |
How has the Onsia speakers been tested?
Currently we have done laser vibrometer testing in our own laboratory against other national brand loudspeakers to identify the frequency and decibel response. We have not done independent or third party testing as that is purely subjective to the listener. Flat panel technology has been around for many years; however, no one has incorporated it with specific materials and substrates to get the response and sound quality that we have achieved thus far.
Speaker Placement
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How many speakers are required in each of my rooms?
For most background music applications, two speakers are sufficient to cover an average
living space. For home theater installations, you use one speaker for each channel, e.g.,
five speakers with a 5.1 system, six with a 6.1 system, and seven with a 7.1 channel
surround system. For installations in drop-tile ceiling systems (In-Ceiling model), four times
fewer panels are required to give the same coverage as conventional loudspeakers.
Figure A
In practice, the clarity and evenness of coverage will be far better with this reduced
number of Onsia speakers than a greater number of conventional loudspeakers.
Where do I position the panels based on room size and sound system
configuration?
Because of the unique technology used in the design of the loudspeaker panels, there is
more flexibility in placing the panels in the primary listening area. In other words, the
location of the speaker panels can be based on interior design requirements as well as
acoustical considerations. You can simply conceal them entirely. The panels can also
be oriented either horizontally or vertically with no impact on audio performance.
However, optimal performance can be achieved by following several simple guidelines:
Home theater speaker placement
The front channel panels should be placed on either side of the television screen,
six to 10 feet apart, with the center speaker located central to the listening position
and close to the TV screen. Ideally, the front and center channel speakers should
be installed at the same height. We recommend placing the rear panels behind the
listener and above the listening position. For home theater applications, we
recommend the use of a powered subwoofer to “lift” the bottom end of the
frequency spectrum. Subwoofer not included.Operation
It is important to correctly configure your receiver or processor to operate
effectively with the Onsia speaker system. The correct setup is determined by the
number of speaker panels and the type of receiver/processor. Always follow the
directions and instructions for wiring and setup for your particular brand and
model of audio and visual equipment. Subwoofer not included.
For a 2.1 system: consists of two front speaker panels (left, right) and a
subwoofer. Set your receiver to STEREO mode. If your receiver has a simulated
surround sound capability (such as Dolby® Virtual Speaker or SRS Labs
TruSurround®), you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of surround sound from just
two speaker panels.For a 4.1 system: consists of two front speaker panels (left, right), two rear
surround speaker panels (left, right), and a subwoofer. Set your receiver mode to
match the source material (STEREO, 5 CH. STEREO, etc. for music,
SURROUND, PRO LOGIC, etc., for movies and TV). It is important to note that,
since there is no center channel speaker panel in the 4.1 setup, you must set your
receiver’s Center Channel mode to PHANTOM. This will route the center
channel signal to the left and right front speaker panels.For a 5.1 system: consists of two front speaker panels (left, right), two rear
surround speaker panels (left, right), a center channel speaker panel, and a
subwoofer. In this setup, set your receiver mode to match the source material
(STEREO, 5 CH STEREO, etc., for music, SURROUND, PRO LOGIC, etc., for
movies and TV). Since there is a center channel speaker panel in the 5.1 setup,
you must set your receiver’s Center Channel mode to NORMAL or WIDE. Please
follow the instructions for your receiver/processor to ensure that the subwoofer
output is turned on and that the speakers are set to “Small” in all of the operating
modes for the receiver/processor.
Is speaker placement critical with Onsia?
Onsia offers a number of benefits to the listener beyond the absolute stealth of the design.
One of the key features is the ability to provide consistent sound pressure levels over a
wide listening area. Conventional loudspeakers produce a very directional sound.
Typically the dispersion varies greatly according to the frequency being produced, with
low frequency waves dispersing well, but above 5 kHz, the sound becomes very
directional. As a result, with conventional loudspeakers, you need your ears directly in
line with the drive units in order to be able to hear the full frequency spectrum.
In conventional systems with more than one speaker, directional midrange and high
frequencies react with each other to create interference patterns of sound pressure, so
when moving through a room, you notice that sounds get louder and quieter with very
little consistency, even in the listening “sweet spot.”
With Onsia, these problems simply disappear. Because the sound is being produced by
longitudinal waves across the entire surface of the panel with a maximum excursion of
only a few microns, the resulting audio waves are entirely different in nature. Rather than
coherent waves produced (like throwing a pebble into an otherwise still pond) that you
get from traditional speakers, the sound waves from Onsia are much more complex,
exciting the surface of the panel with hundreds of nonlinear waves. This has the effect of
virtually eliminating the interference patterns that are inevitable when coherent waves
interact. The phase relationship between sound waves no longer has significance and,
perhaps the most important consequence, the wave amplitude does not decay
logarithmically in relation to distance from the loudspeaker. Instead, a smooth linear
decay occurs. The result is a large and consistent listening area, free of interference.
Gone are the days when you had to place the stereo speakers equidistant in a triangle
from the listener. Onsia speakers can be placed anywhere, even in L-shaped or irregular
rooms, at different heights or orientations.
Do I still need a subwoofer with my surround sound system?
Yes, as with conventional speakers, to reproduce all the channels of surround-encoded
program content, you will need to use a subwoofer. It is not a function of the speaker
technology, but rather a function of the surround sound process.
Can I install five In-Ceiling speakers or five In-Frame speakers in my room and
use for surround sound?
Yes.
Because of the unique technology used in the design of the loudspeaker panels, there is
more flexibility in placing the panels in the primary listening area. In other words, the
location of the speaker panels can be based on interior design requirements as well as
acoustical considerations. You can simply place them where they look the best (In-Frame
model). Or conceal them entirely (In-Wall and In-Ceiling models). The panels can also
be oriented either horizontally or vertically with no impact on audio performance.
However, optimal performance can be achieved by following several simple guidelines:
Home theater speaker placement
The front channel panels should be placed on either side of the television screen,
six to 10 feet apart, with the center speaker located central to the listening position
and close to the TV screen. Ideally, the front and center channel speakers should
be installed at the same height. We recommend placing the rear panels behind the
listener and above the listening position. For home theater applications, we
recommend the use of a powered subwoofer to “lift” the bottom end of the
frequency spectrum. Subwoofer not included.Operation
It is important to correctly configure your receiver or processor to operate
effectively with the Onsia speaker system. The correct setup is determined by the
number of speaker panels and the type of receiver/processor. Always follow the
directions and instructions for wiring and setup for your particular brand and
model of audio and visual equipment. Subwoofer not included.
For a 2.1 system: consists of two front speaker panels (left, right) and a
subwoofer. Set your receiver to STEREO mode. If your receiver has a simulated
surround sound capability (such as Dolby® Virtual Speaker or SRS Labs
TruSurround®), you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of surround sound from just
two speaker panels.For a 4.1 system: consists of two front speaker panels (left, right), two rear
surround speaker panels (left, right), and a subwoofer. Set your receiver mode to
match the source material (STEREO, 5 CH. STEREO, etc. for music,
SURROUND, PRO LOGIC, etc., for movies and TV). It is important to note that,
since there is no center channel speaker panel in the 4.1 setup, you must set your
receiver’s Center Channel mode to PHANTOM. This will route the center
channel signal to the left and right front speaker panels.For a 5.1 system: consists of two front speaker panels (left, right), two rear
surround speaker panels (left, right), a center channel speaker panel, and a
subwoofer. In this setup, set your receiver mode to match the source material
(STEREO, 5 CH STEREO, etc., for music, SURROUND, PRO LOGIC, etc., for
movies and TV). Since there is a center channel speaker panel in the 5.1 setup,
you must set your receiver’s Center Channel mode to NORMAL or WIDE. Please
follow the instructions for your receiver/processor to ensure that the subwoofer
output is turned on and that the speakers are set to “Small” in all of the operating
modes for the receiver/processor.Choosing an appropriate mounting height
When determining the mounting height, simply follow the same principles that
you normally do when hanging traditional artwork (for the In-Frame model). The
height of the picture is conditional to the area. If it is to be located in a living
room, dining room, or bedroom, where people are seated, then it should be hung
at eye level. The eye will be drawn to the focus of interest in the picture, and
sound will then be at ear level. In hallways and entranceways, consider that
people will be standing, and eye level (and ear level) will change accordingly. In-
Wall model Onsia speakers perform best at about 66 inches off the ground.
Can I place my subwoofer output into a sixth Onsia speaker?
No. Separate subwoofers are recommended.
Setup and Operation
(back to top)
Where do I position the panels based on room size and sound system
configuration?
Because of the unique technology used in the design of the loudspeaker panels, there is
more flexibility in placing the panels in the primary listening area. In other words, the
location of the speaker panels can be based on interior design requirements as well as
acoustical considerations. You can simply place them where they look the best (In-Frame
model). Or conceal them entirely (In-Wall and In-Ceiling models). The panels can also
be oriented either horizontally or vertically with no impact on audio performance.
However, optimal performance can be achieved by following several simple guidelines:
Home theater speaker placement
The front channel panels should be placed on either side of the television screen,
six to 10 feet apart, with the center speaker located central to the listening position
and close to the TV screen. Ideally, the front and center channel speakers should
be installed at the same height. We recommend placing the rear panels behind the
listener and above the listening position. For home theater applications, we
recommend the use of a powered subwoofer to “lift” the bottom end of the
frequency spectrum. Subwoofer not included.Operation
It is important to correctly configure your receiver or processor to operate
effectively with the Onsia speaker system. The correct setup is determined by the
number of speaker panels and the type of receiver/processor. Always follow the
directions and instructions for wiring and setup for your particular brand and
model of audio and visual equipment. Subwoofer not included.
For a 2.1 system: consists of two front speaker panels (left, right) and a
subwoofer. Set your receiver to STEREO mode. If your receiver has a simulated
surround sound capability (such as Dolby® Virtual Speaker or SRS Labs
TruSurround®), you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of surround sound from just
two speaker panels.For a 4.1 system: consists of two front speaker panels (left, right), two rear
surround speaker panels (left, right), and a subwoofer. Set your receiver mode to
match the source material (STEREO, 5 CH. STEREO, etc. for music,
SURROUND, PRO LOGIC, etc., for movies and TV). It is important to note that,
since there is no center channel speaker panel in the 4.1 setup, you must set your
receiver’s Center Channel mode to PHANTOM. This will route the center
channel signal to the left and right front speaker panels.For a 5.1 system: consists of two front speaker panels (left, right), two rear
surround speaker panels (left, right), a center channel speaker panel, and a
subwoofer. In this setup, set your receiver mode to match the source material
(STEREO, 5 CH STEREO, etc., for music, SURROUND, PRO LOGIC, etc., for
movies and TV). Since there is a center channel speaker panel in the 5.1 setup,
you must set your receiver’s Center Channel mode to NORMAL or WIDE. Please
follow the instructions for your receiver/processor to ensure that the subwoofer
output is turned on and that the speakers are set to “Small” in all of the operating
modes for the receiver/processor.Choosing an appropriate mounting height
When determining the mounting height, simply follow the same principles that
you normally do when hanging traditional artwork (for the In-Frame model). The
height of the picture is conditional to the area. If it is to be located in a living
room, dining room, or bedroom, where people are seated, then it should be hung
at eye level. The eye will be drawn to the focus of interest in the picture, and
sound will then be at ear level. In hallways and entranceways, consider that
people will be standing, and eye level (and ear level) will change accordingly. In-
Wall model Onsia speakers perform best at about 66 inches off the ground.
No. Our research and development team is working on a wireless Onsia system. But at this point, Onsia speakers require speaker wire.
No, The unit does contain a moving coil, and it is possible to overdrive this like any other speaker by applying too much power for too long. However Onsia’s protective, self-resetting polyswitches are built into each speaker, thus eliminating “blown” speakers due to overpowering or signal spikes. This virtually eliminates the risk of failure due to abuse, so your Onsia products should last a lifetime. See also # 13
How do I wire the speakers for each application?
See installation instructions in the speakers section of this web site.
Is this for new home construction or existing homes?
All models can be used in new or existing construction.
Will the speakers work with my surround sound system, 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1?
Yes, the speakers are well-suited for left, right, center (both back and front) channels. A separate subwoofer is recommended to lift the bottom frequencies.
Do I still need a subwoofer with my surround sound system?
Yes, as with conventional speakers, to reproduce all the channels of surround-encoded
program content, you will need to use a subwoofer. It is not a function of the speaker
technology, but rather a function of the surround sound process.
Can the In-Ceiling model be washed?
Yes, using a soft cloth and surface or glass cleaner
With the In-Ceiling model, can I get different ceiling tile images to match my
ceiling if it’s different from the stock finish?
Yes, we offer most common tile patterns and colors. Call 800-434-3750 for additional details.
Will my In-Ceiling speaker vibrate?
Not if installed according to instructions.
Can I place my subwoofer output into a sixth Onsia speaker?
No. Separate subwoofers are recommended.
Can I redirect the bass in the .1 channel in a 5.1 into the 5 In-Wall speakers?
Depending on the audio equipment, but it is not recommended.
Can I buy an In-Ceiling model and install it as an In-Wall model to save $50?
No, the products are specifically engineered for their intended application
Are the products/application interchangeable?
No, the products are specifically engineered for their intended application
Can Onsia speakers be used for Karaoke?
It is possible. However, because of the nature of amplified microphone input, you may often cause the self-resetting poly switch to activate because of the varying vocal input.
What if my receiver has a higher watt-per-channel rating than the Onsia speakers max wattage?
The standard receiver generally has 100 watts per channel. Turning up the volume on the receiver is what increases the wattage to its full potential. If the volume is too high, it will cause the protective mechanism to kick in and mute the sound.
What is the maximum sound pressure for the speakers
For the In-Ceiling and In-Frame, there is “A 100 db (decibel) max spl”.
One item to note that due to the unique construction of our product, different than cone speakers, our speaker fall off is 3 dbl less at every doubling of distance when compared to conventional speakers. I.e.
| Conventional | Onsia | |
| Dbl @ 2 meters | 80 dbl | 80 dbl |
| Dbl @ 4 meters | 75 dbl | 78 dbl |
How has the Onsia speakers been tested?
Currently we have done laser vibrometer testing in our own laboratory against other national brand loudspeakers to identify the frequency and decibel response. We have not done independent or third party testing as that is purely subjective to the listener. Flat panel technology has been around for many years; however, no one has incorporated it with specific materials and substrates to get the response and sound quality that we have achieved thus far.
What is impedance and why is one speaker rated at 8ohms and the others are 16ohms?
A simple definition of impedance is “the opposition of one thing to another.” For an analogy: you are in a room and you would like to leave that room, but if there were a 365-pound wrestler standing in the doorway and he didn’t want you to go through the door, he would represent a significantly high impedance. He could easily impede or prevent you from going out of the room. If, on the other hand, some person much smaller and lighter than you were standing in the doorway, he would not offer much opposition to you if you truly desired to go through that doorway.
A loudspeaker’s impedance is its opposition to current flow from the power amplifier. It is the current flow from the power amplifier that actually performs the work, or causes the voice coil attached to the paper cone to move back and forth in the magnetic field, which causes the loudspeaker cone to start the air molecules bumping in to each other to produce what we hear as sound. The more current that flows in the voice coil, the greater the cone’s motion and the higher the sound pressure level, i.e., the louder the sound that is produced. The loudspeaker is a transducer, or a device that changes energy from one form into another.
The loudspeaker takes the electrical current produced by the amplifier and transforms it into acoustical energy, thus creating a phenomenon we recognize as sound. However, the loudspeaker is far from being 100% efficient. The electrical current that is not converted into acoustical energy is converted into another form of energy we know as heat. Since impedance is the opposition to current flow, the higher the loudspeaker’s impedance, the less current flow from the power amplifier. The lower the loudspeaker’s impedance, the more current will flow from the amplifier. The power amplifier produces energy in the form of both voltage and current.
The In-Ceiling speakers use 2 transducers that are rated at 8 ohms each. The transducers are then wired in series for a total value of 16 ohms. The 8 ohm rating is common among speakers.
Installation
(back to top)
Where do I position the panels based on room size and sound system
configuration?
Because of the unique technology used in the design of the loudspeaker panels, there is
more flexibility in placing the panels in the primary listening area. In other words, the
location of the speaker panels can be based on interior design requirements as well as
acoustical considerations. You can simply place them where they look the best (In-Frame
model). Or conceal them entirely (In-Wall and In-Ceiling models). The panels can also
be oriented either horizontally or vertically with no impact on audio performance.
However, optimal performance can be achieved by following several simple guidelines:
Home theater speaker placement
The front channel panels should be placed on either side of the television screen,
six to 10 feet apart, with the center speaker located central to the listening position
and close to the TV screen. Ideally, the front and center channel speakers should
be installed at the same height. We recommend placing the rear panels behind the
listener and above the listening position. For home theater applications, we
recommend the use of a powered subwoofer to “lift” the bottom end of the
frequency spectrum. Subwoofer not included.Operation
It is important to correctly configure your receiver or processor to operate
effectively with the Onsia speaker system. The correct setup is determined by the
number of speaker panels and the type of receiver/processor. Always follow the
directions and instructions for wiring and setup for your particular brand and
model of audio and visual equipment. Subwoofer not included.
For a 2.1 system: consists of two front speaker panels (left, right) and a
subwoofer. Set your receiver to STEREO mode. If your receiver has a simulated
surround sound capability (such as Dolby® Virtual Speaker or SRS Labs
TruSurround®), you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of surround sound from just
two speaker panels.For a 4.1 system: consists of two front speaker panels (left, right), two rear
surround speaker panels (left, right), and a subwoofer. Set your receiver mode to
match the source material (STEREO, 5 CH. STEREO, etc. for music,
SURROUND, PRO LOGIC, etc., for movies and TV). It is important to note that,
since there is no center channel speaker panel in the 4.1 setup, you must set your
receiver’s Center Channel mode to PHANTOM. This will route the center
channel signal to the left and right front speaker panels.For a 5.1 system: consists of two front speaker panels (left, right), two rear
surround speaker panels (left, right), a center channel speaker panel, and a
subwoofer. In this setup, set your receiver mode to match the source material
(STEREO, 5 CH STEREO, etc., for music, SURROUND, PRO LOGIC, etc., for
movies and TV). Since there is a center channel speaker panel in the 5.1 setup,
you must set your receiver’s Center Channel mode to NORMAL or WIDE. Please
follow the instructions for your receiver/processor to ensure that the subwoofer
output is turned on and that the speakers are set to “Small” in all of the operating
modes for the receiver/processor.
No. Our research and development team is working on a wireless Onsia system. But at this point, Onsia speakers require speaker wire.
No, The unit does contain a moving coil, and it is possible to overdrive this like any other speaker by applying too much power for too long. However Onsia’s protective, self-resetting polyswitches are built into each speaker, thus eliminating “blown” speakers due to overpowering or signal spikes. This virtually eliminates the risk of failure due to abuse, so your Onsia products should last a lifetime. See also # 13
How does the flat wire connect to a normal stereo?
Onsia’s optional FLAT-WIRE kit includes a termination box that adapts the flat wire for
connection to standard speaker wire using gold plated binding posts.
Is this for new home construction or existing homes?
All models can be used in new or existing construction.
Will the speakers work with my surround sound system, 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1?
Yes, the speakers are well-suited for left, right, center (both back and front) channels. A separate subwoofer is recommended to lift the bottom frequencies.
Do I still need a subwoofer with my surround sound system?
Yes, as with conventional speakers, to reproduce all the channels of surround-encoded
program content, you will need to use a subwoofer. It is not a function of the speaker
technology, but rather a function of the surround sound process.
Can the In-Ceiling model be washed?
Yes, using a soft cloth and surface or glass cleaner
With the In-Ceiling model, can I get different ceiling tile images to match my
ceiling if it’s different from the stock finish?
Yes, we offer most common tile patterns and colors. Call 800-434-3750 for additional details.
Can I place my subwoofer output into a sixth Onsia speaker?
No. Separate subwoofers are recommended.
Can the In-Ceiling speakers be used on the back side of a tongue-and-groove ceiling that is made of pine? Will this affect the acoustics of the speaker? Are there any other options for using the In-Ceiling speaker?
The speakers can conduct sound through most fabrics, wallpapers, drywall compound and light textures, but placing the surface of the panel against a solid object such as wood, tile or glass will stop the transmission of sound and may damage the speaker.
