jvc sound 20 watts (RMS)

[nig28]

Hi
I have been looking at some of the cheaper JVC`s and I am confused about the sound output.
I know some of the Philips TV`s have 5 and 10 watt speakers, when looking at JVC specification thier sound output was quoted as 20 watts RMS.
RMS - I am told that this means 2 watts!!
Is the sound on the cheaper JVC`s (£3-400) poor, and does RMS multiply the wattage by 10.
Nigel

[j_duqueno]

Watts RMS (Root mean squared) is normaly about 1/3 less than Watts PMP (Peak).

So 20 RMS = 50 PMP

Audio signals are analogue:
Peak = The peak signal strength
RMS = Average signal strength

You should also look out for if its rated per channel (speaker) or total.

10 RMS/Channel * 2 Channels = 20 RMS Total

[Mylo]

RMS is the only power rating that is standard generally. PMP & PMPO et all, are inflated versions to try and make equipment seem more powerful, different manufactures use different multipliers to do this.

Edit, this thread shows you how extreme it can be:1700w Active speakers at Maplins for £20!

[Chris Muriel]

Indeed, RMS is basically the euqivalent heating effect you would get if chanelling all the output into a resistor.
PMPO and all the others are marketing BS to fool the unwary.
How else would it be possible to buy PC speakers at 400 watts PMPO that are each only the size of a typical spongebag ?
Now true 400w RMS speakers would be very substantial - larger than the size of the largest allowable aircraft carry-on bag.
They have to be to shift enough air - and that's without taking into account the lower transducer efficiency of higher power speakers.

Chris Muriel, Manchester.