| For the following sections, a | | | | center (C). |
| distinction is made between the number | | | | Two channels for surround speakers at |
| of discrete channels encoded in the | | | | the sides - side left (L) and side right |
| original signal, and the number of | | | | (R). |
| channels that are reproduced for | | | | One channel for both surround speakers |
| playback; these can be added using | | | | at the rear - mono surround channel (S). |
| matrix decoding. A distinction is also | | | | |
| made between the number of channels | | | | One low-frequency channel using a |
| reproduced for playback, and the number | | | | sub-woofer (LFE). |
| of speakers over which these channels | | | | Describes the Dolby Digital EX discrete |
| are played. Graphics to the right of | | | | matrixed hybrid Surround system. Source |
| each section represent the number of | | | | media, usually DVD is often branded with |
| channels, not the number of speakers | | | | "Dolby Digital EX" logo. |
| used. | | | | Surround Sound speaker placement: (8 |
| Additionally, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1 | | | | speakers in total) Surround Sound |
| formats make use of bass management, | | | | speaker placement is different for both |
| which allows sound that is below the | | | | music and movie content. |
| abilities of main channels (5.0 | | | | For music speakers placement is unknown |
| channels) to be redirected to the | | | | For movie surround, the front speakers |
| subwoofer, which is designed to handle | | | | should be placed at the edges of the |
| that frequency range. There are notation | | | | screen, toed in to face the central |
| differences between the pre-bass-managed | | | | listening location, and the tweeters |
| signal and once it has passed through | | | | should be ear height. The center speaker |
| bass manager. For example, in 5.1, the | | | | should be placed behind the screen (when |
| channels are referred to as L(eft), | | | | using projection) or over or under a tv, |
| R(ight), C(enter), L(ow | | | | and as close to ear high as possible. |
| )F(requency)E(effects), | | | | Side channel speakers should be placed |
| S(urround)L(eft), and S(urround)R(ight). | | | | high on side walls, to the left and |
| However, once passing through the bass | | | | right of the listening position, |
| manager, they are referred to as L(eft), | | | | equidistant from the front speakers and |
| R(ight), C(enter), Sub(woofer), | | | | the rear speakers. Rear channel speakers |
| S(urround)L(eft), and S(urround)R(ight). | | | | should be placed high on side walls, |
| 3.0 Channel Surround (analog matrixed: | | | | slightly behind the listening position, |
| Surround) | | | | and should have a nomal hi quality |
| Extracts 3 audio channels from a stereo | | | | monopolar construction. |
| source: | | | | 6.1 Channel Surround (digital discrete: |
| Two channels for speakers at the front - | | | | DTS-ES) |
| left (L) and right (R). | | | | Delivers 6 audio channels and 1 LFE |
| One channel for surround speaker at the | | | | channel from a 7 channel source: |
| rear - surround (S). | | | | Two channels for speakers at the front - |
| Describes the numerous matrixed pre | | | | left (LF) and right (RF). |
| Prologic Surround processors. | | | | One channel for speaker at the center - |
| Speaker placement: (3 speakers in total) | | | | center (C). |
| Three identical speakers placed | | | | Two channels for surround speakers at |
| equidistant around a central listening | | | | the sides - side left (L) and side right |
| position. | | | | (R). |
| 4.0 Channel Surround (analog matrixed: | | | | One channel for both surround speakers |
| Quadraphonic) | | | | at the rear - mono surround channel (S). |
| Extracts 4 audio channels from a stereo | | | | |
| source: | | | | One low-frequency channel using a |
| Two channels for speakers at the front - | | | | sub-woofer (LFE). |
| left (L) and right (R). | | | | Describes the DTS ES discrete Surround |
| Two channels for surround speakers at | | | | system. Source media, usually DVD is |
| the rear - surround left (LS) and | | | | often branded with "DTS ES" logo. |
| surround right (RS). | | | | Surround Sound speaker placement: (8 |
| Describes the early matrixed Surround | | | | speakers in total) Surround Sound |
| Quadraphonic, Quadraphonic Stereo | | | | speaker placement is different for both |
| system. Source media, usually records or | | | | music and movie content. |
| tape is often branded 4 channel stereo. | | | | For music speakers placement is unknown |
| Speaker placement: (4 speakers in total) | | | | For movie surround, the front speakers |
| The front speakers should be placed at | | | | should be placed at the edges of the |
| the edges of the screen, toed in to face | | | | screen, toed in to face the central |
| the central listening location, and the | | | | listening location, and the tweeters |
| tweeters should be ear height. Rear | | | | should be ear height. The center speaker |
| channel speaker should be placed high on | | | | should be placed behind the screen (when |
| the back wall, slightly behind the | | | | using projection) or over or under a tv, |
| listening position, and can be of | | | | and as close to ear high as possible. |
| smaller size, due to the frequency | | | | Side channel speakers should be placed |
| limitations of the surround channel. | | | | high on side walls, to the left and |
| 4.1 Channel Surround (analog matrixed: | | | | right of the listening position, |
| Dolby Prologic) | | | | equidistant from the front speakers and |
| Extracts 4 audio channels, and 1 LFE | | | | the rear speakers. Rear channel speakers |
| channel from a stereo source: | | | | should be placed high on side walls, |
| Two channels for speakers at the front - | | | | slightly behind the listening position, |
| left (L) and right (R). | | | | and should have a nomal hi quality |
| One channel for speaker at the center - | | | | monopolar construction. |
| center (C). | | | | 7.1 Channel Surround (digital discrete: |
| One channel for both surround speakers | | | | Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD) |
| at the rear - mono surround channel (S). | | | | Delivers 7 audio channels and 1 LFE |
| | | | channel from an 8 channel source: |
| One low-frequency channel using a | | | | Two channels for speakers at the front - |
| sub-woofer (LFE). | | | | left (LF) and right (RF). |
| Describes the Dolby Prologic matrixed | | | | One channel for speaker at the center - |
| Surround system. Source media, usually | | | | center (C). |
| VHS, Laserdisc or television broadcast, | | | | Two channels for surround speakers at |
| CableTV/Satellite is often branded with | | | | the sides - side left (L) and side right |
| "Dolby Surround" logo. | | | | (R). |
| Surround Sound speaker placement: (6 | | | | Two channels for surround speakers at |
| speakers in total) The front speakers | | | | the rear - surround left (LS) and |
| should be placed at the edges of the | | | | surround right (RS). |
| screen, toed in to face the central | | | | One low-frequency channel using a |
| listening location, and the tweeters | | | | sub-woofer (LFE). |
| should be ear height. The center speaker | | | | Describes the Dolby Digital Plus |
| should be placed behind the screen (when | | | | discrete Surround system. Source media, |
| using projection) or over or under a tv, | | | | usually HD-DVD and sometimes Blu-Ray is |
| and as close to ear high as possible. | | | | often branded with "Dolby Digital Plus" |
| Rear channel speakers should be placed | | | | and/or DTS-HD logos. |
| high on side walls, slightly behind the | | | | Surround Sound speaker placement: (8 |
| listening position, and should be of | | | | speakers in total) Surround Sound |
| bi-pole construction, due to the | | | | speaker placement is different for both |
| frequency limitations of the surround | | | | music and movie content. |
| channel. | | | | For music speakers placement is unknown |
| 5.1 Channel Surround (analog matrixed: | | | | For movie surround, the front speakers |
| Dolby Prologic II) | | | | should be placed at the edges of the |
| Extracts 5 audio channels and 1 LFE | | | | screen, toed in to face the central |
| channel from a specially encoded stereo | | | | listening location, and the tweeters |
| source: | | | | should be ear height. The center speaker |
| Two channels for speakers at the front - | | | | should be placed behind the screen (when |
| left (L) and right (R). | | | | using projection) or over or under a tv, |
| One channel for speaker at the center - | | | | and as close to ear high as possible. |
| center (C). | | | | Side channel speakers should be placed |
| Two channels for surround speakers at | | | | high on side walls, to the left and |
| the rear - surround left (LS) and | | | | right of the listening position, |
| surround right (RS). | | | | equidistant from the front speakers and |
| One low-frequency channel using a | | | | the rear speakers. Rear channel speakers |
| sub-woofer (LFE). | | | | should be placed high on side walls, |
| Describes the Dolby Prologic II matrixed | | | | slightly behind the listening position, |
| Surround system. Source media, usually | | | | and should have a nomal hi quality |
| PS2 or Gamecube is often branded with | | | | monopolar construction. |
| "Pro-Logic II" logo. | | | | 8 Channel Surround (digital discrete: |
| Surround Sound speaker placement: (5 | | | | Dolby Digital HD, DTS-HD Master Audio) |
| speakers in total) The front speakers | | | | Dolby Digital HD and DTS-HD Master Audio |
| should be placed at the edges of the | | | | are emerging 8 channel home surround |
| screen, toed in to face the central | | | | systems currently supported by HD-DVD |
| listening location, and the tweeters | | | | and Blu-Ray DVD. Currently there are no |
| should be ear height. The center speaker | | | | consumer receivers on the market |
| should be placed behind the screen (when | | | | supporting either DD-HD or DTS-HD MA, |
| using projection) or over or under a tv, | | | | supported receivers may be released as |
| and as close to ear high as possible. | | | | soon as the first half of 2007. It is |
| Rear channel speakers should be placed | | | | not clear at this time whether these |
| high on side walls, slightly behind the | | | | receivers will be 8 channels or 8.1 |
| listening position, and should have a | | | | channels. |
| normal hi quality monopolar | | | | Cinematic 8 channel audio is a |
| construction. | | | | commercial surround sound standard that |
| 5.1 Channel Surround (digital discrete: | | | | adds two speakers to the more |
| Dolby Digital, DTS) | | | | conventional, and consumer-oriented |
| Delivers 5 audio channels and 1 LFE | | | | 6-channel (5.1) audio set-up. 8-channel |
| channel from a 6 channel source: | | | | positional audio utilizes the standard |
| Two channels for speakers at the front - | | | | front, center, and LFE (bass) speaker |
| left (L) and right (R). | | | | configuration, but in addition, includes |
| One channel for speaker at the center - | | | | two speakers positioned by the side and |
| center (C). | | | | two by the backside. Using such a sound |
| Two channels for surround speakers at | | | | configuration, almost every angle of |
| the rear - surround left (LS) and | | | | sound can, theoretically, be captured |
| surround right (RS). | | | | for a completely immersive experience. |
| One low-frequency channel using a | | | | But the 8-channel format has another, |
| sub-woofer (LFE). | | | | even more well-established tradition. |
| Describes the Dolby Digital and DTS | | | | The history of 'electronic music' |
| Surround systems. Source media, usually | | | | includes the evolution of multi-channel |
| DVD and sometimes Laserdisc or satellite | | | | playback in concert (arguably the real |
| digital cable is often branded with | | | | roots of 'surround sound' for cinema) |
| "Dolby Digital" and/or DTS logos. | | | | and for a considerable time the |
| DTS uses a higher sampling rate than | | | | 8-channel format was a de facto |
| Dolby Digital, thus DTS uses less | | | | standard. This standardisation was |
| compression and achieves higher fidelity | | | | fostered, in great measure, by the |
| than Dolby Digital. | | | | development of professional and |
| Surround Sound speaker placement: (6 | | | | semi-professional 8-track tape recorders |
| speakers in total) Surround Sound | | | | - originally analog, but later |
| speaker placement is different for both | | | | manifesting in proprietary cassette |
| music and movie content. | | | | formats by Alesis and Tascam. The |
| For music speakers are placed in a | | | | speaker configuration, however, is much |
| circle around the listener. The center | | | | less traditional, and unlike cinematic |
| channel has 0o offset, left and right | | | | reproduction systems, there is no |
| are offset ± 30o, and the left | | | | hard-and-fast 'standard'. |
| right surrounds are offset by | | | | In fact, composers took (and to some |
| ±110o. Also all speakers should | | | | extent still take) considerable interest |
| be monopole, equidistant to the | | | | in experimenting with speaker layouts. |
| listener, and all delay (ms) | | | | In these experiments, the goal is not |
| calculations on the surround decoder | | | | limited to creating 'realistic' playback |
| should be turned off (0ms). | | | | of believably natural sonic |
| For movie surround, the front speakers | | | | environments. Rather, the goals are |
| should be placed at the edges of the | | | | frequently simply to experience and |
| screen, toed in to face the central | | | | understand the effect created by |
| listening location, and the tweeters | | | | variations on source and imaging. |
| should be ear height. The center speaker | | | | 10.2 Channel Surround |
| should be placed behind the screen (when | | | | 10.2 is the surround sound format |
| using projection) or over or under a tv, | | | | developed by THX creator Tomlinson |
| and as close to ear high as possible. | | | | Holman of TMH Labs and University of |
| Rear channel speakers should be placed | | | | Southern California (schools of Cinema |
| high on side walls, slightly behind the | | | | Television and Engineering). Developed |
| listening position, and should have a | | | | along with Chris Kyriakakis of the USC |
| nomal hi quality monopolar construction. | | | | Viterbi School of Engineering, 10.2 |
| 6.1 Channel Surround (analog matrixed: | | | | refers to the format's slogan: "Twice as |
| Dolby Prologic IIx) | | | | good as 5.1". It has been touted as the |
| Extracts 6 audio channels and 1 LFE | | | | audio equivalent of IMAX - spectacle |
| channel from a specially encoded stereo | | | | beyond what can be achieved by any other |
| source: | | | | format. |
| Two channels for speakers at the front - | | | | 10.2 augments the LS (left surround) and |
| left (LF) and right (RF). | | | | RS (right surround) channels by two |
| One channel for speaker at the center - | | | | point surround channels that can more |
| center (C). | | | | finely manipulate sound - allowing the |
| Two channels for surround speakers at | | | | mixer to shift sounds in a distinct |
| the sides - side left (L) and side right | | | | 360° circle around the movie |
| (R). | | | | watcher. |
| One channel for both surround speakers | | | | The 14 discrete channels are: |
| at the rear - mono surround channel (S). | | | | Five front speakers: Left Wide, Left, |
| | | | Center, Right and Right Wide |
| One low-frequency channel using a | | | | Five surround channels: Left Surround |
| sub-woofer (LFE). | | | | Diffuse, Left Surround Direct, Back |
| Describes the Dolby Prologic IIx | | | | Surround, Right Surround Diffuse and |
| matrixed Surround system. Source media | | | | Right Surround Direct |
| is unknown. | | | | Two LFE channels: LFE Left, LFE Right |
| Surround Sound speaker placement: (8 | | | | Two Height channels: Left Height, Right |
| speakers in total) Surround Sound | | | | Height |
| speaker placement is different for both | | | | The .2 of the 10.2 refers to the |
| music and movie content. | | | | addition of a second subwoofer. The |
| For music speakers placement is unknown | | | | system is bass managed such that all the |
| For movie surround, the front speakers | | | | speakers on the left side use the left |
| should be placed at the edges of the | | | | sub and all the speakers on the right |
| screen, toed in to face the central | | | | use the right sub. The Center and Back |
| listening location, and the tweeters | | | | Surround speaker are split among the two |
| should be ear height. The center speaker | | | | subs. The two subs also serve as two |
| should be placed behind the screen (when | | | | discrete LFE (Low Frequency Effects) |
| using projection) or over or under a tv, | | | | channels. Although low frequencies are |
| and as close to ear high as possible. | | | | not localizable, it was found that |
| Side channel speakers should be placed | | | | splitting the bass on either side of the |
| high on side walls, to the left and | | | | audience increases the sense of |
| right of the listening position, | | | | envelopment. |
| equidistant from the front speakers and | | | | 22.2 Channel Surround |
| the rear speakers. Rear channel speakers | | | | 22.2 is the surround sound component of |
| should be placed high on side walls, | | | | Ultra High Definition Video (Super |
| slightly behind the listening position, | | | | Hi-vision TV with 4320 scanning lines), |
| and should have a nomal hi quality | | | | and has been developed by NHK Science & |
| monopolar construction. | | | | Technical Research Laboratories. As its |
| 6.1 Channel Surround (digital discrete: | | | | name suggests, it uses 24 speakers. |
| Dolby Digital EX with a matrixed 6th | | | | These are arranged in three layers: A |
| channel) | | | | middle layers of ten speakers, an upper |
| Delivers 5 audio channels, 1 extracted | | | | layer of nine speakers, and a lower |
| audio channel and 1 LFE channel from a 6 | | | | layer of three speakers and two |
| channel source: | | | | sub-woofers. The system was demonstrated |
| Two channels for speakers at the front - | | | | at Expo 2005, Aichi, Japan and the NAB |
| left (LF) and right (RF). | | | | 2006 conference, Las Vegas |
| One channel for speaker at the center - | | | | |