Common Surround Sound Formats – 7.1 Surround Sound Speakers System

THX-3D12 7.1 surround sound speakers

In case you hadn’t figured it out by now, 7.1 surround sound is named as it is because the sound literally surrounds the listener coming from 8 speakers.

* Two channels for speakers at the front—left (L) and right (R).

* One channel for speaker at the center—center (C).

* Two channels for surround speakers at the sides—left surround (LS) and right surround (RS).[10]

* Two channels for surround speakers at the rear—left back (LB) and right back (RB).

* One low-frequency effects channel (LFE).

Some of the common surround sound formats for 7.1 configuration today are Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD and SDDS. Source media, usually Blu-Ray and sometimes HD-DVD are often branded with “Dolby Digital Plus”, “DTS-HD Master Audio” and/or “Dolby TrueHD” logos.

While there have recently been significant leaps and bounds in this technology there was a huge gap in time between the introduction of this technology and the significant improvements we have seen in recent years. This is especially true when the evolution of sound technology is compared to how fast the world of video has evolved over the last three decades.

In general, surround sound technology is used in cinema and home theater systems, video game consoles, personal computers and other platforms. Commercial surround sound media include videocassettes, Video DVDs, and HDTV broadcasts encoded as Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Digital, or DTS. Other commercial formats include the competing DVD-Audio (DVD-A) and Super Audio CD (SACD) formats, and MP3 Surround.

Sony Dynamic Digital Sound (SDDS) is a 7.1 surround sound speakers Cinema configuration which features 5 independent audio channels across the front with two independent surround channels, and an LFE(Low-Frequency Effects) channel. There are many different formats on the market today. This can be confusing for many consumers though the good news is that most devices that interpret the formats do so automatically.

In other words, you won’t need a PhD in terminology in order to enjoy the latest blockbuster hit to come out on DVD with your surround sound system. You will however need a good AV receiver and even better speakers in order to get the maximum enjoyment from your home theater and surround sound system. Also keep in mind that a proper surround sound speaker placement  is equally important.

Much like anything in life the proper formats and surround sound system comes down to a matter of choice. The more speakers (such as 7.1 surround systems) will present a great quality of sound than fewer, however poor quality speakers can completely ruin the beauty of the sound of your surround sound system. Your speakers should be your single largest investment when it comes to building your ideal surround sound system.

There are many things that go into creating not only the perfect surround sound system for your home but also the perfect surround sound set up. Do not get so caught up in researching these systems online that you neglect to walk into your local stores and actually hear the sound systems you are considering for purchase. There is noting like hearing the quality of the sound to help you make your final selection.