Mole177

what is the difference between these? i already understand 5.1, meaning that u have 5 speakers and sub, but what is the 6 and 7?!!?!?

Gomez

6.1 adds a center rear between your surrounds pointing at the back of your head, while 7.1 keeps your 2 rears and adds 2 side surrounds like you'd see in a theater. I suppose 8.1 would be ideal, adding sides and a rear center, but I don't think that exists for HT yet.

raseruz

5.1 as you said means 5 speakers and a sub, 6.1 is 6 speakers and a sub, and 7.1 as you can guess is 7 speakers and a sub. Each discrete speaker would be 1.0 and a subwoofer would be .1; so if I had 5 discrete speakers and 2 subwoofers, that's 5.2

But for formats supported by dvd's, it's something else.

For Dolby Digital and DTS uses 5.1, 5 discrete channels(Front left/right, Center, Surround left/right) and a subwoofer(.1)

For DTS-ES it uses 6.1, 6 discrete channels (Front left right, Front Center, Surround left/right, Rear Center) and a subwoofer(.1)

For THX Surround EX, it can be 6.1 or 7.1, let's just say 7.1. This is where you have 5 discrete channels and a subwoofer(the 5.1) and then you have two(or one, which would be 6.1) additional back surround speaker(s), these are matrixed multichannel sound.

Discrete - Discrete means separate, distinct. In multichannel sound systems, a discrete channel is one that is independent; not created by using part of another channel or channels.

Matrixed multichannel sound - In multichannel sound systems, a matrixed channel is one derived from part or parts of another channel or channels. Kind of like an add-on. Dolby Pro Logic is a matrixed system.

I hope my information is correct, anyone please feel free to correct.

Regards,
RaS

palebluedot

Answers to a lot of questions can be found in the F A Q.