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By contrast, modern soundtracks use discrete channels of information. at is,
each speaker has a distinct signal that is completely independent of every other
channel. is approach is clearly more desirable, since it gives the movie-makers
more creative control over the quality of your experience. Musicians also prefer
discrete formats, since it allows them to place their instruments and voices with
greater precision, to create the musical eff ects they desire.
ere are many multi-channel formats available. Table1, below, identifi es
the most common multi-channel formats to help you sort out some of the
possibilities.
Table 1: Common multichannel modes
Name # Chs
Matrix/Discrete
Comments
analog stereo 2 Discrete
Found on almost all sources, including
tape decks, tuners, and CD players.
analog multi-
channel input
6-8 Discrete
A multi-channel analog input used
mostly for SACD & DVD-Audio.
Dolby Surround
Pro Logic
4 Matrix
e original matrix decoding system
designed to squeeze four channels into
two and then retrieve them.
Dolby Pro
Logic II
Up to 5.1 Matrix
An improvement of Dolby’s original
Pro Logic matrix decoder, Dolby PLII
is designed for 5.1 surround systems.
Dolby Pro
Logic IIx
Up to 7.1 Matrix
An improvement of Dolby PLII, this
version uses the 2ch or 5.1channel
source audio to create as many as 7.1
channels (depending on speaker setup)
of surround sound.
Dolby Digital
(formerly AC-3)
1.0-5.1 Discrete
e most common modern digital
source, used in HDTV, DVD, etc.
Dolby
Digital EX
6.1 Discrete
A 7th channel of discrete information
was recorded during fi lming and
is encoded into the media. is
information is used to create a single
rear centre, or two mono rear centres
depending on the speaker setup (6.1
or 7.1).
DTS 1.0-5.1 Discrete
Similar to Dolby Digital in practice,
though it uses a diff erent technology.
DTS-ES Matrix 6.1 Mostly Discrete
e centre rear channel is a matrix
channel encoded into the left and
right surround channels. e
processor reads fl ags and “unfolds”
the centre channel information; all
other channels are discrete.
DTS-ES Discrete
6.1 Discrete
All 6.1 channels are discrete
DTS Neo:6 5-6 Matrix
Designed for the playback of fi lm or
music sources and can derive 5 or 6
channels with surround and/or rear
speakers