In case you hadn't figured it out by now, surround sound is named as it is because the sound literally surrounds the listener. 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.
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.
If you are simply curious or like to know a little about a lot, then you just might find some of the following explanations for common surround sound formats to be useful. Dolby Digital AC-3 is by far the most commonly seen surround sound format. It is a 5.1 channel format (this means five speakers plus one subwoofer). This is what most DVDs will include and some programs that are found on digital cable or satellite channels will have this type of surround sound as well. You can use Dolby Digital for older mediums that do not include surround sound in their format, as surround isn't required in order to use the system.
Pro Logic is a system used by Dolby in order to translate or decode the signals from other mediums such as old videocassette tapes or television broadcasts. This is becoming widely known for its ability to take two speaker sounds and turn them into shockingly realistic surround imitations.
DTS is the largest competitor for Dolby when it comes to sound. DTS is this company's answer to Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. This is mostly seen only on DVDs.
DTS-ES is the above-mentioned company's answer to Dolby's 6.1 surround system (this is 6 speakers plus 1 subwoofer). Of course DTS is also going to have their own answer to Pro Logic and that answer would be DTS NEO:6, which is said to produce great imitations of surround sound from existing 2 channel mediums very much like Pro Logic.
You may be wondering why we went through all of this information and the primary reason is so that you know there is a difference and you purchase equipment and DVDs that are compatible with one another. Failure to do so could result in a sound that is less than desirable. Most systems will at the very least support both Dolby Digital and DTS, however, you should make sure that you are aware of the format your system requires from the start in order to make the proper decisions when purchasing.
Much like anything in life the proper formats and surround sound system comes down to a matter of choice. The more speakers (such as you would find in the 6.1 or 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.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do i hook a sub wire to a jvc kd-s590 main ...
By: danielle | 20-07-2008
how do i hook a sub wire to a jvc kd-s590 main unit what color is the wire the the sub wire attatches to
What are the best free computer programs for ...
By: BILL1016 | 20-07-2008
What are the best free computer programs for removing/protecting computers from virus infections, spam, adware.
A system to recod recod speech directly on my ...
By: sswamiher | 19-07-2008
a system to recod recod speech directly on my computer
Scanning pictures
By: Ran Landau | 19-07-2008
I'm looking for a photo scanner, with a good feeder, which will scan all my old photos,
is there something like that in the market?
What do i need to upgrade my computer, I have 448 ...
By: leshottest2003 | 18-07-2008
what do i need to upgrade my computer, I have 448 mhz 128 of ram what ever that means
Who gives laptops to educators?
By: lateach | 18-07-2008
Does anyone know of a cooperation or individual(s) that will freely give or sell laptops to educators at a greatly reduced cost? I'm a FL,USA urban teacher looking for a gift or bargain.
I would like to create woksheets and activities from home. I would also use the computer in the classroom. I bought, great bargain, a device that will allow me to use a television to project web lessons and activities. the laptop will help with this activity.
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Electronics Articles
Electricity - Power to the People
By: Liam G | 23/07/2008
The following article should prove useful to anyone wishing to know more about electricity. It explains how electricity in generated and delivered to its destination.
How Domestic Wiring Have Progressed
By: Anna Stenning | 23/07/2008
Taking a brief look at the electrical supply in the house, what to do in a flood situation and how they are installed into new homes.
Electricity – How it Came to be
By: Liam G | 23/07/2008
The following article should prove useful to anyone wishing to know more about electricity. It highlights the progression that electricity has made over the years.
Canon Powershot a 640 Digital Camera
By: Monty Alexander | 23/07/2008
This 10-mega pixel digital camera comes with a CCD sensor, has 4x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom. ,"It has a 2.5-inch large LCD screen, optical viewfinder and a self-timer. The optical viewfinder saves battery life and helps to focus better in dark conditions and bright light. This camera has underwater shooting mode where a waterproof case allows for underwater shooting at depths to 40 mtrs. It comes with a 32 MB SD card and can be upgraded with either a Secured Digital or a Multi Media card.
Ups Power Solutions: an Emergency Supply of Power
By: Article Manager | 23/07/2008
UPS power solutions prevent some of the common power problems such as brownouts, spikes etc. and supply a constant voltage output to the various operational equipment. UPS Power Solutions are not meant for supporting computer systems instead whenever there is a requirement for short-term power.
Ups – an Important Back-up Providers
By: Article Manager | 23/07/2008
UPS is a device that can protect computers and other electronic components from the problems of power supply, voltage sags and spikes. Uninterruptible power supplies are important back-up providers that are used in both large business establishments with a wide network of computers and in a home or office with individual computers.
Ups Power Protection Systems: a Must for Industrial and Domestic Electrical Appliances
By: Article Manager | 23/07/2008
UPS power protection systems have been developed to provide various types of protection for electrical equipment. The most effective UPS power protection systems is the double conversion online UPS that are critically sensitive to power fluctuations or outages. This system is expensive but effective and is used extensively in industry and computer server environments.
An Overview on Uninterruptible Power Supply
By: Article Manager | 23/07/2008
UPS is simply a charged battery that delivers enough power to your computer, and other critical hardware such as a monitor when utility power is not available. It differs from an auxiliary power supply as auxiliary power supply does not provide instant protection from a momentary power interruption.
Technology 
