Introduction|
Mono|
Dolby Stereo|
Dolby Surround|
Dolby Surround
The hidden information remains hidden when the soundrack is played through a two speaker
stereo system, so Dolby Surround can be heard on normal television, VHS video and DVD as
a stereo format through 2 speakers. Only when the signal passes through a Dolby Pro-Logic
decoder does the additional information reveal itself. The centre channel is intended to
carry the dialogue of the on-screen characters so your attention is more focussed on the
screen. The rear channel, replayed through 2 speakers as a mono signal, provides low level
ambiance that creates a three-dimentional atmosphere around the room. A good Dolby Pro-Logic
system will not attract your attention to the rear speakers - the sound should be so low
that you can't hear it directly. It's only when the rear channel is turned off after
listening for a while should you fully appreciate the difference that the extra Dolby
Surround channels actually makes.
Dolby Pro-Logic|
Dolby Pro-Logic II|
Dolby Digital|
Dolby Digital Surround-EX|
DTS|
DTS-ES|
THX|
Sony SDDS|
Dolby Surround is a 2 channel stereo format for
home cinema sources that contains hidden audio information for a front centre and
rear surround channel. It's basically the home version of the 4 channel Dolby Stereo
system used in movie theatres
