Channel Based Surround Sound Modes
Surround sound modes have evolved significantly, offering various configurations and enhancements to suit different content and audio environments. Here are the main types and formats available today:
5.1 Dolby Surround Sound
Details:
Format: Digital/Analog
7.1 Dolby Surround Sound
Details:
Format: Digital
Adds:
1 set of rear or side channel speakers
9.1 Dolby Surround Sound
Details:
Format: Digital
Adds:
1 set of rear or side channel speakers
1 set of side channel speakers
11.1 Dolby Surround Sound
Details:
Format: Digital
Adds:
1 set of rear or side channel speakers
2 sets of side channel speakers
Object Based Surround Sound Modes
These systems allow sound to move freely in 3D space, providing greater precision and immersion:
Dolby Atmos
Details:
Format: Digital
Supports up to 128 sound objects and height channels (e.g., ceiling-mounted or upward-firing speakers).
DTS/DTSx
Details:
Format: Digital
Similar to Dolby Atmos but offers more flexibility in speaker setup.
Auro 3D
Details:
Format: Digital
Similar to Dolby Atmos but offers more flexibility in speaker setup.
Virtual Surround Sound
These modes simulate surround sound using fewer speakers (e.g., stereo or soundbars):
• Dolby Virtual Surround: Creates a surround-like experience from stereo systems.
• DTS Virtual:X: Adds height and surround effects to stereo or soundbars.
• Sony 360 Reality Audio: Immersive spatial audio designed for headphones and certain speakers.
Specialized Surround Modes
Many AV receivers and sound systems offer additional modes tailored for specific content:
• THX Surround Modes: Optimized for movies, gaming, or music, maintaining fidelity.
• Game Modes: Enhancements for directional sound in video games.
• Cinema Modes: Fine-tuned for dialogue clarity and cinematic effects.
• Music Modes: Focused on stereo imaging and natural sound reproduction.
Broadcast and Streaming Surround Modes
• Dolby Digital (5.1): Common for streaming and broadcasting.
• Dolby Digital Plus (DD+): An enhanced, compressed format supporting Atmos.
• DTS-HD Master Audio: A lossless surround format for Blu-ray and high-quality streams.
• Dolby TrueHD: Lossless format commonly found on Blu-ray.
Emerging Spatial Audio Technologies
• Apple Spatial Audio: Tailored for Apple devices, creating a dynamic surround effect.
• Sony 360 Reality Audio: Provides 3D soundscapes, optimized for music.
• Windows Sonic and Dolby Access for Headphones: Surround sound virtualization for gaming and media on PCs and Xbox.
Configurations with Height Channels
• 5.1.2, 7.1.4, etc.:
These configurations indicate base surround channels, subwoofers, and height speakers (e.g., 7.1.4 has 7 base channels, 1 subwoofer, and 4 height speakers).
Considerations
• The availability of these modes depends on your AV receiver, speakers, soundbars, and the content you’re consuming.
• Not all content supports advanced surround formats like Atmos or DTS:X.