This system has five speakers and a low-frequency effects channel usually expressed through a subwoofer. Many DVDs and digital broadcasts feature a Dolby Digital soundtrack, so this will give you optimum sound for most programming. It also most closely approximates the sound in most commercial cinemas.
The most advanced home theater system features seven full-range speakers that allow viewers to take advantage of Dolby Digital EX soundtracks and Dolby Pro Logic IIx matrix-surround decoding technology. Both of these processes add surround information for greater realism and more dramatic effects.
5.1 Surround Sound
6.1 Surround Sound
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SPEAKERS
7.1 Surround Sound
A small step above the traditional five speaker surround sound system, this application incorporates a rear center channel speaker for added realism. Technological advances in center channel capabilities and sound generation placement have limited the popularity of this configuration.
The ".1" in 3.1, 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1 surround sound systems indicates a subwoofer or simply, "sub". For example, a 3.1 surround sound system is 3 speakers (left, right & center) and a sub. Subwoofer loudspeakers are dedicated to the reproduction of bass audio frequencies and can make your house rumble and shake.
