Surround sound

Surround Sound is the concept of expanding the spatial imaging of audio playback from 1-dimension (mono/Left-Right) to 2D or 3D.

This is often performed for a more realistic audio environment, actively implemented in cinema sound systems, technical theatre, home entertainment, video arcades, computer gaming, and a growing number of other applications.

Many popular surround sound formats have evolved over the years. They include ambisonics, quadraphonic, Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound, and DTS.

There are methods of using 1-dimensional (stereo) output to emulate a surround environment.

Emulation Methods

• QSound
• Dolby Pro Logic

Surround sound is not limited to placement of speakers along a flat plane. Vertically-located audio sources can be considered.