Home Theater Terminology

Dolby Digital EX:

Dolby Digital EX is a 6.1-channel audio format that adds one or two rear center-surround channel speakers to the standard 5.1 system. This creates a more enveloping and realistic sound to home theater systems.

Dolby Digital and Prologic II:

Dolby Digital is the standard for most DVDs and HDTV soundtracks. It refers to the encoding of the audio signal and this can be mono, stereo, 4-channel, 5.1 or 6.1-surround. In common practice, 5.1 and 6.1 systems are often referred to as Dolby Digital.

Prologic II is an upgrade from the original Pro Logic, and is able to simulate 5.1 channels of sound from a two channel stereo source.

Dolby ProLogic IIx

Dolby ProLogic IIx is able to up-convert existing stereo or 5.1-channel audio for 6.1 or 7.1-channel playback.

DTS

Also known as Digital Theater Systems, DTS is an alternative to Dolby Digital. It is a 5.1-channel system.

DTS ES

DTS ES is the 6.1 channel format to DTS, adding a back surround audio channel, for a 360-degrees enveloping sound. It is backwards compatible with DTS 5.1 equipment, ignoring the back surround channel in this case.

DTS Neo:6

DTS Neo:6 provides up to six full-band channels of surround sound. It is similar to Dolby Prologic IIx, as you can take advantage of 6.1 or 7.1-channel playback.

THX Surround EX and Ultra2

THX Surround EX is a processor that uses two rear speakers to recreate the rear surround channels in a 6.1 or 7.1-channel system. Although one rear speaker can be used, two rear speakers are recommended for a better 360-degrees enveloping sound.

THX Ultra2 is a 7.1-speaker extension of the original Ultra, and derives a 7.1 output from non-encoded 5.1 soundtracks. This mode places an emphasis on the surround channels. In music mode, it places an emphasis on the rear channels.

THX 5.1 Cinema Mode

THX 5.1 Cinema Mode is a process for basic 5.1-channel systems or Pro Logic-II-decoded audio.

Corner Room Setup

A corner room setup is quite simple to implement if you follow the recommendations for your type of system or audio mode. Note the location of the subwoofer.