But what do they mean?
Dolby and DTS are brands that license their audio encoding technologies to various electronics manufacturers.
These systems includesurround sound, home theater receivers, DVD/Blu-ray players and discs, and other components.
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What Does 5.1 Channel Mean?
It may also refer to the number of channels present in a film, TV, or video soundtrack.
The second number in the specification refers to a separate channel that only reproduces very low frequencies.
This extra channel is a Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) channel.
An LFE channel requires the use of asubwooferwhich is designed to reproduce only very low frequencies.
They typically cut off all frequencies above a certain pointusually those in the range of 100HZ to 200HZ.
The .2 suffix means the receivers have two subwoofer outputs.
It is also helpful when using a subwoofer with a less than optimal power output.
The Dolby Atmos Factor
Dolby Atmos-enabled home theater receivers and surround sound systems have different designations.
They’re typically labeled as5.1.2,5.1.4,7.1.2, or7.1.4.
But the third number refers to how many vertical or “height” channels the system has.
These channels are delivered through ceiling-mounted or vertically firing speakers.
Is the .1 Channel Required for Surround Sound?
The .1 channel and subwoofer produce very low frequencies, but plenty offloor-standing stereo speakersproduce a decent bass response.
Often they can’t.
Or, it might consist of a pair of floor-standing speakers with embedded subwoofers.
The choice is yoursbut without that extra bass, you’ll miss out on the full surround-sound experience.
