What is 5.1-channel Dolby Digital?
Dolby Digital programs can deliver surround sound with up to five discrete full-range channels: Left, Center, Right, Left Surround, Right Surround-plus a sixth channel for powerful low-frequency effects. As it needs only about one-tenth the bandwidth of the others, the LFE channel is referred to as a “.1” channel (and sometimes erroneously as the “subwoofer” channel).
At the option of their producers, Dolby Digital programs can deliver surround sound with five discrete full-range channelsleft, center, right, left surround, and right surroundplus a sixth channel for those powerful low-frequency effects (LFE) that are felt more than heard in movie theaters. As it needs only about one-tenth the bandwidth of the others, the LFE channel is referred to as a “.1” channel (and sometimes erroneously as the “subwoofer” channel). Figure 4-1 illustrates a typical 5.1 playback system; see question 14 for further information on speakers, including subwoofers.
