What is the difference between Dolby Pro-Logic and Dolby Digital?
Both are decoding systems for home theater sound. Dolby Digital is the successor to Dolby Pro-Logic. Pro-Logic is actually four channels of sound that is reproduced through five speakers. The four channels are: left, center, right and the left/right surround channels. In Pro-Logic mode the rear speakers are in mono. Pro-Logic is typically found on an analog source Ex: VCR tapes. Dolby Digital is a discrete digital system offering six separate channels of sound with a dedicated subwoofer channel for deep bass. The six channels are: left front, centre, right front, left surround, right surround and LFE (low frequency effect) for bass. This is also known as 5.1 channel sound. Dolby Digital is the audio standard for DVD and HDTV. Dolby Digital offers greater dynamic range than Pro-Logic and improves the separation between channels.
A. Dolby Pro Logic is a 4-channel surround system that provides left and right main speaker channels, a center channel to keep dialogue centered on the TV regardless of viewer location, and a mono surround channel (This mono signal is usually spilt between two surround speakers). Dolby Digital is a 5.1 channel surround system that provides left and right main speaker channels, a center channel, and discrete, full-range left and right surround channels. The .1 in 5.1 is the Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel. It sends additional bass information to the subwoofer-usually involving dramatic sound effects like explosions.
Related Questions
- What is the difference between Dolby Surround, Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1? Is one better than the other?
- Can I hear 5.1-channel Dolby Digital programs over a regular stereo, Dolby Pro Logic, or Dolby Pro Logic II system?
- What is the difference between Dolby Pro-Logic and Dolby Digital?
