Dolby Surround® is the earliest form of surround sound. It is a three-channel process meant to recreate a theater experience. The Dolby stereo track is channeled into the front left and front right speakers. A mono signal is then fed into both rear speakers. Click here to visit the Dolby website for a more in-depth explanation on Dolby Surround.

Dolby Pro Logic®

Dolby Pro Logic® is an advanced version of Dolby Surround, adding a center channel speaker for music and effects. It is a four-channel system that directs the information to certain speakers. The four channels are the set of front speakers, one center channel speaker and one rear speaker.   Click here to visit the Dolby website for a more in-depth explanation on Dolby Pro Logic.

Dolby Pro Logic® II

Pro Logic II is a dramatically improved, updated matrix surround system, based on the principles used to develop the original Dolby Pro Logic decoding. It provides you with multichannel surround sound from any stereo source. Pro Logic II further enhances the sound with a full-range stereo surround output and a greatly improved steering logic, resulting in high channel separation and an exceptionally stable soundfield.   Click here to visit the Dolby website for a more in-depth explanation on Pro Logic II

Dolby Digital® 5.1 (AC-3)

Multichannel format introduced in 1996 presents 6 discrete audio channels. (Also described as 5.1) 5 of the 6 channels carry the entire bandwidth of sound with the 6 the speaker or LFE (Low Frequency Effects) Channel carries all the low-bass sounds. This enables you to maximize your action-adventure sequences with fuller explosions and sound effects. You are still able to hear bass sounds from your left and right front speakers even without a subwoofer, but you won't experience the full impact of audio without a subwoofer.   Click here to visit the Dolby website for a more in-depth explanation on Dolby Digital 5.1 (AC-3).

Dolby Digital® Surround EXTM

Dolby Digital Surround EX adds to Dolby Digital 5.1 movie soundtracks a third surround channel, reproduced by speakers positioned directly behind the audience. This extra rear surround channel works with the usual left and right surround channels to produce an intensified realism that draws you even further into the action.   Click here to visit the Dolby website for a more in-depth explanation of Surround EX.

DTS Digital Surround 5.1TM

DTS Digital surround and Dolby Digital are nearly the same. The basic difference between these two formats is the method of compression or how the large audio data files are manipulated to fit in less space. In theory, this means more overall information available on the soundtrack. These two formats are not compatible, and require their own branded decoding chips on AV receivers and processors, as well as seperate digital outputs on DVD players. DTS and Dolby Digital will continue to co-exist in the marketplace.   Click here to visit the DTS website for a more in-depth explanation on Digital Surround 5.1.

DTS-ESTM 6.1 Surround

DTS-ES represents the world’s first 6.1-channel Discrete Surround format, expanding upon 5.1 surround, by adding a dedicated center surround channel. A new DTS-ES receiver will be required, to experience a discrete 6.1-channel mix. At the same time, all DTS-ES discs will be fully compatible with 6.1 Matrix decoders, and 5.1 Digital Surround.   Click here to visit the DTS website for a more in-depth explanation on DTS-ES 6.1

LucasFilm THX®

THX is a set of technical specifications designed to standardize the performance of surround sound. George Lucas developed these standards shortly after the film "Star Wars" was created. He did so in order to standardize the audio and video experience in theaters across the world so that his films would be represented as they were made, essentially trying to recreate the original. Manufacturers of all theater and A/V products have been giving a set of performance specs that their products must to meet in order to meet the THX certification. THX is a certification that can be an indication of how well a product has been built - although it should not be the only indication. Some manufacturers choose not to participate in the certification program preferring to build product to their own specs.   Click here to visit the LucasFilm website for a more in-depth explanation on THX