Definition of 5.1 surround sound
5.1 surround sound ("five-point one") is the common name for surround sound audio systems. 5.1 is the most commonly used layout in home theatres. It uses five full-bandwidth channels and one low-frequency effects channel (the "point one"). Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS, and SDDS are all common 5.1 systems. 5.1 is also the standard surround sound audio component of digital broadcast and music.
All 5.1 systems use the same speaker channels and configuration, having a front left (FL) and front right (FR), a center channel (CNT), two surround channels (surround left - SL and surround right - SR) and the low-frequency effects (LFE) channel designed for a subwoofer.
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Real questions from the Stack Exchange community – follow a link to read the discussion.
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Frequently asked questions
What is 5.1 surround sound?
5.1 surround sound ("five-point one") is the common name for surround sound audio systems. 5.1 is the most commonly used layout in home theatres. It uses five full-bandwidth channels and one low-frequency effects channel (the "point one").
Sources & credits
- Wikipedia: 5.1 surround sound – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by jynus – Public domain