[K. B.]

I'm more interested in the objective side of audio
rather than the subjective side.


How many (discrete) channels are needed for accurate
soundfield reproduction with speakers?


Blu-ray Dolby TrueHD offers 7.1 discrete channels,
Dolby Pro-Logic IIz offers 9.1 channels (some decoded,
not discrete).

Some say that 4 full range speakers arranged in a square
with each speaker pointing at the listener (in the middle)
is the best way to convey an accurate soundfield.
(from http://www.quadraphonicquad.com discussion with
Louis Dorren, inventor of the USA Quad FM standard)

It seems that (multichannel) DVD-Audio and SACD formats
failed in the marketplace, Blu-ray w/PCM or Dolby TrueHD
(maybe DTS-HD too) is the only widely available option for
getting accurate multichannel audio to consumers.

~~~

Kirk Bayne
alt.video.digital-tv Home Page
http://avdtv.tripod.com/avdtv.htm