SURROUND CHANNELS Meaning and
Definition
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Surround channels refer to the audio channels that are utilized in surround sound systems to create a more immersive and three-dimensional audio experience. In a surround sound system, audio is typically distributed among a set of speakers strategically placed around the listener to create a sense of depth, realism, and directionality.
Surround channels are responsible for reproducing ambient sounds, background noises, and additional audio effects that enhance the overall audio environment. The surround speakers are usually positioned behind or to the sides of the listener to create the perception of sounds coming from different directions.
Surround sound systems commonly employ 5.1 or 7.1 channel configurations. In a 5.1 setup, the surround channels generally consist of two speakers placed behind or to the side of the listener, while in a 7.1 configuration, two additional channels are added to provide a more comprehensive surround sound experience.
The surround channels are encoded with specific audio information that corresponds to the desired positioning and movement of sounds in a particular audio mix. This is typically achieved through audio codecs like Dolby Digital or DTS, which allow filmmakers, sound engineers, and video game developers to create soundscapes that immerse the viewer or player in a multidimensional audio environment.
By utilizing surround channels, sound designers can create a realistic and enveloping audio experience that enhances the viewer's immersion and engagement with movies, music, video games, and other forms of multimedia.
Etymology of SURROUND CHANNELS
The word "surround" is derived from the Anglo-French word "suronder" which means "to overflow". It ultimately comes from the Latin word "superundare", where "super" means "over" and "undare" means "to flow".
The term "surround" was originally used to describe the action of enclosing or enveloping something completely. In the context of audio technology, "surround sound" refers to the reproduction of sound in a way that creates a 360-degree immersive experience for the listener.
The word "channels" in this context refers to audio channels or tracks that carry the sound signals. In audio systems, different channels are used to separate and direct the audio signals to various speakers. The term "surround channels" specifically refers to the audio channels dedicated to reproducing sound coming from the surrounding or ambient environment in a surround sound setup.
