Term: Surround Channels

A sound field that is 3-dimensional, intended to envelop the listener, rather than a stereo soundstage mainly in front of the listener. Normally achieve with two discrete surround speakers placed (ideally) to each side of the listening area, used to convey ambient sound effects, special effects and musical enhancement for Dolby Digital 5.1 and dts surround soundtracks. Many Dolby Digital and dts decoders in modern A/V receivers will extract and simulate two additional Back or Rear surround channels for 6.1-channel and 7.1-channel surround setups.

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