CES: Dolby 14.1 surround sound
File this away in the "do we
really need this in our homes" category. Around here, we love surround sound just as much as the next guy. Current standards provide up to 8 separate channels for audio but Dolby Labs have used a little help from Intel's new VIIV and Pro Logic IIx to up-sample those channels to 14.1. Sure, while it is not encoded in those channels natively, testers did claim to hear a difference.
Dolby does not have any intentions on producing this anytime soon. Simply because none of the optical formats support this kind of signal.
Does anyone really see a need for this? Or a better question is, does anyone have the space for 13 speakers plus a subwoofer?
Filed under: Industry
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Eagle117 @ Jan 9th 2006 2:40PM
Wouldn't that be 14 speakers plus a subwoofer?
Isewise @ Jan 9th 2006 3:53PM
I have heard of really really high-end custom theater setups consisting of 10.2. Having 2 5.1 setups running at the exact same time, one on the ceiling of the room and the other 5.1 setup on the floor of the room creating a true environment of sound. 14.1 sounds good for like Star Wars but I cant think of any other movie really taking advantage of 14 speakers placed all over a room.
Kevin @ Jan 9th 2006 5:48PM
Having multi-level sound is important for the advancement of Home Theater. 2 levels is a good thing. Dolby loses points for not integrating a second low frequency emitter. 22.2, which will be integrated with Ultra High-Def (basically, 4320p60, yes that's correct, 4320p60) will have a left and right LFE, as well as THREE sound levels. Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of advancement, but 14.1 just doesn't get me as excited as 22.2 does.
u07ch @ Jan 10th 2006 7:54AM
You have got to think smaller; speakers like NXT or bose acoustimass cubes.
Lots of them; more speakers means they dont need to be as loud i guess; so lots of small speakers around your living room. I have 8.2 already so space for 6 more would definately be a problem unless i went to NXT (an NXT projector screen would rock.)
22.2 would definately be a problem in my room !
Ian @ Jan 10th 2006 9:50AM
Hey I am wired for 7.1 and I am waiting for the material to be braodcast for this standard, yet alone wait for 14.1