Is Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound?

What is Dolby Digital 5.1?


Does it simulate surround sound like Dolby ATMOS?


I see Apple TV HD supports Dolby 5.1 in the audio format options.

Apple TV (4th generation)

Posted on Oct 15, 2020 02:26 PM

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Posted on Oct 15, 2020 07:36 PM

Dolby Digital 5.1 is six-channel surround sound, intended for speakers around the listener, all roughly at ear level: front left, front center, front right, behind left, behind right, and low-frequency effects.


Dolby Atmos adds a height component to the listening experience, by utilizing sound from above, either directed downwards, or beamed upwards and reflected from the ceiling. The sound format doesn’t have discreet channels for each speaker, but the Atmos audio equipment decodes the 3D position (direction) of “sound objects” to speakers based on your personal setup.


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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 15, 2020 07:36 PM in response to deanoxx

Dolby Digital 5.1 is six-channel surround sound, intended for speakers around the listener, all roughly at ear level: front left, front center, front right, behind left, behind right, and low-frequency effects.


Dolby Atmos adds a height component to the listening experience, by utilizing sound from above, either directed downwards, or beamed upwards and reflected from the ceiling. The sound format doesn’t have discreet channels for each speaker, but the Atmos audio equipment decodes the 3D position (direction) of “sound objects” to speakers based on your personal setup.


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Is Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound?

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