I need some help for this surround sound thing. the first one was 5.1, and then, they have 6.1. and now, they even have 7.1 channel sound sound.

basically, I want to know the differences between 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1 channel. I tried to find out online but found nothing to explain.

thanks.

5.1 means the recording has been made on five main channels - right, left, center, right surround and left surround - plus one for LFE (Low Frequency Effects), represented by the .1 in "5.1." When it comes to speakers, the terms 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 represent the number of elements in the sound system. The difference between them is simple: it just depends on the number of surrounds - two for 5.1, three for 6.1 and four for 7.1.

so the Low Frequency Effects is for the sub woofer, right?

after my boss left, I found a bit more info on 7.1 channel. it is supposed to be able to reproduce 360 degree surround sound. but the 7.1 surround sound stereo itself costs US$6500.

Yes, it is normaly sent to the subwoofer...

Woah... $6500? A cheaper alternative is to run the system through your computer. The Audigy 2 ZS Platinum Pro can handle 7.1 Channels, and costs around $500AUS (around $250US?). Creative also do fairly cheap 7.1 Speaker systems, and I reckon you could setup a 7.1 system for under $1000. (this is all assuming you already have a TV and DVD player, I wouldnt recomend playing DVD's using a software player. Of course, then you'd need a DVD player that outputed 7.1... probably better to by an onoboard DVD card for your PC).

At home, I use a Creative Soundblaster Extigy as my 5.1 decoder, and Inspire 5200 speakers. My DVD player is connected to the extigy through optical cables, then the extigy goes straight to my speakers.

I forgot the brand name of that 7.1 surround sound receiver, but yeah, it is very expensive for a silver box. I am not rich enough to be an audiophile, u know.

the reason why I asked is because a 6.1 channel receiver and a set of 6 speakers from sony only costs US$499.99. I mean the price from few years ago for the same system was US$999.99.

There you go! 7.1 does seem like overkill to me... 5.1 is good enough for me!