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From: tardis@ihu1n.UUCP (John Golkosky)
Newsgroups: net.video,net.audio,net.movies
Subject: Re: Movie sound formats
Message-ID: <430@ihu1n.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 19-Jul-86 12:17:48 EDT
Article-I.D.: ihu1n.430
Posted: Sat Jul 19 12:17:48 1986
Date-Received: Tue, 22-Jul-86 02:28:48 EDT
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Xref: watmath net.video:2888 net.audio:9053 net.movies:10987

> I've been wondering about this for a long time. What are the characteristics
> of: 6 track dolby stereo, 4 track dolby stereo, THX sound, and dolby surround
> sound? Is 6 track dolby stereo 6 distinct tracks? What about 4 track stereo?
> Is "surround sound" an artifact of home video; I mean is this one of the other
> formats adapted for home video? I hear that surround sound is stereo in front
> and one mono track in the rear. This would make it 3 track stereo, right? And
> I know nothing about THX. Are there others I've left out? And does anyone know
> the history of multitrack film audio?
> 

There is an interesting article in Modern Electronics Feb '85 regarding
the construction of a Delay Enhanced L-R Decoder (not a "true" surround
sound decoder). It gives some background on how the surround information
is recorded and played back.
Also check out Video Review Nov '85. The article talks about Surround
Sound and difference between true Dolby Surround decoders and imitations.
It also gives some buying tips and sample prices as well as what to look
for if you are buying one (i.e. built in amp, number of audio outputs,
etc...). 

                                                John Golkosky
                                                ihu1n!tardis
                                                AT&T Bell Labs
                                                Naperville, ILL


"Would you mind being careful where you throw your rocks Mr. Spock!" 
                                                    - Capt. Kirk
                                                     "The Apple"