In fact, modern AV processors can reroute the audio info from ANY missing channels (not just the '0.1' channel) to other speakers that ARE present.Īdditionally, there is the concept of 'bass management'. With a 5.0 setup (5 speakers, no subwoofer), one of the functions of a modern AV processor is to reroute the LFE channel to other speakers within the system.

This does not mean that one MUST have a subwoofer. With 5.1 setups, which include a subwoofer, this channel of low-frequency audio information is routed specifically to the subwoofer where it can best be reproduced. This channel is also mixed as a completely unique channel and is reserved specifically for very low-frequency effects. The is the sixth '0.1' channel of the '5.1'. The result is a much more realistic and immersive experience than can be provided by DPL.Īnd then there is the LFE (low-frequency effects) channel. All the speaker channels are also 'full-range' channels. So the center channel info can be completely unique info relative to the front L/R speakers and the surround channels can also produce 'stereo' info. There is NO matrixing or derivation of ANY of the 6 channels (5.1 is really 6 channels) of audio information.

With DD5.1 and DTS5.1, each channel is a truly discrete channel of audio information, specifically mixed to be so by an audio engineer. And DPL has NO provisions for a unique and separate low-frequency effects (LFE) channel. The surround channels are also limited in their overall frequency response relative to the other speakers. With DPL, the surround channels are simply mono channels, also matrixed from info that is present in the front channels. The front left and right channels CAN contain stereo info, but this is the only place where discrete channel content is utilized with DPL. With DPL, the center channel info is 'derived' from the info that is identically present in both the front L/R channels, resulting in a 'smear' of info across the front soundstage. Well, the newer audio formats, DD5.1 and DTS5.1, offer a significantly better surround experience than Dolby Pro-logic (DPL).

Missing dolby audio decoder