Understanding Dolby Virtual Speaker

Many of us would like to create a movie theater-like surround sound environment at home, and enjoy those special audio effects that really bring a film to life. In the past, you would need to purchase a very expensive home theater sound system to get that "in-theater" sound quality. However, with the advent of Dolby Virtual Speaker (DVS) technology you can now enjoy superb surround sound audio with a simple two speaker sound system.

Before we take a closer look on DVS, lets review the basics of a conventional home theater sound system. The majority of home theater sound systems deliver 5.1 channel audio (though some today can even support 6 or 7.1 channel) through 5 main speakers: one in the center, left, right, and left & right rear ( some have an optional subwoofer). However, in most cases our living rooms are too small to support this many speakers. Plus, the amount of manpower it requires for positioning and wiring up the system, not to mention the cost, can be more than the average person wants to deal with.

Luckily though, an easier solution has arrived for those who want to enjoy theater-like sound, without all the hassle of a traditional multi-channel sound system! With Dolby's new Virtual Speaker technology (DVS), you can now enjoy movie action all around you, just like in the movie theater, but without all the expense and complexity. DVS lets you enjoy natural, realistic surround sound with any ordinary two speaker system!

How is Virtual Surround Sound produced?

With conventional 2-channel speakers, you are normally receiving stereo sound from left and right. However, with Dolby Virtual Speaker (DVS) technology, multi-channel audio signals are simulated through stereo speakers. DVS reproduces complex sonic cues so that it can accurately locate where sounds are coming from and give you the sensation that sound is coming from everywhere in the room, just like it was coming from a multi-channel speaker set.

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When you are in a normal stereo speaker environment, the left ear will pick up sound coming from the right speaker, and the right ear will hear from the left speaker. With Dolby Virtual Speaker an effect is created where the left ear only hears the left speaker, and the right ear only hear from the right. This is called Crosstalk Cancellation technique and it prevents sound from the right speaker from reaching the left ear. It generates a mirror image of the right speaker's sound in the left speaker, and the sound travels to the left ear at the same time as the sound from the right speaker, thereby canceling each other out (The same process applies for the right ear).

DVS is also unique because the surround sound signals, processed via Dolby's Sonic Signature audio processing technique, do not lose their original sound quality. This technology helps to ensure that the movie you are watching is presented with the best audio quality effects possible.

Why is DVS Important to You?

Okay, so now you know how DVS works to deliver you amazing virtual surround sound through 2 speakers. But perhaps you are wondering what are the overall benefits for choosing to use DVS. To find the answer, have a look at some of the advantages listed below:

• Saves money: You don't need to purchase additional equipment, or re-equip your home stereo system. You can execute Dolby Virtual Speaker with your conventional stereo speakers.
  
  
• Precise surround sound effects: DVS presents complete surround sound effects with precise detail, just like you'd have in the movie theater, through the DVS listening zone.
  
  
• Surround sound effects using normal audio files: With PowerDVD XP 4.0 and DVS you will not only be able to listen to your favorite movies in stunning virtual surround sound, but also your favorite MP3 and CD music files, VCD movies, and more.
  
  
• Ideal for long listening sessions: With normal stereo, and other virtual sound effects, it can cause strain on the ears. However, Dolby Virtual Speaker technology creates a more comfortable listening environment, which makes it ideal for long listening sessions.
  
  
• 3 virtual settings: You can easily adjust the surround sound settings to experience different environments and select the one best for you.

With standard hardware DVD players, only a few big brands have built-in Dolby Virtual Speaker support. However, if you are enjoying movies on the PC, or plan to give it a try, DVS technology is available for PowerDVD, and will allow you to start enjoying a more rich an vivid surround sound audio environment. If you don't have PowerDVD, why not try out the trial version today. If you already have PowerDVD but not the latest version 6.0, upgrade today.