Probably asked a million times maybe

[Caesu]

It's just hard to search for, since the terms are so common in everyt thread around here.

Im just curious why so many studios are releasing Blu rays in 5.1 DD HD or DTS HD formats, instead of 7.1 that we see in the select few movies (Rambo for example).

Will we see more titles eventually become native 7.1 instead of 5.1

[OBN989]

Probably because most people's setups are 5.1
Audiophiles and the casual viewer alike. I can't really see studio's embracing 7.1 as the norm.
However if your looking for 7.1 titles most Lionsgate titles are 7.1!

[brandonandtiff]

Also, most (nearly all?) movie soundtracks nowadays are 5.1, so making a 7.1 track would require matrixing the original theatrical soundtrack, which is what Lionsgate does for the 7.1 Blu-ray releases.

[sptrout]

The primary reason is that movies are mixed for 5.1 for theatres not 7.1. Therefore, a new mix is required for a Blu-ray release if the producer wants to release the movie with a 7.1 sound track.

[neos_peace]

Originally Posted by Caesu

It's just hard to search for, since the terms are so common in everyt thread around here.

Im just curious why so many studios are releasing Blu rays in 5.1 DD HD or DTS HD formats, instead of 7.1 that we see in the select few movies (Rambo for example).

Will we see more titles eventually become native 7.1 instead of 5.1

if its any consequence to you, I'm seeing more and more titles come out wiht a 7.1 mix. I always look at the back and almost 1/4 of the time I'm surprised to see it's a 7.1. Turns out a have quite a few BD's that are in 7.1 which surprises me.

[OBN989]

Originally Posted by brandonandtiff

Also, most (nearly all?) movie soundtracks nowadays are 5.1, so making a 7.1 track would require matrixing the original theatrical soundtrack, which is what Lionsgate does for the 7.1 Blu-ray releases.

Yes this also true and matrixing could potentially muddy the soundstage and have a negative effect!

[Caesu]

Thanks for the quick replies all, I get it now. Nice to see all the speakers lit up on my receiver and all, makes sense why they would release 5.1 still though.

[Blu-Dog]

Originally Posted by OBN989

Yes this also true and matrixing could potentially muddy the soundstage and have a negative effect!

I've run all of my 5.1 movies matrixed, and it's very clean (Pioneer Elite 84). This is with both TruHD and DTS-MA.

Pioneer uses the PLII-X method - works very well. I'm not sure if they all do that.

I can't tell a difference when I run it in "pure" mode, at 5.1. All the surrounds are DefTech Mythos (Mythos 1 for side surround, Mythos Eight for the rears) so they are very "bright" in sound, very very clear and defined.

But I can't tell a difference between the sides and the rears when they're matrixed. In Rambo, and 3:10 To Yuma, you can tell it was actually mixed 7.1.

[Hoser59]

Originally Posted by Blu-Dog

But I can't tell a difference between the sides and the rears when they're matrixed. In Rambo, and 3:10 To Yuma, you can tell it was actually mixed 7.1.

I use my Sony AV to matrix to 7 channels (also uses PLIIx) and I get distinct sound effects from only the rear channels when watching 5.1 movies, I would think you would too.

[Blu-Dog]

Originally Posted by Hoser59

I use my Sony AV to matrix to 7 channels (also uses PLIIx) and I get distinct sound effects from only the rear channels when watching 5.1 movies, I would think you would too.

They're spaced pretty far apart...I get the spatial effect, you can tell there are discrete rear speakers, but not a lot of difference in source material from 5.1 sources. At least, that I can detect.

I think it's mostly a sound delay between the surrounds and rears.

[Caesu]

I use Stream Direct on my Pioneer vsx1019ahk. I figure any post processing wouldnt be good to add (or try to minimize it at least), so I go direct to the source only, which is why I set to Stream Direct.

What is odd though, when I play CARS, it will display DD True + PLIIx. Which I dont figure since its Stream Direct from the source. Every other movie will play either DD HD or DTS MA HD only. Just CARS (so far). Anyone else notice this with CARS. The movie still sounds superb though, so its just a display curiousity.