Video Asylum

Posted by kotches (R) on November 14, 2001 at 12:29:03

In Reply to: .1 LFE signal content versus the other 5 channels posted by dgavrile on November 14, 2001 at 07:03:53:

I see you posted this across at least 3 different areas. Thank god for cut and paste for consistent answers.

The LFE signal is completely independent of bass management. Low Frequency Effects is .1 because it isn't full range, it's limited from approximately 20Hz - 120Hz. I use the term approximate, because as newer movies and discs come out, they are putting info below 20Hz in the channel.
Bass management is rerouting bass to the subwoofer (or fronts) for speakers that cannot handle bass below certain frequencies.

After that intro, I'll answer your questions...

1) No. LFE is a discrete channel, with whatever the mixing engineer decided to put there. It might or might not duplicate information in the other 5 channels.

2) The center is no different than any other channel in an absolute sense. It has the same requirements. That it happens to reproduce dialog or the "featured" performer is just because of its position.

3) Yes. That is its intent. In the theater environment that 5.1 comes from, the .1 is strictly LFE, no other content.

4) Absolutely. The 5 channels are defined as full range, but bass management can reroute so you don't require 5 full range speakers to accurately reproduce the 5.1 material in your home.

I hope this clarifies things for you.

Regards,