Surround channels

[Dwight]

Hello

Being a newbie to surround (still have only 2 channel equipment) I'd like to know what frequency ranges are the left front, right front, lfe, l-surround, r-surround and center speaker typically designated to ?

I know lfe is the sub-bass ..lowest frequencies... but how about the others ? I'm really interested in trying out dts encoding myself once I get the equipment.

[Cornucopia]

Unlike the older Matrixed Dolby Surround (which would include PL1 and PL2), AC3 and DTS Surround formats are discreet AND full spectrum.

That means that each and all of the other channels (L, C, R, LS, RS) are rated for and capable of 20Hz-20000Hz (or better).

As a matter of fact (specifically for AC3 but probably applies to DTS and others), your normal BASS and SUB-BASS voice and musical sounds should still be directed to one of those channels.

People here and elsewhere still don't have a clear understanding of bass management, and so inaccurately will assign most or all of their bass and sub-bass to the LFE channel. This SHOULD NOT be done.

LFE is meant for "Low Frequency Effects", hence the name. It should be used sparingly. The bass management section of your AC-3 decoder should, if it is set up correctly, re-direct the appropriate bass and sub-bass portions of your main 5 channels, along with the dedicated LFE signal, to your sub-woofer.

HTH,
Scott