Specifications

5.1-Channel Production Guidelines Getting Started
2-2
2.2 Downmixing
Downmixing has two frequently interrelated applications: format compatibility and
channel redirection, as described below.
2.2.1 Format Compatibility
Dolby Surround-compatible, stereo, and mono mixes are often created when
multichannel material is downmixed to fewer channels. It is important to check a
number of aspects of each downmix to confirm that it translates as closely as possible
to the original intent of the mix.
There are many consumers who will listen to Dolby Digital sources such as DVD or
DTV without having a full 5.1-channel Dolby Digital playback system. These
consumers will hear the two-channel analog or PCM outputs of their DVD players or
DTV set-top boxes through existing stereo or Dolby Surround Pro Logic systems. All
DVD-video players and DTV set-top boxes have the ability to create and deliver a
Dolby Surround compatible or stereo downmix from the two-channel analog or PCM
outputs. The DP562 Professional Reference Decoder can simulate what the consumer
will hear while listening in these modes.
Example 1: Using a properly calibrated 5.1-channel monitoring system (incorporating
appropriate bass management) set the DP562 to Dolby Digital and Full. In this
configuration, a 5.1-channel bitstream will reproduce all channels as a consumer with a