Specifications

5.1-Channel Production Guidelines
1-1
Chapter 1
Introduction
These guidelines provide starting points for producing 5.1-channel audio content by
explaining terms, highlighting areas where there are alternative courses of action, and
clarifying outcomes that may not be immediately apparent. The multichannel audio
concept originated in the film world; therefore some cinematic terms are used.
1.1 Historical Perspective
5.1-channel audio was first developed for cinema applications. Unlike any other
recording and playback format intended for a consumer audience, film sound is
mixed in the same environment in which it is reproduced. All aspects have been
standardized and calibrated so that what the mixers create on the dubbing stage is
what is heard in the cinema. These aspects include the recording levels on the film
soundtrack and the overall loudness during playback.
To improve the cinema sound years ago, level and calibration standards were
established to ensure uniformity across various playback environments. Even though
the continuous evolution of power amplifier and loudspeaker technologies made it