How does 7.1 receiver process 5.1 signal?

[bbkim]

I am in a market to buy an audio receiver. My 9 year old Yamaha receiver (5.1) is time for upgrade. To be a future proof, I think 7.1 receiver is good although I was told that there are not that many 7.1 soundtracks yet. Then, how does a 7.1 receiver process 5.1 (or 6.1) signal? What comes out of the rear speakers?

Any thoughts? Thank you.

[kj4btkljv]

I'm not an audio pro, but I would guess that if there is no specific signal for the REAR right and left speakers, it will be a mix of right and left surrounds, sent to the back speakers

http://www.smartbuyspeakers.com/files/18...iagram.jpg

Jeff

[mikebw]

Depends on the receiver, how many speakers you have and the settings you choose. If you have only 5 speakers then it will only play the 5.1 sound. If you have 6 or 7 speakers then it can potentially generate a simulated rear channel(s) on the fly, but that should be optional.

Any movie with Dolby Digital EX is 6 or more channels of audio.

[crispy]

The layout for 5.1 Is as such.

Center Channel (under TV)
Front Left and Front Right
Rear Left and Rear Right
Subwoofer

The layout for 6.1 Is as such.

Center Channel (under TV)
Front Left and Front Right
Side Left and Side Right
Rear Center Channel
Subwoofer

The layout for 7.1 Is as such.

Center Channel (under TV)
Front Left and Front Right
Side Left and Side Right
Rear Center, Left and Right
Subwoofer

[Gareth]

crispy wrote:
The layout for 7.1 Is as such.

Center Channel (under TV)
Front Left and Front Right
Side Left and Side Right
Rear Center, Left and Right
Subwoofer

7.1 actually loses the rear center (by replacing it with rear left and right). If 7.1 had a rear left, center and right, it would actually be 8.1.