Dolby Surround

Dolby Surround actually refers to the process of encoding 4 channels of sound into 2 channels using a basic Matrix technology (phase shift). Dolby Pro Logic is the name of the decoding process. At first there were "Dolby Surround" decoders that somewhat reversed the encoding processes so almost 4 discreet channels were reproduced. But very soon after, Dolby invented the Pro Logic system that was much better at getting the original discreet 4 channels. Although the single rear channel still had a limited range of frequencies. The name "Dolby Surround" is generally used as a synonym for "Dolby Pro Logic". Most videogames that use this system do so by playing back pre-recorded sounds rather than generating them as needed. Dolby labs failed to consider that there would ever be a need to interactively create surround sound. Dolby Surround was invented in 1976, before videogames and home computer system were popular. In 1986 they adapted the system for home use but again didn't consider videogames. Probably because the most Popular system at the time, the NES, only had mono output. They would not make this mistake again when the created Dolby Pro Logic's successor, Dolby Pro Logic II.

Sound Related:
Dolby Digital Sound System
Dolby Surround (Dolby Pro Logic)
Dolby Pro Logic II (Dolby Surround 5.1)
Stereo audio
Redbook Audio (Compact Disc Digital Audio;CDDA)
Mockingboard soundcard
Miles Sound System (MSS)
KidVid audio player peripheral
Vorbis audio encoding
OpenAL (OAL;Open Audio Library)
Voice control (Audio input;Voice input;Speech recognition)
Supercharger audio gameloader
FMOD audio engine
Environmental Audio Extensions (EAX)
Environmental Audio Extensions 2 (EAX 2.0)
Environmental Audio Extensions 3 (EAX 3.0;EAX Advanced HD)
Environmental Audio Extensions 4 (EAX 4.0)
Environmental Audio Extensions 5 (EAX 5.0)
BASS audio library
AtariVox Speech Synthesizer