8-Channel Positional Audio

8-channel audio is the highest surround sound standard available, adding two speakers over existing 6-channel (5.1) audio set-ups. 8-channel positional audio utilizes the standard front, center, and LFE (bass) speaker configuration, but in addition, includes two speakers positioned by the side and two by the backside. Using such a sound configuration, almost every angle of sound can be captured for a completely immersive experience.

With 8 positional speakers, sound sources and effects can be reproduced with pinpoint accuracy – whether bullets whizzing overhead or stealthy voices from the rear. Gamers can hear the soft pad of footsteps from an enemy quietly approaching from behind, and movie-watchers will be in awe of heightened levels of realism truly capturing the soundscape of a film. With so many tremendously powerful applications, 8-channel surround sound is not only becoming the de-facto hi end - if not mainstream -standard, but is also ushering in a whole new generation of entertainment and multimedia.

VIA Vinyl Audio 8-channel audio also supports Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital, and DTS-ES surround sound formats, covering 7.1, 6.1, and 5.1 surround sound.

For more information on the details and benefits of surround sound, please refer to the following pages:

» Dolby Digital EX
» DTS-ES
» Dolby Digital

VIA's Leading 8-channel Solution

VIA Vinyl Envy24HT Audio Controller
The first audio controller to support 8-channel surround sound, the VIA Envy24HT also features leading support for 24-bit resolutions and 192kHz sampling rates. Today the VIA Envy24HT is featured in a number of premiere 8-channel soundcards like the M-Audio Revolution 7.1, the Terratec Aureon 7.1 Space, and the AudioTRAC Prodigy7.1

» Learn more about the VIA Envy24HT Audio Controller.
» Read about partner solutions integrating the VIA Envy24HT.

VIA Vinyl Eight-TRAC Audio Codec
Continuing VIA's leadership in providing high quality audio solutions, the VIA Vinyl Eight-TRAC is another step in the audio revolution, with a leading combination of high audio fidelity and a premium feature set. Complying with AC'97 revision 2.3, the Eight-TRAC supports 8-channel outputs, up to 20-bit resolutions and 96kHz sampling rates, innovative Sixth-Sense and MixMaster technology, and premium Stylus Audio driver support.

» Learn more about the VIA Eight-TRAC Audio Controller.

Resources

	VIA Vinyl Audio Eight-TRAC image kit (hi-res) / VIA Vinyl Audio Eight-TRAC image kit (low-res)
	Total Audio Immersion wallpaper (1024x768) / Total Audio Immersion wallpaper (800x600)