These days a lot of movie viewing takes place from digital files sitting on a computer and downloaded from BitTorrent. In this environment, is it worth having a 5.1 type surround sound audio decoder? Do most of the movie files on BitTorrent come encoded as multi-channel surround sound these days? And to output 5.1 digital surround from a computer what does one need? A special sound card? Some kind of surround sound decoder separate attached to the computer via its optical out?
posted by skylar on May 4, 2009 - 11 answers

What and where are the best audio/home theater discussion groups/forums for someone wanting to learn about said items? [more inside]
posted by Phyltre on Feb 25, 2008 - 10 answers

Surround Sound 2.0 setup: What do I do w/ my new amp and old speakers? [more inside]
posted by daver on Sep 10, 2006 - 6 answers

Help me inexpensively and at least somewhat discreetly wire my place for surround. The problem: Really challenging room layout and a tight budget. [more inside]
posted by twiggy on Jun 26, 2006 - 16 answers