Question about 5.1 speaker positions

[SunnyD]

In 5.1 configs, I thought the two surround satellites were rear speakers. Why does Vista/Realtek insist that 5.1 is 3 front, 2 side? Or am I just clueless?

 

[Nohr]

Dolby says the 2 surrounds in 5.1 should be to your sides. 7.1 adds 2 rear speakers.

 

[Slick5150]

Well, in a 5.1 setup you generally call them rear speakers but they are supposed to be placed to your sides. 6.1 added a true rear speaker that would be placed behind you, and 7.1 obviously split that true rear into left and right.

 

[Tiamat]

5.1 means that the surrounds are side speakers.

 

[SunnyD]

Originally posted by: Tiamat
5.1 means that the surrounds are side speakers.

K, so this confirms I'm just clueless.

 

[Muadib]

Perhaps this guide will help.