This may be elementary to some, but I am a noob:rolleyes:. I purchased an Onyko SR876 and I am new to the 7.1 setup. I haven't installed the speakers yet but was wondering when watching blue-ray is 7.1 standard. I mean if the movie isn't broadcasted in 7.1 does my receiver convert it to 7.1? Thanks Guys.

Most receivers will "matrix" the missing channels on a DVD. Depending on the receiver model, they call it by different names -- Neo:6, Logic7, etc. Dolby Pro Logic IIx is an example of matrix-ing two channels into five or more.

Are all the new blue-rays 7.1 now anyways?

No. Not all movies were made or edited in 8 distinct channels. If, for example you like Westerns, an older western may have been recorded in mono, and later edited into a fake 5 or 6 channel source for DVD. They would have to fake two more channels to make it 8. Most newer releases have 8 channels though.

Very few movies have 7.1 soundtracks. They're engineered as 5.1 for theatrical release and that's how they usually end up on BD. You can check for 7.1 releases at http://www.blu-raystats.com/Stats/Stats.php. Filter using the Audio dropdown box.

If you have a digital connection from player to receiver, your AVR will likely be able to matrix sound from the surround channels to produce rears. But, you will need to consult your receiver manual to see whether it has any limitations in that regard. The ability to apply DSPs to both 5.1 PCM and bitstream inputs is not universal.

Ok thanks that about sums it up for me!

Very few movies have 7.1 soundtracks. They're engineered as 5.1 for theatrical release and that's how they usually end up on BD. You can check for 7.1 releases at http://www.blu-raystats.com/Stats/Stats.php. Filter using the Audio dropdown box.

If you have a digital connection from player to receiver, your AVR will likely be able to matrix sound from the surround channels to produce rears. But, you will need to consult your receiver manual to see whether it has any limitations in that regard. The ability to apply DSPs to both 5.1 PCM and bitstream inputs is not universal.


I have the capability to do 7.1 and I'm about to run new wire to the surrounds.
Would I hear much benefit to justify adding the 2 additional speakers?

Depends on what you define as "benefit."

Whether you use a Blu-Ray that already has 7.1 channels recorded on it, or use a 5.1 and expand it out to 7.1 (using ProLogicIIx or whatever), you should get better imaging behind you. It won't be a night and day blow you out of your chair improvement, but you should hear it. It's subtle, though, so I'd concentrate on actually watching the movie and try not to listen for just the surrounds.


Although if you haven't gone to 7.1 yet, you have to ask if you actually have the room to do so. You need distance behind you for the surround backs (like 6-8 feet or so.) If you're seated at the wall and are just stringing the surround backs kind of to the side or something awkward like that, you're better off sticking with 5.1.

I have the capability to do 7.1 and I'm about to run new wire to the surrounds.
Would I hear much benefit to justify adding the 2 additional speakers?I don't have any personal experience with 7.1. But, from what I see posted in forums, most people with 7.1 systems in well laid-out rooms think it's worth the extra effort and expense.

Would I hear much benefit to justify adding the 2 additional speakers?What Tulpa said. Also, can you tell the difference between sound coming from your left or right side vs sound coming from behind you? If so, then you'll be able to appreciate one of the benefits of using 4 surrounds instead of 2.