It is best to transmit two-channel matrix-encoded material as such to the consumer, and
not decode it in the studio to derive an "artificial" discrete multichannel mix. For one
thing, the results can vary from the intent of the original producer/director, especially if
extra processing has been added on top of the surround decoding in the studio. Also, the
sound will fail to meet listener expectations for true 5.1-channel material.
In addition, many consumers do not yet have a full 5.1-channel Dolby Digital playback
systems, and connect their DVD players' two-channel outputs to a stereo or Dolby
Surround Pro Logic system. Under these circumstances, the Dolby Digital decoders in the
players "downmix" multichannel soundtracks "on the fly" to mono, stereo, or Dolby
Surround matrix-encoded stereo. If the multichannel soundtrack was derived from a
matrix-encoded two-track master, there may be downmix quality problems due to phase
effects from the original matrix encoding. In nearly every case the original Lt/Rt mix will
give the best results.
I read this and decided to just have the plain 2-channel Dolby Surround mix on the DVDs I am making. not decode it in the studio to derive an "artificial" discrete multichannel mix. For one
thing, the results can vary from the intent of the original producer/director, especially if
extra processing has been added on top of the surround decoding in the studio. Also, the
sound will fail to meet listener expectations for true 5.1-channel material.
In addition, many consumers do not yet have a full 5.1-channel Dolby Digital playback
systems, and connect their DVD players' two-channel outputs to a stereo or Dolby
Surround Pro Logic system. Under these circumstances, the Dolby Digital decoders in the
players "downmix" multichannel soundtracks "on the fly" to mono, stereo, or Dolby
Surround matrix-encoded stereo. If the multichannel soundtrack was derived from a
matrix-encoded two-track master, there may be downmix quality problems due to phase
effects from the original matrix encoding. In nearly every case the original Lt/Rt mix will
give the best results.
Of course if you are happy with your mix, and it sounds like you have put a lot of work into it, then this might not be relevant. I'd be interested to see people's comments if you post links to some samples.