Surround sound

An audio reproduction technique that uses multiple speaker channels arranged around the listener to create an enveloping sound field. Common configurations include 5.1 (five speakers plus a subwoofer) and 7.1 (seven speakers plus a subwoofer), where speakers are placed at designated positions such as front left, centre, front right, and rear channels. Unlike binaural audio, which requires headphones, surround sound uses physical speakers to create spatial positioning. In accessibility, surround sound can enhance audio descriptions by spatially locating narration to match on-screen action, support wayfinding in physical spaces through directional audio cues, and provide richer non-visual experiences in media, gaming, and immersive environments.