What is a good algorithm to upmix stereo to 5.1?

[philo69]

Hi all,

Can some one tell me, please, what is a good algorithm to:

1) upmix stereo to 5.1 (music or movie modes):
* Dolby prologic II.
* DTS NEO:6
* V.I VST plugin.
* ATSurround and fsurround plugins (foobar2000)
* SRS
* ....etc

2) downmix a 5.1 to stereo surround for headphone :
* Dolby headphone
* SRS headphone
* ATsurround plugin and 5.1 to stereo plugins (foobar2000)
* Cyberlink headphone
* Ensonido
* ....etc

Thank you

[tebasuna51]

From forum rules:

"12) How NOT to post on this forum:
...
Do not ask "what's best" because this question cannot be answered objectively. Each and everyone has their own view about what's best in a certain area. The best is what works best for you!"

I only can say you:
if the stereo is codified Dolby ProLogic II (ac3 files have a flag to inform this), of course the best method is decode with a receiver (than support dplII) at play time. If you need software decoder you can use Cyberlink or equivalent and also there are a free plugin for Foobar2000: foo_dsp_fsurround

[philo69]

Thank you tebasuna,

I mean by the "best", the most efficient algorithm that gives a good result.
I read some where that NEO:6 is better than DPL II for upmixing music. I did not a test cause I hav no 5.1 systeme, so I want to know the opinion of those who have the chance to experient the surround sound.

[tebasuna51]

I read some where that NEO:6 is better than DPL II for upmixing music.
We can't compare NEO with DPL.

If the stereo source is dpl II encoded only DPL II must be used.
If is not dpl II encoded have no sense use DPL II decoder, anything can be better.

If you don't have 5.1 system I don't know your problem, preserve always original sounds is the better choice

[philo69]

Thanks again tebasuna51,

In fact, I want to hear my music and movies in surround over headphones using dolby headphone or an equivalent technology. That's the raison for the second part of my question.