Playing 5.1 on stereo headsets

[mdoubledragon]

Hi,

I was just wondering if downmixing 5.1 to stereo is the same is manually mapping all 5 channels to left and right speaker manually. If its not the same, which one is the best way to play 5.1 on stereo headsets, downmixing (using player options) or manual channel mapping.

Also for dolby compatible headset, is downmixing (or channel mapping) still needed or does "dolby compatible" mean that they are capable of transforming the multi-channel sound optimally to stereo?

Thanks.

[tebasuna51]

I was just wondering if downmixing 5.1 to stereo is the same is manually mapping all 5 channels to left and right speaker manually. If its not the same, which one is the best way to play 5.1 on stereo headsets, downmixing (using player options) or manual channel mapping.
Is not the same. There are players with special downmix for headsets.

Also for dolby compatible headset, is downmixing (or channel mapping) still needed or does "dolby compatible" mean that they are capable of transforming the multi-channel sound optimally to stereo?

If your headset conexion is stereo the downmix must be make before.