BD Rebuilder 7.1 question

[Peter_A]

Hello,

I apologize in advance if this has been answered somewhere else.

For 7.1 audio that it converted to 5.1 audio, in BD Rebuilder, are the rear channels then a combination of what was in the rear/side channels of the 7.1 source? I assume that the side channels are not just dropped, but I could be wrong. Thanks.

[jdobbs]

They are dropped. The side channels are not meant for rear projection -- so combining them with the rear would not reflect their intent. 5.1 has no side channels.

If you really wanted to emulate side channels, you'd balance the side channels between LF/LR and RF/RR.

[Peter_A]

Great, thanks for the explanation.

I do understand about emulating the side channels (going from 5.1 to 7.1). I have a 7.1 setup, and most of my material is 5.1, so I use Dolby Pro Logic IIx to emulate 7.1

My concern is regarding going from 7.1 to 5.1. Since 7.1 has discreet side channels, there is potentially something presented in them that is not contained in the other channels, so just dropping them would potentially risk losing that sound, which is why I assumed that it was then mixed with the rears. Have you found it to be the case in your experience that meaningful sound is dropped?