Editing Dolby Digital (section)

=== Dolby Digital Surround EX ===
Dolby Digital Surround EX (sometimes shortened to Dolby Digital EX) is similar to Dolby's earlier [[Pro Logic]] format, which utilized [[matrix (sound recording)|matrix]] technology to add a [[center surround channel]] and single rear surround channel to stereo soundtracks.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://aes2.org/publications/par/num/ |title=Pro Audio Reference |at=6.1 |access-date=2024-08-08}}</ref> EX adds an extension to the standard [[5.1]] channel Dolby Digital codec in the form of matrixed rear channels, creating [[6.1]] or 7.1 channel output.

It provides an economical and backwards-compatible means for 5.1 soundtracks to carry a sixth, center-back surround channel for improved localization of effects. The [[extra surround channel]] is matrix encoded onto the discrete ''left surround'' and ''right surround'' channels of the 5.1 mix, much like the front [[center channel]] on Dolby Pro Logic encoded stereo soundtracks. The result can be played without loss of information on standard 5.1 systems or played in 6.1 or 7.1 on systems with Surround EX decoding and added speakers. A number of DVDs have a Dolby Digital Surround EX audio option.

The theater version of ''Dolby Digital Surround EX'' was introduced in 1999, when Dolby and [[THX]], a division of [[Lucasfilm Ltd.]], co-developed ''Dolby Digital Surround EX''™ for the release of ''[[Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace]]''.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=http://investor.dolby.com/ReleaseDetail.cfm?releaseid=164165|title=Dolby Launches Dolby Digital Cinema in Theatres Worldwide with Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith|website=Dolby Investor Relations|access-date=2017-03-22 |author1=Nurun }}</ref> Dolby Digital Surround EX has since been used on the DVD releases of the ''Star Wars'' prequel and original trilogies.<ref name=":2" />
[[File:Dolby Near.JPG|thumb|upright|A Dolby home theater badge on a laptop computer]]