dolby digital (also referred to as ac-3) delivers five discrete full-range channels (left, center, right, left surround and right surround) plus a separate low frequency effects (lfe) channel.many soundtracks on the latest generation laser discs, dvds and high definition television (hdtv), are encoded with dolby digital technology. when a 5.1-channel dolby digital program source is playing, such as from a creative pc-dvd player, dvd player or game console, the dolby digital indicator light lights up automatically.

    not all media in a dvd will be 5.1-channel encoded. on many dvds, only the main movie program will be available in 5.1-channel sound. other supporting chapters (like a “director’s commentary” section) may be in stereo or mono. for these programs, the dolby digital indicator may not light up, even though the sound will be properly reproduced by the creative inspire 5.1 digital 5700.