ONsurround

ONsurround is a technology developed by Dolby Laboratories designed to enhance the audio experience in home theater and multimedia setups. Introduced in 2007, it is a proprietary surround sound system that aims to deliver immersive, high-quality audio by utilizing a combination of speakers and advanced signal processing.

The core concept of ONsurround revolves around creating a virtual surround sound environment using fewer physical speakers than traditional multi-channel systems. It achieves this by employing a technique called "object-based audio," where sound sources are processed and distributed dynamically across a listening space. This allows for a more flexible and scalable audio setup, particularly in environments where installing multiple speakers is impractical.

ONsurround is compatible with a variety of devices, including home theater receivers, soundbars, and even some televisions. It works with existing Dolby Digital and Dolby TrueHD content, as well as newer formats like Dolby Atmos, by converting the audio into a format optimized for the available speaker configuration. The system can simulate surround sound using just two front speakers, a subwoofer, and a rear speaker, or even a single rear speaker in some configurations.

One of the key features of ONsurround is its ability to adapt to different room acoustics and speaker placements. By analyzing the listening environment, the system adjusts the audio processing in real time to ensure an optimal listening experience. This adaptability makes it suitable for a wide range of home environments, from small apartments to larger living rooms.

ONsurround has been integrated into various consumer electronics, including Dolby-certified soundbars and home theater systems. While it is not as widely adopted as other surround sound technologies like Dolby Digital or DTS, it remains a notable innovation in the field of audio processing, offering a balance between simplicity and immersive audio quality.