An algorithm created by Dolby that attempts to reproduce the dynamics and surround-sound effects of a precisely placed 5.1-channel speaker system from a consumer electronics device or personal computer equipped with as few as two speakers.
The algorithm at the heart of Dolby Virtual Speaker technology is based on psychoacoustic parameters that include an understanding of sound from both a technical and an experiential perspective. Dolby Virtual Speaker technology uses biological, psychological, and physical understanding to create the “impression” of additional speakers positioned exactly at the recommended locations for a Dolby Digital sound system with five actual speakers. In other words, audio channels are processed through filters that simulate the sonic signature of a speaker located within an acoustic space.
Dolby Virtual Speaker technology was launched in fall 2002 to the PC industry, and is currently available on select software DVD players from CyberLink, InterVideo, and Nvidia, as well as models from leading PC OEMs (including Sharp, NEC, Sony, Fujitsu, and Hitachi).