What do 2.1, 5.1 and 7.2 refer to in sound systems?

What do 2.1, 5.1 and 7.2 refer to in sound systems?

Jeff Colen (President, A Sharper Home, Inc.) gives expert video advice on: How do I choose the best sound option for my home theater? and more...

5.1 stands for five speakers with one subwoofer. It's used to designate surround sound systems. So you'll see 5.1, 7.1, 7.2 -- which means seven speakers with two subwoofers -- and the list goes on. The difference is, on a standard stereo system, you'll just see 2.1 or 2.0 designation, and that is just regular audio from the front of the room. The 5.1 gives you surround sound, so you'll hear the five speakers firing with the one subwoofer.