[LAD] strategies for mixing streams of differing channel counts

[dave at 661.org]

Could I get some ideas and advice on the subject of reconciling two 
streams with different channel layouts?

Going from mono to stereo is straightforward: make a stereo stream with 
both channels carrying the same data.  Mixing a one or two channel stream 
with 5.1 or 7.1 also seems fairly clear: the audio goes to the front left 
and right channels.  Is this line of thinking solid?

What I don't understand is how to reconcile 5.1 audio with 7.1?  Which two 
of the four side and rear channels of 7.1 should receive the two rear 
channels of 5.1?  Also, should mono streams be mapped to the center 
channel of 5.1/7.1?

I understand that the chances of someone writing a game that would go 
beyond stereo are rather slim, but I'd rather not risk having someone 
write a game that won't run on other Z-machines, but not mine.  I'm also 
considering extending the results of my work into a general-purpose mixer 
library.


-- 
David Griffith
dave at 661.org

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