On Wednesday 28 July 2010 22:47:03 JohnLM wrote:
  To make it a bit clearer: What difference would these
methods cause?
 1. Inputs -> B-format -> 5.1
 or
 2. Inputs -> 5.1
 Simply first method allows me to concentrate making ambisonics only, and
 then use already existing decoders to create final output. 
Advantages of the first version: If you save the B-format, you can lossless
transform the audio to binaural headphone, plain stereo, plain mono, 5.1, 7.1
and all the other  zero or first order setups. And you can ship the B-format
and have the listeners decode/downmix to what they want/need.
Advantages of the second version: Probably none. Apart from the sticker "mixed
in 5.1"
Have fun,
Arnold