"6 channel surround sound"

[mr_insanity]

In the G4 'Icons' video, Tim Willits says Doom3 has true 6 channel surround sound. What I wanna know is how this will be implemented? I mean, if i'm playing a game that uses some form of EAX on a card that supports 5.1 speakers or higher... aren't I already getting just as many audion channels? So what's so revolutionary in DOOM III's sound?

(right now i'm just using an SbLive! with a quadraphonic setup and "4.1 speakers" (they're not actually .1, as the sub doesn't have it's own channel). The most I can support is EAX 1.0, which doesn't happen that often anymore (far Cry uses EAX 2.0). I'm thinking of upgrading to the Audigy 2 zs for added features and more speakers eventaully))

[mr_insanity]

To answer my own question, I found THIS news at gamespot. For the actual article, here's a link: http://www.gamespot.com/news/2004/07/26/news_6103431.html

Sound Blaster-maker will integrate its EAX audio technology into id's Doom 3 engine.
Though the Doom 3 engine has gotten the most attention for its graphics, its sound promises to be innovative as well. Today developer id Software announced that it has partnered with multimedia hardware manufacturer Creative Technology to further develop the audio portions of the Doom 3 engine.

The creator of the popular Sound Blaster line of PC sound cards will integrate its proprietary 3D audio technology, called EAX Advanced HD, into id's graphics powerhouse. That means game developers licensing the engine for their own games will receive top-of-the-line 3D graphics and sound in the same package.

Ironically, the Doom 3 engine's new audio technology won't be immediately available in its namesake game. Creative and id said that the 3D graphics and audio technology won't become available to developers until later this year. Doom 3 will ship to stores next week.

By Staff -- GameSpot

[Toyoto]

Don't worry about it. With a 4.1 speaker system You can hear sounds in front, behind and both sides quite well.

[mr_insanity]

oh yes, i'm fine as far as positioning goes. I'm not going to get new speakers, but I WILL get an audigy2 zs for the EAX advanced HD or whatever it is. I love that they're doing more with sound and EAX 1.0 doesn't cut it. That and i'm a musician so the extra power and features are a good excuse to get a new card.