What's the ideal multichannel format for distributing / purchasing quad (4.0) downloads?
So far, I've been delivering my quad releases in a 5.1 audio file (e.g., WAV, FLAC), because it's familiar and well-supported. However, I worry that an empty LFE channel might confuse (disable) Bass Management on some processors. Is this known to happen? Any other technical caveats?
Of course, a 4.0 WAV or AIF file will be 33% smaller than it's 5.1 equivalent, so that's a big plus.
5.1 is popular and well-supported. Is there any history of consumer hardware barfing on 4.0 audio files?
Finally, is it common for record labels to distribute 4.0 content on 5.1 media, as I've been doing?
Sorry for all the noob questions. I just want to get things right. Any advice is appreciated.
So far, I've been delivering my quad releases in a 5.1 audio file (e.g., WAV, FLAC), because it's familiar and well-supported. However, I worry that an empty LFE channel might confuse (disable) Bass Management on some processors. Is this known to happen? Any other technical caveats?
Of course, a 4.0 WAV or AIF file will be 33% smaller than it's 5.1 equivalent, so that's a big plus.
5.1 is popular and well-supported. Is there any history of consumer hardware barfing on 4.0 audio files?
Finally, is it common for record labels to distribute 4.0 content on 5.1 media, as I've been doing?
Sorry for all the noob questions. I just want to get things right. Any advice is appreciated.