Article: 3D audio system developed by MP3 pioneer| New Scientist

"A sound system that creates immersive, three-dimensional audio for everyone in a room has been developed by one of the creators of the MP3 audio format.

Existing surround-sound technology only works if a listener is positioned correctly between a handful of speakers, in the so-called 'sweet spot'. For those outside this area the effect is lessened or does not work at all.

The new technology uses a principle known as 'wave field synthesis' to create complex audio illusions for everyone within a defined space. Computers are used to predict the way multiple sound waves will interact with each other within a space. Then, a multitude of small speakers - as many as 400 positioned around a large space - are used to mimic this interaction."

WOWOWOW! I dream of a day when I can have a 'listening room' in my home with this technology on!