Delivering spatial audio

Many sounds artists are now producing their work in multi-channel digital audio, utilizing powerful audio software in very fast computers, and storing sound files on large hard drives. Some works will be played in public performance directly from computer, where multi-channel sound cards are able to deliver multiple high fidelity audio streams simultaneously. However, for more people to experience multi-channel music and sound art, it must be delivered into a listener's environment through existing or new media channels. This paper explores the different media available from physical discs, including CD and DVD, through broadcast media and portable players to digital delivery via the Internet. The possibilities and limitations of each will be considered, focusing particularly on listener perception of quality and ease of use. New directions in each delivery media will also be discussed.