If you live outside the U.S. and want to really feel like you’re part of the Super Bowl action, you’re in luck this year. For the first time, international broadcasts in high definition will feature 5.1 surround sound, thanks to the joint efforts of THX, Neural Audio and the NFL.

It’s the first 5.1 surround sound broadcast for the big game internationally, which will be from 57 broadcasts to 223 countries and territories in 30 languages, with the HD signal going to 30 broadcast partners and 28 countries.

Game time on Sunday from Glendale, AZ, kicks off at 6:30 p.m. EST between the Patriots and Giants.

Neural-THX Surround technology lets broadcasts deliver the multichannel audio using minimal bandwidth over stereo channels, the company says. For the Super Bowl, the technology will let the NFL’s on-site broadcast teams produce the game in 5.1, then send the sound mix in stereo format to audiences worldwide, whose A/V receivers that feature Neural-THX surround can decode to 5.1.

The technology is in about 70 percent of new A/V receivers from the major manufacturers, the company says.

For more, check out www.thx.com, www.neuralaudio.com or www.neuralsurround.com.

Arlen Schweiger - Editor of Electronic House Magazine

Arlen writes about home technology installations and product news and reviews for electronichouse.com and Electronic House magazine.