Question: Can a DVD Recorder record in Surround Sound?
One of the reasons behind the success of the DVD format is its native support for surround sound. Run an optical or digital coaxial audio cable from your DVD player to your digital A/V receiver, and you'll get a full surround effect. But, can DVD Recorders record in 5.1 surround sound?
Answer: The answer right now is no. DVD recorders can't record in 5.1 surround, they're strictly limited to 2.0 stereo.
There is a workaround, however, play back your home-recorded stereo DVDs using your A/V receiver's Dolby Pro Logic II mode. It's not native surround sound, but it will create a surround effect that you can hear from all the speakers, even though the source has only two channels. It doesn't sound as good as Dolby 5.1 surround sound, but it gives you more of a surround effect than just stereo.