While we don't generally cover software news in the gadgets department, the following piece is actually quite important for most of our readers, since it deals with a very interesting addition to Microsoft's Silverlight platform, that will allow PCs equipped with SRS Premium Sound HD or SRS Premium Sound OEM suites, as well as SRS’ newly announced SRS HD Audio Lab to decode SRS 5.1 surround sound content streamed through Microsoft Silverlight.

Available through a complete toolkit specifically designed by SRS for Microsoft Silverlight, content developers and aggregators now have the option to effortlessly add surround sound to their content.

To date, Silverlight has an installed base approaching 60-percent on all Internet-connected devices worldwide, with a 15-percent increase of usage in just four months.

“Delivering surround through rich media platforms has been challenging, as the traditional stereo paths result in sound that’s flat against the screen and unimpressive to the viewers who expect HD quality in both their video and audio content,” said Chuck Cortright, Vice President of New Business Development for SRS Labs.

“With SRS 5.1, content providers can now utilize the same stereo path to create natural, immersive surround content, significantly improving the viewing experience by delivering high fidelity sound that matches with the high definition picture,” Mr. Cortright added.