>>It is only unnatural if you have not played in the band. I hear it is the best seat in the house. (no pun intended.)

Multichannel gives the artist the ability to put you in the band. Many feel it is really best seat in the house.

Artists will have to feel this out and we will have to re-learn to listen to music. think about the way music is delivered in your car. It comes from all around you and at times can be a moving experience. (again, no pun intended.) <<

That's certainly the point of view that we heard from Jazz musician Herbie Hancock this year at CES.

He referred to the middle of the band surround mixes as "immersive" and said he strongly preferred that type of surround mix vs. an ambient one.

Hancock also argued that the middle of the band seat was indeed the best seat in the house.

As the surround titles appear, I suspect we'll end up with both immersive and ambient mixes - depending on the artist and type of music.