SRS Labs announced that Arbors Records has chosen Circle Surround ("CS") to deliver 5.1 surround sound over the standard compact disc format. The patented Circle Surround technology, which can be played back on existing CD players, sets itself above competing technologies that specifically require DVD-Audio or special playback equipment and is therefore quickly being adopted by leading industry and broadcast professionals. Networks who have telecast programming in Circle Surround over the past few months include ABC, CBS, ESPN, Fox, FX and PBS. The first Circle Surround-encoded release from Arbors Records features The Michiko Ogawa Quartet, with several more releases slated for a later date. Michiko Ogawa is a celebrated Japanese pianist making her American debut on Arbors.

Circle Surround is the ideal solution for creating CDs in 5.1 surround sound because it is universally compatible with all types of CD players and A/V receivers. If a listener has a standard CD player and standard stereo speakers, the Circle Surround algorithm actually creates a more detailed and immersive stereo image than regular stereo. For those home theater installations with a 5.1 speaker system, Circle Surround encoded CDs can be decoded into full surround sound by most of the existing home theater receivers that include a matrixed surround system, such as Dolby Surround or Dolby Pro Logic, subject to the limitations of the decoder. To enjoy the most powerful and dramatic surround sound experience, a Circle Surround II receiver is suggested, such as those manufactured by Marantz, Kenwood, Theta Digital, Accuphase, or a software DVD player from Orion Studios. Listeners with CS II decoders truly get the most compelling and rich surround sound while those without decoders will enjoy a dynamic stereo sound that they have never experienced before.