What is Surround Sound..

[kapsee]

Two-channel recordings, in which sound is played on speakers on either side of the listener, are often referred to as stereo. Two-channel sound is the standard format for home stereo receivers, television and FM radio broadcasts. The simplest two-channel recordings, known as binaural recordings, are produced with two microphones set up at a live event (a concert for example) to take the place of a human's two ears. When you listen to these two channels on separate speakers, it recreates the experience of being present at the event.
Surround recordings take this idea a step further, adding more audio channels so sound comes from three or more directions. While the term "surround sound" technically refers to specific multi-channel systems designed by Dolby Laboratories, it is more commonly used as a generic term for theater and home theater multi-channel sound systems.

[sanuanu]

Two-channel recordings, in which sound is played on speakers on either side of the listener, are often referred to as stereo.

What do we mean by this? For example, if we are recording a male voice in a song to left mic and female voice in right then can we call it as a stereo recording. :o
If it is then may we call surround sound as an enhanced version of stereo recording and what is digital surround sound and mono sound?
Can you give light on this please? :)

[noodlebunny]

I am loving the questioning and explanations. This is all great info and I surely did learn a thing or two.