Terminology: LFE Screen

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Level 1

5 points

Terminology: LFE Screen

What's the etymology of "LFE Screen," particularly the "screen" part, and what does it mean/refer to? I know LFE means Low Frequency Emitter (e.g. a subwoofer), and LFE seems to be the most common audio-wonk term for any low frequency audio channel, but I have never heard the word "screen" used to describe a driver, channel, position or anything else descriptive in that context. I also can't make sense of "screen" as a verb.

The only hits on an Internet search for "LFE Screen" appear to be Quicktime related.

Any information on this pedantic matter is much appreciated. Thank you.

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.5.6), 1.83Ghz

Posted on Jan 21, 2009 11:54 AM

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Answer 1

varjak paw

Level 10

182,668 points

Jan 21, 2009 12:45 PM in response to djbell

It is indeed used for specifying the channel for the low-frequency emitter (aka "subwoofer"). There is allowance in the industry specification for surround sound for a rear subwoofer ("LFE Rear") as well as one that would normally be placed at the front of the listening area ("LFE screen"). I don't know of any system that actually uses the rear subwoofer, but that's apparently the reason for the terminology.

Message was edited by: Dave Sawyer

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Answer 2

varjak paw

Level 10

182,668 points

Jan 21, 2009 1:02 PM in response to varjak paw

I should caveat this by saying that this is the only reference to and use of the term "LFE screen" I know of. But it's possible that there is some other use I've not run across, though probably not as regards QuickTime.

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Answer 3

Jan 21, 2009 5:37 PM in response to djbell

For the sake of accuracy, LFE stands for Low Frequency Effects.

It originated in the movie business, and carried over to home use.

+LFE - screen+ would be a channel of effects intended to emanate from behind or near the screen (as opposed to coming from the rear of the theatre, for example).

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