For those of you that thought 7.1 was the way of the future, forget it. Dolby just announced, at a press conference at its headquarters in San Francisco, the release of its latest audio technology, 5.2.

Built as an add on to its very famous 5.1, 5.2 ups the ante with respect to home surround sound systems. To fully enjoy the new technology, one must have at least 17 speakers set up in their living room.

“This is a game changer,” said Catherine Mansfield, spokeswoman for Dolby. “Up until now, people have been used to only hearing sound from in front of them, behind them and sometimes beside them. I have a strong feeling 5.2 will quite literally blow them away.”

In case you’re wondering where else sound might come from if not in front of, behind or beside you, you better sit down for this one.

Dolby and Panasonic have teamed up to design new speakers with the specific purpose of being installed in your floor and in your ceiling.

“We contemplated this one for a long while,” Mansfield said. “We were worried people might not want to drill holes into their house. But in the end, we know that the true Dolby fan cares more about optimal sound than his or her hardwood floors or ceilings.”

Indeed, there was already a line around the block at the Best Buy on 23rd Street in Manhattan.

“We don’t even know if they’ve got any yet, but word on the street’s that they do,” said Brian Heavyhammer who was smiling and waiting in line at the store. “I’ve already pre-drilled the holes in my roof and floor. Gotta be prepared.”

That just about says it all…