Which digital audio format's main strength lies in its support for surround sound in home theater systems?

The strength of the AC-3 digital audio format, also known as Dolby Digital, lies in its advanced capability to deliver surround sound, which is particularly beneficial in home theater systems. AC-3 supports multiple audio channels, typically up to six (5.1 surround sound), allowing for a more immersive audio experience. This capability is essential for movies and other multimedia where spatial audio can enhance the viewer's engagement and make the content more enjoyable. Additionally, AC-3 is widely used in DVD and Blu-ray formats, making it a standard choice for high-quality audio playback in home entertainment systems.

In contrast, other formats like AAC, WAV, and FLAC may have their own strengths—such as compression efficiency or high-fidelity lossless audio, respectively—but they do not specifically excel in providing the multichannel surround sound experience that AC-3 offers. Thus, AC-3 stands out for its design and optimization for home theater applications.