dts DIGITAL SURROUND

An amazing new technology for surround-sound entertainment, DTS Digital Surround is an encode/decode system that delivers six channels (5.1) of master- quality, 20-bit audio. In the encoding process, the DTS algorithm encrypts 6 channels of 20-bit digital audio information in the space previously allotted for only 2 channels of 16-bit linear PCM. Then during playback, the DTS decoder reconstructs the original 6 channels of 20-bit digital audio. Each of these 6 channels is audibly superior to the 16-bit linear PCM audio found on conventional compact discs.

The DTS master-quality mode, for laserdiscs, compact discs, and DVDs, use less than one-fourth the data reduction of Dolby Digital (AC-3), resulting in audibly superior performance. The DTS commitment is to deliver an uncompromised reproduction of the original multi-track masters. For laserdiscs, however, this approach allocates all of the available digital-audio data space to the new six channels of audio, while Dolby Digital uses high data-reduction to fit their digital data onto an analog stereo track, leaving the stereo PCM tracks in-tact.

A discrete 5.1 audio system is required to experience this state-of-the-art technology. That means a system with six separate channels of electronics and speakers; for left, center, right, left surround, right surround and subwoofer (the .1 channel). The electronics can consist of any 5.1 surround processor with a built-in DTS decoding circuit or add-on DTS decoder, plus six channels of amplification (or five channels plus a powered subwoofer). Since the introduction of an advanced Motorola chip that can be easily integrated into any multi-channel product, all new models (including all-in-one receivers) can now offer both DTS and Dolby Digital.

A popular analogy draws comparisons to AM and FM radio transmissions. You cannot receive AM signals on a FM radio and vice-versa. However, for maximum choices in entertainment, your radio can be equipped with both technologies, so that you can select one or the other at the flip of a switch. And while there have always been practical uses for the low-fidelity broadcasts on AM radio, the success of FM-stereo is a strong example of the demand for higher-quality sound.

DTS Digital Surround laserdiscs have been encoded with six channels of master-quality audio. For the first time, you can experience the multi-channel soundtracks that Digital Theater Systems (DTS) provides to more than 11,000 movie theaters around the world. And the only requirements ar an existing laserdisc player with a digital output interface and a DTS decoder.

As previously discussed, all DTS soundtracks are encoded with considerably less data reduction than Dolby Digital, to deliver 6 channels of sonic perfection. In addition, Dolby has chosen a stereo-compatible approach, by RF-modulating the six channels of audio onto a single analog track; thereby preserving the original stereo digital tracks. However, this approach requires the purchase of a new laserdisc player with a special RF output.

Several manufacturers are gearing up product to demonstrate the many benefits of the new DVD format. And its reasonable to predict that this new technology may someday become the dominant format for all home entertainment applications. However, the number of years that it will take for this transition to occur will be dependent upon the depth of software that becomes available.
DTS is also one of the multi-channel standards for DVD and is committed to support both laserdiscs and DVDs. First, by ensuring the availability of a wide variety of DTS-encoded laserdiscs with state-of-the-art soundtracks, for laserdisc fans. And also, by delivering a wide variety of DVD software titles that truly represent the highest quality sound and picture that this new format is capable of delivering.

Digital Theater Systems (DTS) is already recognized around the world for providing the finest surround sound digital audio tracks ever developed for motion pictures. Now DTS brings Digital Surround technology to music recordings, creating the opportunity to experience a truly state-of-the-art multi-channel mix of any multi-channel master. The result is a new level of sonic realism that dramatically transcends all previous stereo versions, changing forever the way we can experience recorded music.

Back in the seventies, there were several attempts to bring four-channel sound into the home. The idea of multi-channel in the home was a good one, but the needle-in-groove technology of the time limited the quality and separation of the music to such an extent that quad eventually faded away. Now, DTS makes it possible to deliver what the quad systems of the seventies only hinted at. Multi-channel mixes can now be reproduced in the home exactly as they sound in the studio control room, with six completely discrete channels in 20-bit resolution.

DTS-encoded compact discs play on any 5.1 discrete surround system that utilizes a DTS decoder and a compact disc player (or laserdisc combi-player) with a digital output. And all DTS-encoded movies and music recordings are mixed and mastered compatibly with the 5.1 speaker configurations that are designed for home theater audio systems. However, it is already anticipated that each title will vary in terms of how each artist/engineer/producer chooses to mix their multi-channel master, and what musical information is allocated into each of the five full-range channels and the L.F.E. (.1) sub-woofer track. For optimum playback of all future recordings, it is highly recommended that full-range, equally-matched loudspeakers are utilized for all five of the main channels (including the surrounds).