 
Question #1: What is DTS Digital Surround?
THE FINEST 5.1 SURROUND SOUND TECHNOLOGY ON THE MARKET TODAY!
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 six channels of 20-bit digital audio information in the space previously allotted for only two channels of 16-bit linear PCM. Then during playback, the DTS decoder reconstructs the original six channels of 20-bit digital audio. Each of these six channels is audibly superior to the 16-bit linear PCM audio found on conventional compact discs.
Questions #2: How does this format compare to Dolby Digital (AC-3)?
BETTER AUDIO QUALITY FOR BOTH MOVIES AND MUSIC.
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 intact.
Question #3: What equipment do I need to playback in DTS for LD and CD?
5.1 CHANNELS OF ELECTRONICS AND SPEAKERS, WITH A DTS DECODER.
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.
Question #4: What equipment do I need to playback in DTS for DVD?
In order to playback a DVD encoded with DTS, you need the equipment mentioned above (question #3) and a DVD player that is DTS-ready. A DTS ready player can be identified by a 'DTS Digital Out' logo on the front of the face panel. Please see the Hardware Availability section on this website for a current list of compatible players.
MOVIES ON LASERDISC
Question #1: What is unique about DTS Digital Surround laserdiscs?
THE BEST SOUNDING MULTI-CHANNEL AUDIO EVER OFFERED.
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 13,000 movie theaters around the world. And the only requirements are an existing laserdisc player with a digital output interface and a DTS decoder.
Already on the schedule for 1998 are titles such as: Austin Powers, Boogie Nights, Born on the 4th of July, Die Hard with a Vengeance, The Game, Get Shorty, Independence Day, and Tomorrow Never Dies. See Laserdisc Release Schedule for the most current list.
Question #2: How do DTS-encoded laserdiscs compare to Dolby Digital (AC-3) titles?
SUPERIOR SOUNDTRACKS, WITH EXISTING PLAYERS.
As previously discussed, all DTS soundtracks are encoded with considerably less data reduction than Dolby Digital, to deliver six 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.
Question #3: How do DTS-encoded laserdiscs compare to upcoming DVD titles?
DTS LASERDISCS SOUND GREAT, DTS DVD’s SOUND GREAT.
Several manufacturers are gearing up product to demonstrate the many benefits of the new DVD format. And it’s 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, the company ensures the availability of a wide variety of DTS-encoded laserdiscs with state-of-the-art soundtracks, for laserdisc fans. Also, DTS delivers a wide variety of DVD software titles that truly represent the highest quality sound and picture that this new format is capable of delivering.
MUSIC ON COMPACT DISC Question #1: What is a DTS Digital Surround music disc?
MULTI-CHANNEL MUSIC MIXES WITH MASTER-QUALITY SOUND.
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.
DTS-encoded compact discs scheduled for 1998, include some of the finest recording artists in the history of the music industry: Herb Alpert, John Denver, The Eagles, The Mavericks, Mozart, Billie Myers, Olivia Newton-John, Nicely & Jody, Ohio Players, ... And Many More!.
Question #2: How do these multi-channel mixes compare to the "quad" titles of the '70s?
CURRENT DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY CAN FAR SURPASS 4-CHANNEL ANALOG.
Back in the '70s, 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 '70s 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.
Question #3: What kind of equipment is needed to experience DTS-encoded music discs?
A DISCRETE 5.1 PLAYBACK SYSTEM WITH A "DIGITAL OUT’ CD PLAYER.
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").
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When you go to the movies, you may be wondering what all those letters mean associated with a film. In addition to ratings (G, PG, PG-13, R, NC-17), there are the sound systems with their own monikers appearing before the movie. Two of the most famous are DTS and THX. But did you know that these are not competing sound systems? That's correct -- DTS and THX often work together in the world's finest theaters to deliver the very best digital sound experience possible.
Simply put, a theater's digital sound system is made up of two areas. The first (Area 1)consists mainly of projection equipment and actually "reads" the soundtrack of the film, decodes it, and processes it. The signal that results is fed to the second area (Area 2), the theater's amplification and loudspeaker system.
DTS technology is utilized in Area 1, where cinema sound processors convert the analog and digital sound information through CD-rom into top-quality audio. THX is involved in Area 2, especially for loudspeaker placement and the acoustics of the theater auditorium. To obtain THX certification, a theater must comply with their standards and also make use of equipment from THX-approved manufacturers. All DTS equipment is approved for usage in a THX certified theater.
Both DTS and THX can exist on their own, but often do go together. When they do, the result is digital sound that is nearly identical to what the filmmaker intended. And for you, the moviegoer, that means a sonic movie going experience to remember.
Of course, DTS also exists outside of movie theaters, with its Digital Surround technology now being licensed by the world's top consumer electronics hardware manufacturers. In addition, many laserdiscs, compact discs and DVDs are available, enabling movie and music fans to bring the digital experience home like never before.
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