How do DTS and THX relate?

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.