SteveS.

I was just wondering which format everyone preferred. I know that to me DTS seems to sound a little bit better than Dolby Digital.

And by the way does anyone know what DTS stands for?

sbell

Steve,

I too like DTS better than Dolby Digital. DTS stands for Digital Theater Surround.

David DelGrosso

For the record, "DTS" actually stands for Digital Theater Systems, Inc.

When first introduced for cinema use, this digital technology was created for all movie soundtracks, not just the "surround" mixes... so the word "surround"was not a part of the original "corporate name." In fact, the original cinema on-screen logos, always referred to DTS, as "DTS Digital Sound" (remember the tagline: "Listen... and be Amazed"?)

Eventually, the word "surround" became synonymous with "DTS"... after the Consumer Division successfully licensed the DTS Digital Surround 5.1 technology into millions of Home Theater products.

As far as the sonic comparisons to the "more compressed" Dolby Digital... the difference is audibly pronounced when a 5.1 mix aggressively utilizes all 6 channels.

Simplistically stated, the Dolby version has "less bits to work with"... so "complex" mixes cannot be fully reproduced.

All things equal, the DTS version will deliver deeper bass, more detail in the highs, and a wider, deeper surround soundfield... when the 5.1 mix is "firing on all 6 cylinders."

DD

deacongreg

I concur with David, need convincing, Jurassic Park was done in DTS. Superb. Also, The Bourne Ultimatum, Fantastic Four:Rise of the Silver Surfer. Music: Steely Dan - Gaucho, Love Scenes - Diana Krall. Great sounding stuff.

kennyt

I have had an occasional film I found to sound better in DD that DTS, this hasn't happened to me in a while. I had found some early DVD's with DTS to have depressed vocals, but it was long ago in a system far away.

In general, if it has DTS, that is what I use.

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deacongreg

Yes sir kennyt.