Dolby Digital vs. dts

So what are the differences between these two sound formats? I didn't get into this stuff until recently. There was a little about these formats in the manual for my home theater system, but they seem more or less the same to me. I know that Dolby Digital is the format for DVDs, but I have also seen dts used for them.

I know there is a difference but I cant distinguish what it is bye ear. I also know that DTS is sony's own format , kinda like a memory stick,of course AC3/DD is Dolby labs.

I have a dolby digital setup myself and love it.

My brother has a THX set up and it really is the way to go if you can ? Of course it can be a bit more costly , but it will give you many years of incredible sound and has yet to be surpassed , plus the prices on good THX amps have fallen alot.

No matter which way you go , make sure to spend money on really good speakers or it will all be for not.

Also make sure you can turn it up and enjoy it !

I forgot to add that most decent amps these days are DD/DTS and of couse none of these formats will work unless the media and audio/video device outputs the signal.

[ December 01, 2002: Message edited by: candycab ]</p>

Apparently, not much difference according to experts, I have heard 5.1 in action and it sounds pretty good, I am yet to hear how dts sounds quite soon. The question is which one to go for(dolby), there is now 6.1, 7.1 plus EX. <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

DTS is an uncompressed format, whereas Dolby Digital 5.1 (or EX) IS compressed.

If you want a movie where you can tell a difference, check out Saving Private Ryan and Saving Private Ryan DTS. The clarity is AMAZING on the DTS track. DTS is usually what is used in the theatres, so if they have the DTS track they can slap it on the DVD without having to compress it. Unfortunately, because it's NOT compressed, it takes up a LOT of space so they usually skimp on the extras. Most of the time movies are released without the DTS track so they can add extras, then later on when they rerelease it they can charge you for the DTS track in a "special edition" package. Personally I just wish they'd put DTS on anything they have it for, fuck the extras. That's just me though.

If a DD 5.1 track is done right, you can barely tell a difference.

Regular Dolby Digital (not DD 5.1 or DD EX) is only a Pro Logic surround, where the back to speakers are counted as ONE channel and the sounds are highly compressed. Sometimes it's hard to make out the rear channel because of this.

Most Anime DVDs (TV series, not movies and the like) at just DD (Pro Logic that is). All DVDs use Dolby Digital, whether it's 5.1, Pro Logic or DD EX. DD Ex adds a center channel to the rear speakers, thus you get 6.1. DTS EX is the same thing (6.1)

If given a choice between a DD 5.1 track on a DVD with extras, or DTS without extras, I go for the DTS. I barely watch extras anyway.

I'm gonna toss in the info that THX is not a sound system, it is a certification given to audio gear.

It all depends on the mix. The StarWars Episode II DVD is DD5.1 and it is awesome. Big Trouble in Little China on DVD is DTS 5.1 and is super sweet. Most new receivers decode both.

I have a question since most of you know what your talking about when it comes to surround sound. I bought a <a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/detail.asp?e=11101311&m=1&cat=1552&scat=242" target="_blank">Sony</a> DD 5.1/DTS home theater in a box a little over a year ago to hold me over until I could afford a decent system. Anyway, I've had it packed away for months now as I just wasn't happy with the overall "oomph" of the package. The subwoofer, while decent, didn't exactly send shivers down my spine and the speakers are far to quiet for my liking. I have everything setup correctly so I know it's not a technical problem. Is there anything I can do to make my system louder? Do I need to get a new receiver to handle a more powerful subwoofer? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[ December 01, 2002: Message edited by: Earthquake ]</p>

Slerch is right. I can hear the difference between Dolby 5.1 and DTS. DTS sounds better...it's even a bit better than Dolby EX, IMO.

If you wear Head Phones there really is no difference. <img src="graemlins/smirk.gif" border="0" alt="[Smirk]" />


EarthQuake - That system should be loud enough. I've got a simular set up in my living room that Shakes the whole house. 450 watts is not bad. I am wondering if something is wrong with the system itself (technically, like something is broke).

[ December 01, 2002: Message edited by: Shiftyfink ]</p>

DTS puts Dobly Digital to shame!

DTS sounds much better than 5.1 - sound seem much clearer on DTS.

<a href="http://www.dtsonline.com/aboutdts/index.shtml" target="_blank">FAQ about DTS</a>

Another good thing DTS does is it syncs sound with picture every second so you never get sound out of sync with picture which is quite common on dolby AC3 which only syncs at the beginning of the film.. also dts in not as compressed as dolby so you get a wider frequency range and a clearer sound track.....