I've got a few DVD's that have both DTS and DD 5.1 on them. I'm running optical from my DVD (Sony DVP-C650) to my receiver (Kenwood VR-504). Just wondering what the difference is bewteen DTS and DD 5.1. they both sound great, they're both being routed via optical, so which one should I choose? I'm assuming DTS since it is always at the top of the audio list, but why?

J

Hi J
The basic difference is that DTS is supposed to run full signal 20-20K HZ to all channels. They don't use the small/normal or large speaker options that DD does. I personally like DTS better with my system than DD as I think it sounds a bit better IMHO.....Tony

The dynamic range of the soundtracks is greater....

Actually, guys, all 5.1 (and up) formats are full-frequency range to all (other than LFE) channels. Also, the dynamic range is "supposed" to be equal.

The technical difference is that the DTS encoding compression is about 1/4 that of the DD encoding, but Dolby Labs insists that the difference is inaudible. The general concensus is that DTS should, in theory, have the edge because of this.

The blind comparison tests have been difficult, largely due to the different signal levels that are usually encountered. In other words, when the same movie is played in the two formats, the difference in loudness tends to make the louder soundtrack (usually DTS) sound "fuller".

My opinion is that I can't tell the difference, but I haven't made a serious comparison. I just enjoy what ever comes along.

Larry

I enjoy both formats also, but I think I do notice a greater Dynamic Range on the DTS sound tracks...

When multiple formats are provided on a DVD, isn't there one format (i.e. DD or DTS) that the filmaker intended the film be listen to in? Or do they all just say, hey record this movie in THX, DD and DTS, I don't really have a preference? I have often thought that DTS, while appreciably louder, often is more offensive to my ears. It doesn't seem to have the "finesse" if you will, that the DD tracks seem to.

Think, unless involved in post-production engineering, like Woody Allen has been in some of his movies, the sound format is not of concern to the studio. The inclusion of multiple sound formats is generally decided upon by the distribution company.

Larry
www.fineelectricco.com

This message was edited by Larry Fine on 12/12/01 18:56.09.

Thinkly: You can also toss SDDS into the mix. ;-)

One issue is that DD & DTS tracks are often not mixed by the same person. So they could sound different, not because of quality, but because they're... different.