DTS vs. DD (1 Viewer)

[Brenton]

I'm kind of a newbie to home theater, and I may be considering a digital surround system in the future. This is probably an elementary question, but could someone explain to me the deal with DTS and Dolby Digital?

Remember, I know nothing about the subject. What's the difference? Which one (in your opinion) is better? What are the benefits and drawbacks to each one?

 

[Jeff Engel]

It's like Coke and Pepsi. Both are digital sound formats that do exactly the same thing. Some people say that DTS is better while others claim Dolby to be better.

 

[Michael Reuben]

I strongly recommend the HTF Primer for Home Theater Newcomers. It addresses not only the question you asked, but also many others you're likely to have in the future.
Also, I'm moving this to the Basics forum.
M.

 

[Vince Maskeeper]

Brenton,
Welcome to the forum!
Like Michael suggested- there are a couple explainitory posts in the HTF Primer that will help your understanding on this issue (and probably several other issues).
Specifically, you might check out:
Dolby Digital Audio Format by Adam Barratt
DTS Audio Format by Dan Brecher
Dolby Prologic and Prologic II by Chris Tsutsui
Older Surround formats vs. modern 5.1 / 6.1 formats by Patrick Sun
Also, if you're brave- check out this excellent article by HTF moderator Adam Barratt:
http://home.clear.net.nz/pages/adbarr/page1.html
Although it is sometimes a bit technical- I think it is one of the best overviews of the formats I have ever read.
-Vince

 

[John Garcia]

This one goes a little beyond a basic discussion and probably has WAY more information than anyone really needs, but it should also confuse you more, while answering your fundamental question.
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...ighlight=1509k