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Difference between DTS CD and DVD-Audio? (1 Viewer)

Scott Stephens

Stunt Coordinator
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Dec 23, 1999
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Sorry if this is a basic and redundant question. I tried to do a search but couldn't zero in on any specific answers, so please don't flame me! :)

If my assumptions are correct, I can play a DTS CD in any DVD player/receiver combo with DTS capabilities, correct? And are these CD's multichannel, stereo, or both?

Also, what is the consensus on the sound quality of DTS CDs? Would I be better off getting a DVD-Audio player? And also, what are some recommended DTS CD titles?

Thanks for the help.
 

Jagan Seshadri

Supporting Actor
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Nov 5, 2001
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528
And are these CD's multichannel, stereo, or both?
DTS-encoded CDs are multichannel but not stereo.

The sound quality is pretty good with DTS. DVD-Audio is even better though because it does not use lossy compression like DTS does. However, if you're not used to hearing subtle differences, I bet you wouldn't notice that you're missing a thing with the DTS CDs.

-JNS
 

KeithH

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Mar 28, 2000
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Scott, DTS CDs are encoded in 5.1 surround sound using the DTS compression algorithm. As such, the fidelity is of lower quality than the sound quality offered by CDs, DVD-Audio discs, and SACDs. DTS CDs are not encoded in stereo. You can play DTS CDs in three ways:

* On a CD player connected to a 5.1-channel receiver or pre/pro with a DTS decoder via an optical or coaxial digital cable.

* On a DVD-Video player with the "DTS Digital Out" logo on the front panel (meaning any player available today) to a 5.1-channel receiver or pre/pro with a DTS decoder via an optical or coaxial digital cable.

* On a DVD-Video player with a built-in DTS decoder connected to a 5.1-channel receiver or pre/pro via the 5.1-channel outputs (i.e., six RCA cables).

The DVD-Audio format offers the capability of stereo and surround sound (5.1) playback at higher resolution than the CD (and therefore, higher resolution than DTS too). DVD-Audio uses PCM as the encoding algorithm like the CD, but while the CD is limited to encoding in 16-bit/44.1-kHz PCM, DVD-Audio can offer up to 24/192 in stereo and 24/96 in surround sound. In practice, the wordlength (the number of bits per pulse) on DVD-Audio discs can vary, though a 24-bit word is far and away the most prevalent. However, the sampling rate (in kHz) varies widely on DVD-Audio discs. In most cases, stereo tracks are presented in 24/96, but some discs are encoded 24/88.2 or 24/48, and some are encoded at the maximum 24/192. Most surround-sound tracks are encoded at 24/96.

The vast majority of DVD-Audio discs offer a high-resolution surround-sound track, and some also offer a high-resolution stereo track as well. Most discs also have DVD-Video-compatible Dolby Digital and/or DTS surround-sound tracks as well.

Note that to play DVD-Audio tracks, you must have a DVD-Audio player. Some are available through www.crutchfield.com , Best Buy, and Circuit City. Again, with a DVD-Video player, you can play Dolby Digital or DTS tracks that may be encoded on a DVD-Audio disc.
 

KeithH

Senior HTF Member
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Mar 28, 2000
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Jagan, you covered the key information far more succinctly than I did. ;) I can be a bit wordy. :rolleyes:As Jim Morrison once said, "I'd rather be a wordman. Better than a birdman." :)
 

LanceJ

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Oct 26, 2002
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DTS CD's sound quite good (most of the time hard to tell the difference from a regular CD). Dvd-audio adds those extra details that make things sound really good.

DTS Entertainment "5.1 music discs"

I own the Seventh Sojourn disc--it sounds great. Very immersive mix. Next will be Days of Future Passed & Every Breath You Take.

LJ
 

RobBenton

Stunt Coordinator
Joined
Mar 21, 2003
Messages
159
DTS CD's do sound very close to cd quality but as posted DVD-A is even better. Also there are not that many DTS CD's where there are a growing number of DVD-A and SACD discs. Lastly DTS CD's tend to be very aggressive in thier surround mix compared to dvd-a and sacd. Some people like this others like a little more laid back aproach. Some of the DTS cd's are very good including the police greatest hits and sheryl crow's "the globe sessions"
 

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