DTS-ES and a 5.1 System (1 Viewer)

[Larry Hoffman]

This has probably been asked previously, but I can't find it. I have a 5.1 system. If I am playing a DVD with both Dolby Digital and DTS-ES and used the DTS-ES track, would my amp decode it properly, or is it better to stay with Dolby Digital? In other words, will a 5.1 system properly decode a 6.1 track or is it advisable to use the 5.1 track instead?

Thanks for your advise.
Larry Hoffman

 

[Clay-F]

I'm in your boat as well.

I have searched around for the answer to this question.

All my findings say it will work fine. What will happen is that the rear speakers will make up for the lack of the 6th speaker. So bascially if something was supposed to sound off directly behind you, it would now be split between your two rear speakers.

 

[Michael Reuben]

All DTS-ES tracks are designed to be backward-compatible with basic 5.1 systems. The sounds that would be routed to the rear center are all present in the left and right rears. (This is true regardless of whether the DTS-ES track is discrete 6.1 or matrix.)

M.

 

[Larry Hoffman]

Thank you both for your replies.
Looks like the war has started. Lets hope it ends quickly with as little blood shed as possible.
Larry

 

[Michael Reuben]

You're welcome, Larry. As for the rest, you need to read the announcement posted by Ron Epstein on 3/19/03 and featured prominently at the top of each forum.

M.

 

[Larry Hoffman]

Point taken Michael, though I honestly did't feel that my comment would be taken as a discussion on the war.
I won't mention it in future.

Thanks again for your help and advise.
Larry