Global Rollout Planned for DTS Virtual:X on LG's UHD TVs (1 Viewer)

[Martin Dew]

Martin Dew

Global Rollout Planned for DTS Virtual:X on LG's UHD TVs

Xperi Corporation, parent company to DTS, has announced that LG Electonics has integrated DTS Virtual:X immersive audio technology into its latest Ultra HD TVs. The TVs are the 'world's first' to feature the audio post-processing solution, which delivers virtual height and surround sound for an immersive home entertainment experience without the need for additional speakers. LG's new UHD TVs incorporating the tech will ensure that consumers can enjoy immersive audio directly from a TV's stereo speakers, the company claims.

DTS Virtual:X supports any input source from 2-channel stereo to a 7.1.4 (11.1 channel) layout. The built-in architecture allows manufacturer licensees to use one or more features at the same time, which include virtual height, virtual surround, bass enhancement, and a multi-band hard limiter. The new LG TVs with DTS Virtual:X onboard are available as of now in Korea, but rollouts for the rest of the globe are scheduled.

“We are very proud to add TVs to the sound bars and AVRs that already integrate DTS Virtual:X technology, and the first TVs available with this solution are LG’s newest Ultra HD models," said Jea Yoo, president of Xperi’s Korea office. “This audio technology offers consumers a hassle-free, theater-like sound experience at home.”

“Premium, immersive sound is a key factor in the IT device industry, including TVs, in determining the quality of home entertainment," said Won-Il Son, team leader of TV marketing at LG Electronics. “Our partnership with Xperi will allow us to offer a perfect home entertainment experience with LG Ultra HD TVs with DTS Virtual:X technology.”

The word on the street suggests that DTS Virtual:X, not surprisingly, does not deliver the same experience as a roomful of speakers, but reports on its performance and ability to open up a soundstage are evidently impressive. DTS uses time and timbre cues to 'trick' the brain into believing that specific sounds are emanating from specific sources in a room.

 

[Brian Kidd]

I have yet to hear a "virtual surround" system that actually works. At most, using out-of-phase frequencies can sort of, kind of open up the soundstage a bit. Every time I hear about a new system or see marketing blurbs on sound bars that tout "Surround Audio," I just roll my eyes and keep walking. Yes, our ears can be tricked into thinking that a sound is coming from a non-specific location, but it's so much more of a generalized thing than it is being able to convince someone that a sound is coming from a specific location. There won't ever be a virtual setup that can compete with discrete speakers.

 

[Sam Posten]

Agreed. I very much look forward to never using this, but then again I'm not the target audience for this.

The target audience is dumb people. Those too lazy to actually build a quality surround system to go with exceptional panels.