ac3 vs. dts

[Jon P. Inghram]

In the theater Dolby Digital and SDDS are on the film, DTS comes on a seperate set of CD's that are synced to the movie.

[Nowhere]

What are the implications of this for somebody who watches movies using computer? Is there any DTS capable hardware? Software maybe? (like ac3filter)

[Byock]

Uh, I am not aware of DTS for the PC, which is odd, since my Z580 Speakers do DTS. Go figure. On the home stereo, there is no other way to go, DTS simply sounds the best.

(so far)

[Jon P. Inghram]

PowerDVD and WinDVD both decode DTS.

[az]

I think it depends on the DVD player software. The "premium" versions, or whatever they're called, will likely include a DTS decoder. I don't know if the raw DTS stream can be put out through the S/PDIF out, but discrete 5.1 or even 7.1 analog channels should work. I don't know, though, how good the software DTS decoders are, nor if soundcard (likely, if it's at least an Audigy 2) or speakers (less likely) or PC fan noise allow you to hear the difference.

So, I was basically saying, it's a software thing. If the soundcard has 5.1 separate channels, the hardware's there.

AZ

[az]

I see JPI managed to say the same as I in slightly shorter form

AZ

[TransformX]

Originally posted by az
I don't know if the raw DTS stream can be put out through the S/PDIF out

It does pretty well on my rig

[Topha]

DTS works on my audigy one spdif with the creative inspire digital 5700

But the german LOTR EE DVD's (even abbreviated it still sounds too long ) only have DTS for the german audio track, english is "just" AC 3

[Indiana]

Originally posted by Jon P. Inghram
PowerDVD and WinDVD both decode DTS.

Fortunately the do not only decode it but also send it unchanged via the soundcards (at least if you have a decent soundcard) digital out to your hopefully DTS capable receiver.

[KvHagedorn]

If you want dts for your computer speakers I can sell you some race slicks for your tricycle, too.

[Jammrock]

Originally posted by KvHagedorn
If you want dts for your computer speakers I can sell you some race slicks for your tricycle, too.

ROFLMAO!!!!!

What if they have a Denon/Yamaha reciever hooked up to B&W speakers using a SP/DIF pass-through as their computer speakers?

Off topic: Wilson Audio (makers of $10k-$125k speakers) had an interesting demo at CES. They wer comparing their Sophia speakers (~$12k a pair) to a competitor's flagship loudspeakers (competitor unnamed) using the same digital source, but different amps. After they were done comparing the sound quality of the speakers they decided to throw a curveball at the CES goers. They pulled off the chasis of what should have been a $20k CD player (yes, they make $20k CD players) and revealed that the 'high-end digital source' was nothing more than an iPod playing uncompressed WAVs. Needless to say, many people pooped wads of cash out of their butts when they realized they were listening to an iPod.

Jammrock

[TransformX]

Originally posted by Jammrock
What if they have a Denon/Yamaha reciever hooked up to B&W speakers using a SP/DIF pass-through as their computer speakers?

Once you do it, there's no turning back...

[Tempest]

Originally posted by TransformX
It does pretty well on my rig

Mine too! And there really is a noticeable difference... DTS is not only louder, but it definitely packs more punch and a better overall audio quality. Even I can hear the difference, and I'm not a Hi-Fi enthuasist by any means...

[KvHagedorn]

It amazes me how many people say this sort of thing.. the quality of your hearing has little to do with whether you are a hi-fi hobbiest or not. ANYONE can hear the difference better speakers, etc. makes, assuming your hearing is not physically impaired. I get people giving me the excuse that they don't have "golden ears" on a regular basis. What it really means is this: "Don't show me anything good, because I don't want to spend much."

[Tempest]

I didn't mean it that way. Just pointed out that I haven't spent my life analyzing sound equipment and/or exercising my ears in acoustically perfect rooms. I'm just a normal person that occasionally stumbles on such good-quality sound that even I am able to notice the difference.