Here are some brief explanations on most of the Surround sound terminologies you may come across when dealing with Bluray and high definition audio.
Surround Sound Technologies
DTS HD Master Audio
DTS-HD Master Audio is capable of delivering audio that is a bit-for-bit identical to the studio master. DTS-HD Master Audio delivers audio at super high variable bit rates -24.5 mega-bits per second (Mbps) on Blu-ray discs and 18.0 Mbps on HD-DVD – that are significantly higher than standard DVDs .
This bit stream is so “fast” and the transfer rate is so “high” that it can deliver the Holy Grail of audio: 7.1 audio channels at 96k sampling frequency/24 bit depths that are identical to the original. With DTS-HD Master Audio, you will be able to experience movies and music, exactly as the artist intended: clear, pure, and uncompromised.
DTS HD High Resolution Audio
DTS HD High Resolution Audio can deliver up to 7.1 channels of sound that is virtually indistinguishable from the original. DTS-HD High Resolution Audio delivers audio at high constant bit rates superior to standard DVDs—6.0 Mbps on Blu-ray discs and 3.0 Mbps on HD-DVD to produce outstanding sound quality. It is capable of delivering up to 7.1 channels at 96k sampling frequency/24 bit depth resolution. It allows content creators to deliver rich, high definition audio on movies where disc space may not allow for DTS-HD Master Audio.
DTS
DTS Digital Surround is the standard for providing 5.1 channels of discrete digital audio in consumer electronics products and software content.
DTS-ES
DTS-ES is the only digital audio format capable of delivering 6.1 channels of discrete audio in the consumer
electronics market. DTS-ES is also fully backwards-compatible with DTS decoders that are not Extended Surround equipped.
DTS Neo:6
DTS Neo:6 provides up to six channels of matrix decoding from stereo matrix material.
DTS 96/24
DTS 96/24 offers an unprecedented level of audio quality for multi-channel sound on DVD-Video, and is fully
backward-compatible with all DTS decoders. “96” refers to a 96kHz sampling rate (compared to typical 48kHz sampling rate.) “24” refers to 24-bit word length.
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby TrueHD is the only audio format that delivers true high-definition sound, providing up to 7.1 channels of pristine, lossless audio 100 percent of the time. Dolby TrueHD will be found on HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc players and software, as well as in future A/V receivers and downloadable media.
Dolby Digital
Dolby Digital brings the cinema experience home, delivering up to 5.1 channels of surround sound audio. Dolby Digital is the multichannel audio standard for DVD-Video, HDTV, digital cable, and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) systems.
Dolby Digital EX
Surround sound format that introduces a center rear channel to the 5.1 playback format of Dolby Digital.
This additional channel clarifies audio effects that pan from front to back and improves the realism of audio
that originates from directly behind the listener.
Dolby Surround
Dolby Surround technology encodes four channels of audio (Left/Center/Right/Mono Surround) onto just two
audio tracks for media such as TV broadcasts and feature films on VHS. On systems containing
Dolby Pro Logic® technology, the audio is reconstructed to its original four-channel surround sound.
Dolby Pro Logic
Dolby Pro Logic decodes Dolby Surround movie content into four playback channels of surround sound: Left, Center, Right, and Surround.
Dolby Pro Logic II
Dolby Pro Logic II transforms any stereo signal into five-channel, full-range surround sound. It’s found in the Apple iPod, in MP3 and CD playback, in VHS movies, in laser discs, and in stereo broadcasts.
Dolby Pro Logic IIx
Dolby Pro Logic IIx transforms any stereo or 5.1-channel signal into six- or seven-channel, full-range surround sound. This technology is featured in iPods, MP3 and CD playback, DVD-Video, VHS movies, laser discs, and stereo and surround broadcasts.
Dolby Headphone
Dolby Headphone offers realistic surround sound from any pair of headphones. It’s perfect for late night listening.
Dolby Virtual Speaker
Surround yourself with sound, not speakers. Dolby Virtual Speaker delivers a 5.1-channel surround sound
listening experience from just two speakers.
THX Ultra
THX Ultra Certified Products are engineered and designed for top performing products that are not dependent on a specific room size.
THX Ultra2
THX Ultra2 Certified Products are engineered and designed for large home theaters.
Viewing distance of approximately 12 feet / 4 meters from the display to the listening position.
THX Select
THX Select Certified Products are engineered and designed for superior performance and complement
the presentation of THX Select2 Certified Receivers.
THX Select2
THX Select2 Certified Products are engineered and designed for small to medium sized home theaters.
Viewing distance of approximately 10 feet / 3 meters from the display to the listening position.
