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(3) DTS-ES Extended Surround
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DTS-ES Extended Surround is a new multi-channel digital signal format developed by Digital Theater Systems Inc. While offering high
compatibility with the conventional DTS Digital Surround format, DTS-ES Extended Surround greatly improves the 360-degree surround
impression and space expression thanks to further expanded surround signals. This format has been used professionally in movie theaters
since 1999.
In addition to the 5.1 surround channels (FL, FR, C, SL, SR and LFE), DTS-ES Extended Surround also offers the SB (Surround Back, sometimes
also referred to as “surround center”) channel for surround playback with a total of 6.1 channels. DTS-ES Extended Surround includes two
signal formats with different surround signal recording methods, as described below.
2 DTS-ES
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Discrete 6.1
DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 is the newest recording format. With it, all 6.1 channels (including the SB channel) are recorded independently using
a digital discrete system. The main feature of this format is that because the SL, SR and SB channels are fully independent, the sound
can be designed with total freedom and it is possible to achieve a sense that the acoustic images are moving about freely among the
background sounds surrounding the listener from 360 degrees.
Though maximum performance is achieved when sound tracks recorded with this system are played using a DTS-ES decoder, when
played with a conventional DTS decoder the SB channel signals are automatically down-mixed to the SL and SR channels, so none of the
signal components are lost.
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Matrix 6.1
With this format, the additional SB channel signals undergo matrix encoding and are input to the SL and SR channels beforehand. Upon
playback they are decoded to the SL, SR and SB channels. The performance of the encoder used at the time of recording can be fully
matched using a high precision digital matrix decoder developed by DTS, thereby achieving surround sound more faithful to the producer’s
sound design aims than with conventional 5.1- or 6.1-channel systems.
In addition, the bit stream format is 100% compatible with conventional DTS signals, so the effect of the Matrix 6.1 format can be achieved
even with 5.1-channel signal sources. Of course it is also possible to play DTS-ES Matrix 6.1 encoded sources with a DTS 5.1-channel
decoder.
When DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 or Matrix 6.1 encoded sources are decoded with a DTS-ES decoder, the format is automatically detected upon
decoding and the optimum playing mode is selected. However, some Matrix 6.1 sources may be detected as having a 5.1-channel format,
so the DTS-ES Matrix 6.1 mode must be set manually to play these sources.
(For instructions on selecting the surround mode, see page 47.)
The DTS-ES decoder includes another function, the DTS Neo:6 surround mode for 6.1-channel playback of digital PCM and analog signal
sources.
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surround
This mode applies conventional 2-channel signals to the high precision digital matrix decoder used for DTS-ES Matrix 6.1 to achieve 6.1-
channel surround playback. High precision input signal detection and matrix processing enable full band reproduction (frequency response
of 20 Hz to 20 kHz or greater) for all 6.1 channels, and separation between the different channels is improved to the same level as that
of a digital discrete system.
DTS Neo:6 surround includes two modes for selecting the optimum decoding for the signal source.
• DTS Neo:6 Cinema
This mode is optimum for playing movies. Decoding is performed with emphasis on separation performance to achieve the same
atmosphere with 2-channel sources as with 6.1-channel sources.
This mode is effective for playing sources recorded in conventional surround formats as well, because the in-phase component is
assigned mainly to the center channel (C) and the reversed phase component to the surround (SL, SR and SB channels).
• DTS Neo:6 Music
This mode is suited mainly for playing music. The front channel (FL and FR) signals bypass the decoder and are played directly so there
is no loss of sound quality, and the effect of the surround signals output from the center (C) and surround (SL, SR and SB) channels add
a natural sense of expansion to the sound field.
1 DTS signals are recorded in the same way on CDs and LDs as PCM signals. Because of this, the un-decoded DTS signals are output
as random “hissy” noise from the CD or LD player’s analog outputs. If this noise is played with the amplifier set at a very high volume,
it may possibly cause damage to the speakers. To avoid this, be sure to switch the input mode to “AUTO” or “DTS” before playing
CDs or LDs recorded in DTS. Also, never switch the input mode to “ANALOG” or “PCM” during playback. The same holds true when
playing CDs or LDs on a DVD player or LD/DVD compatible player. For DVDs, the DTS signals are recorded in a special way so this
problem does not occur.
2 The signals provided at the digital outputs of a CD or LD player may undergo some sort of internal signal processing (output level
adjustment, sampling frequency conversion, etc.). In this case the DTS-encoded signals may be processed erroneously, in which case
they cannot be decoded by the AVR-4802, or may only produce noise. Before playing DTS signals for the first time, turn down the
master volume to a low level, start playing the DTS disc, then check whether the DTS indicator on the AVR-4802 (see page 46) lights
before turning up the master volume.
3 A DVD player with DTS-compatible digital output is required to play DTS DVDs. A DTS Digital Output logo is featured on the front
panel of compatible DVD players. Recent DENON DVD player models feature DTS-compatible digital output – consult the player’s
owner’s manual for information on configuring the digital output for DTS playback of DTS-encoded DVDs.
Manufactured under license from Digital Theater Systems, Inc. US Pat. No. 5,451,942, 5,956,674, 5,974,380, 5,978,762 and other world-wide
patents issued and pending.
“DTS”,”DTS-ES Extended Surround” and “Neo:6” are trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc. Copyright
1996, 2000 Digital Theater Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
