Today, no film or TV series can be imagined without the two main standards of cinema sound — Dolby Digital and DTS. In this article we will tell you what it is, what are the differences and what is better.

What is Dolby Digital and DTS

Dolby Digital and DTS are digital audio compression formats that encode immersive surround sound, enveloping the audience with audio from all angles.

Before Dolby Digital and DTS emerged, multimedia systems simulated their effects using stereo formats like Dolby Surround, Dolby Stereo, and Dolby Pro Logic. These approximated multi-channel surround sound, but true implementation only occurred with the shift from analog to digital audio and the introduction of Dolby Digital and DTS formats.

Presently, these stand as two rival factions in the sonic arena, similar to Intel vs. AMD in computing, Apple vs Android in devices, or Braun vs Philips in electric shavers. Deciding which is superior is subjective and open to individual interpretation.

Dolby Digital

This technology essentially involves an algorithm to compress and decompress digital audio data following a specific multi-channel audio coding format. In the early 90s, it became the industry's inaugural standard audio codec. Its debut application was in 1992, encoding the audio for the theatrical version of Batman Returns.

Dolby Digital employs perceptual encoding, optimizing audio signals for optimal human perception. Users enjoy top-notch 5.1 surround sound (5 full bandwidth channels and 1 low-frequency effects channel) at a minimal bit rate (low bit rate). This format gained popularity on DVDs, Blu-Ray, online theaters, and major streaming platforms.

Take the JBL Bar 5.1 wireless soundbar as an instance. Despite its affordable price, it offers impressive sound quality, rich bass, and a cinematic feel. Its aesthetics are appealing, and it seamlessly connects to your smartphone. The detachable speakers offer versatile placement options.

Popular soundbars

Subsequent advancements brought about enhanced iterations such as Dolby Digital Plus, offering higher bitrates and 7.1 format, and Dolby TrueHD, which supports up to 14 channels (currently 8). Dolby TrueHD employs the MLP (Meridian) lossless compression algorithm, delivering studio-grade, lossless sound quality through Lossless Packing.

Consider the Yamaha YSP-2700 system as an illustration, featuring a configuration of sixteen drivers that produce lifelike 7.1 sound. Its clear, vibrant bass harmoniously integrates with the IntelliBeam calibration system, generating an optimized audio profile for rooms of various dimensions and layouts. Alongside its support for Dolby Digital, the system boasts advantages like compatibility with Internet radio and music streaming services.


Dolby Atmos

In the latest version of Dolby Digital, a groundbreaking feature emerges: object-based sound. Departing from traditional pre-defined audio channels like 5.1 or 7.1, Dolby Atmos revolves around audio objects. It employs metadata to depict the 3D position and movement of each audio element. This real-time adaptation tailors sound reproduction precisely to the speaker system and room, creating an optimal auditory encounter for each individual. To envision this, imagine the sound of a helicopter on screen moving seamlessly among speakers, perfectly mirroring its flight path. Isn't that impressive?

However, putting this into action often involves adding extra ceiling or elevated channels. Nevertheless, the manufacturer asserts that regular speakers can also function effectively by using virtual sound methods and advanced signal processing algorithms.

Soundbars with Dolby Atmos

DTS

Introduced in 1993, this digital technology followed a year after Dolby Digital and made its debut in Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park. Spielberg also acted as the initial investor in DTS. DTS employs an alternative compression technique known as adaptive transform coding, which theoretically can result in expanded digital signal bandwidth and improved audio quality. DTS distinguishes between its cinema and consumer variants through distinct encoding algorithms and compression ratios, ranging from standard 2.0 in DTS Express for HD DVD to lossless 7.1 in DTS-HD Master Audio.

DTS:X

In 2015, an audio codec emerged with the aim of producing lifelike spatial surround sound. This description bears resemblance to Dolby Atmos, and indeed it is. DTS:X was developed as a rival to Dolby Laboratories' creation. Essentially, it's an enhanced version of the lossless DTS-HD Master Audio with 7.1 support, offering even more immersive effects. This format has gained popularity in home theaters, Blu-ray, and streaming services like Vudu and Hulu.

A standout illustration of DTS:X in action is the LG SN11R soundbar. Its primary sound panel houses seven physical speakers (including two upward-firing ones). Complementing this is an external wireless subwoofer and a substantial pair of rear speakers, ensuring an awe-inspiring and lifelike auditory experience.

Soundbars with DTS X

Similarities and differences between Dolby Digital and DTS

Both solutions provide equally amazing experiences:

  • Realistic sound experience due to many active channels.
  • High quality through efficient compression that delivers highly detailed audio with a wide dynamic range.
  • Compatible with most audio and video devices and platforms.
  • Immersive experience: Both technologies help create atmosphere and emotional depth in movies, video games and other entertainment content through 3D effects.

And now for the differences. Technologies use different compression algorithms, which can lead to some differences in the sound profile and listener preferences. For example, Dolby Atmos does not exceed 18 Mbps, while DTS-HD Master Audio can reach 24.5 Mbps.

Theoretically, this should provide better detail and similarity to the original. However, in reality, the difference in sound quality when perceived by ear becomes noticeable only on high-quality audio systems or when using original unmodified sources.

Dolby Digital or DTS: which should you choose?

In terms of technical specifications, DTS:X is expected to deliver enhanced realism due to its higher bitrate, while Dolby Atmos boasts a superior signal-to-noise ratio and more efficient, simplified audio system calibration. Regrettably, there lacks an impartial study of these two sound standards to definitively ascertain which one is superior.

DTS:X operates seamlessly with standard multi-channel speakers, eliminating the necessity for ceiling-mounted speakers. The specialized processor takes on the role of generating multidirectional volumetric sound. To enjoy this, you only need to acquire a DTS:X-compatible audio system, allowing easy sound customization such as adjusting speech volume and reducing loud background effects. However, it's worth noting that Netflix and Amazon Prime Video currently prioritize Dolby Atmos due to its lower bitrate, which conserves data usage. Although Netflix streams Dolby Atmos content at a maximum bitrate of 768 kbps, they assert that the sound quality is on par with a lossless master track.

Popular home theater systems

Dolby Digital establishes a encompassing audio experience with ceiling speakers, a feature well-suited for theaters. However, for home use, you don't need to install ceiling speakers. Many available audio systems and TVs incorporate reflective (upward-firing) speakers, providing an alternative solution.

In the ongoing competition between DTS:X and Dolby Atmos formats, Dolby Atmos maintains a relatively stronger presence in theaters and streaming services, giving it a conditional edge. However, for the average listener, the sound difference is not pronounced, unless you possess perfect pitch (which is quite rare, with only one in 10 thousand individuals having it).

The good news is that you don't have to choose between DTS:X and Dolby Atmos. Both technologies support almost all OLED, QLED and MiniLED TVs, many multimedia projectors, home theater receivers, and even some TV boxes.

Verdict

Summing up, we can say the following: if you want to achieve high-quality, realistic sound, choose good physical acoustics and a receiver that supports both modern technologies. This will affect your experience more than knowing whether the audio track is in Dolby Digital or DTS.