3
The advantages of discrete multichannel systems over matrix are
well known.
But even in homes equipped for discrete multichannel, there
remains a need for high-quality matrix decoding. This is because of
the large library of matrix surround motion pictures available on disc
and on VHS tape; and analog television broadcasts.
The typical matrix decoder of today derives a center channel and
a mono surround channel from two-channel matrix stereo material.
It is better than a simple matrix in that it includes steering logic to
improve separation, but because of its mono, band-limited surround
it can be disappointing to users accustomed to discrete multichan-
nel.
Neo 6 offers several important improvements as follow,
. Neo 6 provides up to six full-band channels of matrix decoding
from stereo matrix material. Users with 6.1 and 5.1 systems will
derive six and five separate channels, respectively, corresponding to
the standard home-theater speaker layouts.
. Neo 6 technology allows various sound elements within a channel
or channels to be steered separately, and in a way which follows
naturally from the original presentation.
. Neo 6 offers a music mode to expand stereo nonmatrix recordings
into the five- or six-channel layout, in a way which does not diminish
the subtlety and integrity of the original stereo recording.
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,
DTSES Extended Surround greatly improves the 360-degree sur-
round 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) channel for surround playback with a total of 6.1 channels.
DTS-ES Extended Surround includes two signal formats with differ-
ent surround signal recording methods, as DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 and
DTSES Matrix 6.1.
"DTS", "DTS-ES Extended Surround" and "Neo:6" are trademarks of
Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
The stereo CD is a 16-bit medium with sampling at 44.1 kHz. Pro-
fessional audio has been 20- or 24-bit for some time, and there is
increasing interest in higher sampling rates both for recording and
for delivery into the home. Greater bit depths provide extended
dynamic range. Higher sampling rates allow wider frequency
response and the use of anti-alias and reconstruction filters with
more favorable aural characteristics.
DTS 96/24 allows for 5.1channel sound tracks to be encoded at a
rate of 96kHz/24bits on DVD-Video titles.
When DVD-video appeared, it became possible to deliver 24-bit, 96
kHz audio into the home, but only in two channels, and with serious
limitations on picture. This capability has had little use.
DVD-audio allows 96/24 in six channels, but a new player is needed,
and only analog outputs are provided, necessitating the use of the
D/A converters and analog electronics provided in the player.
DTS 96/24 offers the following:
1.Sound quality transparent to the original 96/24 master.
2.Full backward compatibility with all existing decoders. (Existing
decoders will output a 48 kHz signal)
3.No new player required: DTS 96/24 can be carried on DVD-video,
or in the video zone of DVD-audio, accessible to all DVD players.
4.96/24 5.1-channel sound with full-quality full-motion video, for
music programs and motion picture soundtracks on DVD-video.
2. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
Dolby Digital identifies the use of Dolby Digital audio coding for
such consumer formats as DVD and DTV. As with film sound, Dolby
Digital can provide up to five full-range channels for left, center, and
right screen channels, independent left and right surround channels,
and a sixth ( ".1") channel for low-frequency effects.
Dolby Surround Pro Logic II is an improved matrix decoding tech-
nology that provides better spatiality and directionality on Dolby Sur-
round program material; provides a convincing three-dimensional
soundfield on conventional stereo music recordings; and is ideally
suited to bring the surround experience to automotive sound. While
conventional surround programming is fully compatible with Dolby
Surround Pro Logic II decoders, soundtracks will be able to be
encoded specifically to take full advantage of Pro Logic II playback,
including separate left and right surround channels. (Such material
is also compatible with conventional Pro Logic decoders.)
Dolby Digital EX creates six full-bandwidth output channels from
5.1- channel sources. This is done using a matrix decoder that
derives three surround channels from the two in the original record-
ing. For best results, Dolby Digital EX should be used with movies
soundtracks recorded with Dolby Digital Surround EX.
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. "Dolby", "Pro
Logic", and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laborato-
ries.
Circle Surround II (CS-II) is a powerful and versatile multi channel
technology. CS-II is designed to enable up to 6.1 multi channel sur-
round sound playback from mono, stereo, CS encoded sources and
other matrix encoded sources. In all cases the decoder extends
it into 6 channels of surround audio and a LFE/subwoofer signal.
The CS-II decoder creates a listening environment that places the
listener "inside" music performances and dramatically improves both
hi-fi audio conventional surround-encoded video material. CS-II
provides composite stereo rear channels to greatly improve separa-
tion and image positioning adding a heightened sense of realism
to both audio and A/V productions.
CS-II is packed with other useful feature like dialog clarity (SRS
Dialog) for movies and cinema-like bass enrichment (TruBass).
CS-II can enable the dialog to become clearer and more discern-
able in movies and it enables the bass frequencies contained in
the original programming to more closely achieve low frequencies
overcoming the low frequency limitations of the speakers by full
octave.
Circle Surround II, Dialog Clarity, TruBass, SRS and symbol
are trademarks of SRS Labs, Inc.
SRS Circle Surround II, SRS Dialog and SRS TruBass technology
are incorporated under license from SRS Labs, Inc.
