DTS News, Reviews and FAQs Issue #3 (08-14-00)
DVD NEWS
“VSDA Convention 2000” by Peter M. Bracke (DVDfile.com)
DTS, the multi-channel optional format to Dolby Digital, made a strong showing at this year’s VSDA, with hourly demonstrations that impressed many retailers, plus a growing slate of software releases from more studios than ever before. And with more majors soon to announce DTS titles, DTS is becoming an increasingly visible and popular audio option for DVD consumers, at least judging by sales numbers and the increasing number of software titles being announced. Some may have thought DTS would go away. But if anything, it seems to be becoming more and more popular as the DVD format matures.
DVD NEWS
“Top 10 DVD Titles” from Express.com
Express.com's Top 10 DVD Titles For the week ending 7/16/00
1. Jaws: 25th Anniversary Collector's Edition
2. Jaws: 25th Anniversary Collector's Edition (DTS DVD)
3. Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan
4. Independence Day: Special Edition (2-Disc Set)
5. Scream 3
6. The Green Mile
7. Cowboy Bebop: DVD Session 3
8. Fight Club: Special Edition (2-Disc Set)
9. The Talented Mr. Ripley
10. Star Trek: The Original Series Vol. 13
DVD REVIEW
The Haunting (Dreamworks)
The Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround EX track of The Haunting was considered by many to be a reference soundtrack when it was released on DVD in November of 1999. The new DTS version improves on pretty much every aspect of that experience with higher resolution and expanded dynamics.
This DTS edition of The Haunting represents one of the best, most aggressive sound experiences you'll ever have. The improvements audible in this release make for a completely compelling reason to replace the older release. While I know that a direct comparison between the 16 bit DD and 24 bit DTS seems irrelevant, the end definitely justifies the means. The soundtrack on the original release of The Haunting was great, but this new Dreamworks release, with the added depth of DTS, is extraordinary.
http://www.dvdfile.com/software/review/dvd-video_2/haunting_dts.htm
DVD FAQ
Consumer question: “If I don’t have a DTS decoder, can I still play a DTS DVD?”
All DVDs that offer a 5.1-channel DTS soundtrack also play in “stereo” on all DVD players, without the need for a DTS decoder. However, to experience the “master quality” 5.1 DTS soundtrack, requires the use of a DTS decoder and a 5.1 playback system… just like Dolby Digital. DVDs with Dolby soundtracks play on all players in “stereo”, but also require a decoder and a 5.1 playback system to experience the Dolby 5.1 soundtracks.
For a current list of DVD titles with DTS 5.1 soundtracks, please refer to the DTS web-site, at: http://store.dtsonline.com/dvd-frames.html
These DVDs are available at most retail stores that carry DVD software. If you have trouble finding a particular disc, you can also purchase DVDs online, at the following online stores: http://www.dtsonline.com/etailers.html
5.1 CD REVIEW
Steve Miller: Fly Like An Eagle (Image Entertainment)
The sound quality on this (original Quad master) is top notch and I feel like I am listening to the analog master! The quality is superb and the separation is bar none, amazing. The mix is just as good as today's 5.1. You get plenty of very cool sounds from all four of your main speakers. Considering that this record was made back in 1976, (hey, I was barely born) I did recognize songs like "Take The Money And Run" and "Rock 'N Me". I just love the harmonies that Steve and his band produced on this album and just how the music just surrounds you. This is one fine DTS CD and I think that if you want to experience a taste of what quad was all about, this is the CD to get.
http://dvdanswerman.com/dts/stevemiller.html
HARDWARE NEWS
“Panasonic Introduces World’s First Portable DVD-Audio/Video Players” (Widescreen Review Web News-July 31st)
With its built-in LCD screen, the Panasonic DVD-LA85 portable DVD player, is ideal for watching DVD-Video discs "on the go." Imagine enjoying your favorite movies wherever and whenever you want without sacrificing any of the video and audio quality that only DVD can deliver. The DVD-LA85 provides a stunningly beautiful picture on a 7-inch diagonal widescreen LCD monitor, and can be adjusted at the touch of a button to change aspect ratios to accommodate 4:3 standard TV dimensions or the 16:9 widescreen ratio supported by many DVD titles.
The DVD-LA85 also has a DTS® Digital Surround™ and Dolby® Digital dual decoder built in, to help convey all the benefits of 5.1-channel surround sound when playing DTS or Dolby Digital-encoded discs.
HARDWARE REVIEW
VideoLogic DigiTheatre DTS by Nate Jackson (DVDShrine.com)
So you’ve finally bought yourself a DVD player and, while the picture does look superior to that you’ve seen on cable and VHS, you don’t notice much improvement when it comes to sound. After going to the local electronics store and getting fed up with the commissioned salesmen trying to sell you a receiver/speaker set at a price that would likely end your marriage, you are almost ready to just live with the stereo sound coming from your television’s built-in speakers. You know what you want-- a unit that’s compact, and offers the latest in technology while still remaining affordable. VideoLogic has released an updated version of its original DigiTheatre speaker set that they claim is the answer to your prayers, the DigiTheatre DTS.
Having heard how the first DigiTheatre system sounded under real world conditions, I was eager to see if the new speakers and more powerful amplifier would make as big of a difference as I was hoping. The first disc I decided to use was the Saving Private Ryan DTS disc that I had purchased the day before. From the beginning beach invasion, to the final battle, the system held its own. The satellites blended together perfectly to form a sound stage that engulfs you and puts you as close to the action as most of us will ever be. Comparing the two soundtracks (DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1) found that the DTS version was more realistic; the scenes that were supposed to be loud were, and the quietest scenes weren’t overshadowed by a hiss or other sound.
With the need for several components dwindling these days, the Digitheatre DTS system will provide ample resources to add high quality sound to your home theater environment. At an attractive retail price of $599.00, this setup is worth the money, and much more. A great job once again by VideoLogic!