|   Dolby Digital EX and DTS ES | beeson76
May 5, 2002 4:02 PM | | I was just wondering what the difference between these and 6.1 channel was. I have noticed that some recievers have 6.1 sound, but they don't mention having the EX or ES. |
| Kinda Long | Adam
May 6, 2002 5:38 AM | | let's start at the beginning:
Dolby and DTS have their own 5.1 format. They also have their own 6.1 format.
Dolby has DD EX which is not a TRUE 6.1 format, because the 6th channel is nothing more than a matrix (mix) of the rear two channels.
DTS has two versions of their 6.1 format: DTS ES Matrix, which is very similar to DD EX in that the 6th channel is matrixed; and there is DTS ES Discrete, which means that the 6th channel is actually it's own DISCRETE channel much like in 5.1 each channel has it's own information. DTS ES Discrete is the only TRUE 6.1 format.
Both Dolby and DTS reccomend the use of 7 speakers in their 6.1 setups. The weather using the DD EX, DTS ES Discrete, or DTS ES Matrix, the 6th and 7th speakers play the same information.
Now just because a receiver doesnt say DD EX or DTS ES does not mean it can not DECODE the information. In order to carry the Dolby Logo or the DTS logo, you need to pay out to Dolby and DTS. COmpanies like Outlaw use the zoran processor to interprate the information on DD EX and DTS ES discs.
Depending on your school of thought if a receiver uses a different decoder chip (like the zoran) to do the decoding then it is either DTS ES/DD EX capable or non-capable. In all honesty it's all simantics. |
| Adam, maybe one possible correction..... | nick4433
May 6, 2002 8:08 AM | | On the Outlaw. I believe their receivers don't decode DTS-ES, only DD-EX(or at least the old ones?) |
| correct | Adam
May 6, 2002 10:50 AM | | I was just referencing the zoran processor. Outlaw claimed they could do DTS ES only to find out they can't interpret the signal. thanks for pointing it out. |
| You need a player with a built in decoder n-t | pinetop
May 6, 2002 2:14 PM | | |
| Kinda Long | beeson76
May 7, 2002 7:02 PM | | Thanks Adam for the great explanation. I've learned alot.
But this brings up more questions now.
1. Is DD EX and DTS ES worth the money, or are they just a passing phase? Since DTS has the Disrete, will they start incorporating that into all DTS recievers very soon? Will Dolby follow suit and come out with their own discrete sixth channel? Should I spend extra money buying these features instead of staying with a 5.1 setup?
2. How does THX Surround EX fit into this. Is is matrixed or is it a discrete channel? Is is even a 6.1 setup?
3. You mentioned having 7 speakers--so the 2 back center speakers carry the same sound right? Would you get the same effect with just 1 back center speaker? Just wondering--why do they recommend 7 instead of the 6?
4. When you say matrixed--does that mean that it is the same sound that comes from you left and right surround speakers? |
| Kinda Long | Adam
May 7, 2002 7:18 PM | | 1. There are about 50 titles or so that use DD EX or DTS ES. It's a cool feature but it means you need to drop extra dollars on the extra set of speakers as well as additional dollars on the receiver. So much depends on budget. A GREAT 5.1 receiver is right now better than a mediocre 6.1 receiver. There are bang for the buck options: Denon 3802 is a PROVEN winner.
2. THX Surround EX is the THX approved version of Dolby Digital EX...it's just marketing BS. It's the same mix just THX normalized. Don't sweat it.
3. 7 speakers is reccomended to spread out the sound. I think 7 speakers sounds better but you really need the room. Besides speakers come in pairs :)
4. Matrixed means it is a mix of the rear two.
Hope that helps. |
| Kinda Long | isaaktnt
May 8, 2002 2:46 PM | | What about DTS NEO 6? |
| sure thing | Adam
May 8, 2002 6:01 PM | | neo 6 is a competitor of Dolby Pro Logic II, it isn't a format it is a sound field. there are 2 versions for Neo 6 there is Neo 6 C and Neo 6 M, the c means cinema and the means music. The difference is in how the information is altered. |
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