Jordan O'BrienDTS has revealed its next-generation, object-based, multi-dimensional audio technology dubbed DTS:X.
The company is going head to head with Dolby Atmos, a similar solution, but DTS believes that its system will be more accessible than Dolby’s.
One way DTS is working towards making DTS:X more accessible is by offering the tools to mix movies to film studios for absolutely nothing. The company is also planning on making it easy to use with existing hardware already installed in home theatres and cinemas everywhere.
“DTS:X is built on the foundation of providing an open, adaptable solution for content creators, cinemas and homes to fulfill our goal of bringing immersive audio to as many people around the world as possible,” says Jon Kirchner, chairman and CEO of DTS.
So what exactly is DTS:X and ‘object-based’ audio?
Essentially it allows sounds to be set in 3D space around the listener, rather than dedicated channels. The point is to create a more immersive experience.
The way DTS:X is setup means that it’s capable of lossless streaming, with high fidelity sample rates of up to 96KHz.
The hardware needed for DTS:X is fully backwards compatible with DTS-HD Master Audio mixes, meaning there’s no need for two different systems, or an overreliance on movie studios to switch solely to this new format.
Film studios will also not be required to mix each movie separately for home and cinema use, unlike Dolby Atmos. Movie theatres that have upgraded to Dolby Atmos can also take advantage of DTS:X technology with no fuss.
Like Dolby Atmos however, DTS:X will be scaled down for its debut in the home, supporting up to 11.2 speaker output channels in up to 32 different speaker locations.
Despite the scaled down approach, DTS:X has announced that it has agreements with ‘nearly 90% of the home AVR and surround processor market’, with products set to launch later this year.
Denon, Integra, Marantz, Onkyo, Pioneer and Yamaha have already revealed that some of their models will support DTS:X at launch.