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DTS Reveals DTS:X Immersive Sound Technology

Posted on Thursday, January 8, 2015 4:25 PM

DTS LogoAt the very end of 2014, DTS announced that it will be releasing DTS:X, which is an object-based audio technology that represents the next generation of its DTS-HD Master Audio product. According to the press release issued by the company, "DTS:X delivers the ultimate in flexibility, immersion and interactivity to listeners of all forms of entertainment."

In June 2014, rival company Dolby announced the availability of its object-based Atmos technology for the home. While A/V receiver manufacturers such as Yamaha, Denon, and Marantz (and others) have released products that support the technology, only five movies have been released on Blu-ray with Dolby Atmos soundtracks (the first was Transformers: Age of Extinction on September 30, 2014). Enthusiasts have been frustrated by the lack of titles, even as movies that were available in theaters in Atmos are released on home video after the release of the Transformers title.

The official launch of DTS:X will happen in March 2015, when more information will be available. What is known right now is that the company has lined up support from the manufacturers of A/V receivers and processors, including Anthem, Denon, Integra, Krell, Marantz, McIntosh, Onkyo, Outlaw Audio, Pioneer, Steinway Lyngdorf, Theta Digital, Trinnov Audio, and Yamaha.

These manufacturers have promised to release products in 2015 with DTS:X, but no movie studios have been mentioned as supporting the format as of yet. Given the wide-ranging use of the lossless DTS-HD Master Audio sound format on Blu-ray by studios, one can only think that it won't be a stretch to see those same studios embrace DTS' latest product. If DTS can make it easy for studios to take the source material they have from the theatrical production and produce a DTS:X soundtrack without compromising compatibility for consumers that have not upgraded to DTS:X, they may have a very big winner on their hands!

Perhaps this is why we have not seen more Blu-ray releases with Dolby Atmos soundtracks yet. Studios may have been holding off making changes to their production systems because this development was in the works, and wish to evaluate both systems before finalizing their upgrades.

Dolby Atmos is present on approximately 200 movies released since its June 2012 introduction, which can be played in about 900 auditoriums worldwide. Since there is no theatrical equivalent of DTS:X, the details that are due in March hopefully will provide an idea of what movies will be available in the format and when.

What about the Atmos-equipped A/V receivers and processors that have been sold so far? Can they be upgraded to support DTS:X? There is no official word from the A/V receiver and processor manufacturers about whether it is possible with any of their products. The prospect that they cannot should cause anyone considering a major purchase in that product segment to pause and consider waiting for more information to become available.

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