Marantz SR4600 - 2. Technical Description

3
DTS-ES Extended Surround is a new multichannel
digital signal format developed by Digital Theater
Systems Inc. While offering high compatibility with
the conventional DTS Digital Surround format,
DTS-ES Extended Surround greatly improves the
360-degree surround 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 different surround signal recording
methods, as DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 and DTS-ES
Matrix 6.1.
“DTS”, “DTS-ES” and “Neo:6” are trademarks of
Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
The stereo CD is a 16-bit medium with sampling at
44.1 kHz. Professional 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.
“DTS” and “DTS 96/24” are trademarks of Digital
Theater Systems, Inc.
2
DTS was introduced in 1994 to provide 5.1 channels
of discrete digital audio into home theater systems.
DTS brings you premium quality discrete multichannel
digital sound to both movies and music.
DTS is a multichannel sound system designed to
create full range digital sound reproduction.
The no compromise DTS digital process sets the
standard of quality for cinema sound by delivering
an exact copy of the studio master recordings to
neighborhood and home theaters.
Now, every moviegoer can hear the sound exactly
as the moviemaker intended.
DTS can be enjoyed in the home for either movies
or music on of DVD’s, LD’s, and CD’s.
“DTS” and “DTS Digital Surround” are registered
trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
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 multichannel.
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.
2. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION