|
|
Dolby Digital and AC3
AC3 (Advanced Compression 3) is the technical
name for Dolby Digital, they are both the same thing. Dolby Digital is a six DESCRETE
channel DIGITAL surround sound system. Each of the six totally independant channels of
sound are capable of far higher quality and frequency range than the two channels Compact
Discs offer. Each channel, including the two stereo channels, carry the
FULL frequency range allowing any type of sound/dialog/soundtrack/effect to be
independantly played in each channel. Channel six is a dedicated subwoofer channel.
Dolby Digital can sacrifice it's quality if you do not have speakers that can handle
these frequency ranges, if you have small speakers at the rear for example, and
redirect such sound into other channels.
|
| |
DTS
Digital Theatre Systems is a competitive six descrete channel DIGITAL
surround sound system. It offers the same as Dolby Digital but with less compression
and far tighter quality control/components. DTS does not tolerate any kind of
sacrifice, if you do not have speakers/equipment that can handle the sound DTS
pumps out you will either miss a large amount of the quality or hear distortion. Dolby
Digital sound tracks are often optimised for downconverting to Dolby Surround,
sacrificing the rear and centre channel volumes and quality, which DTS does not do.
All this means that DTS produces higher quality unaltered sound so long as your
system can handle it and you can appreciate it. It is also because of these reasons
that some mistakenly believe that DTS sounds better only because it is louder, when
infact the loudness is a result of Dolby Digital being reduced in quality for DPL
optimisation. DTS cannot be played on non-DTS equipment, you may damage your
system by attempting to do so.
|
| |
Dolby Surround/ProLogic
Dolby ProLogic is a crude ANALOGUE surround system
that creates a "surround experience" by placing subtle effects into a mono rear speaker
setup and redirecting sound that is in both front speakers into a centre speaker. Dolby
Surround is extremely limited, the rear channels are capable of nothing more than
making a few sounds and the channels all leak considerably. But for its time
Dolby Surround was a step forward from the old Stereo sound, and is retained in
DVD for compatibility with existing systems people may have in their homes.
|
Use of this site indicates that you accept the
terms of use.
Copyright © 2008. Key Electronics Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
 |
|
Home
