DTS-HD Master Audio logo
DTS-HD Master Audio (DTS-HD MA) is a combined lossless/lossy audio codec created by DTS (formerly Digital Theater Systems), commonly used for surround-sound movie soundtracks on Blu-ray Disc.
Sep 30, 2019 Both Dolby and DTS offer surround sound codecs for 5.1, 6.1 (rare), and 7.1 setups, where the first number indicates the number of small surround speakers and the “.1” is a separate channel for a subwoofer. Decodes the LPCM 5.1, Compatible with Dolby or DTS 5.1 audio embedded in HDMI feed into analog surround sound for amp, receiver or powered speakers. Converts Dolby Digital, Dolby 5.1, AC3, DTS 5.1embedded in HDMI feed to optical audio format for further decoding by other DD or DTS decoder.
History[edit]
DTS-HD Master Audio is an extension of DTS' previous DTS Coherent Acoustics codec. Prior to 2004, it had been known as DTS++.[1] Though it is an optional audio format for Blu-ray Disc format, by 2010, it had become the dominant Blu-ray lossless audio format over its competitor Dolby TrueHD.[2] DTS-HD Master Audio is also the carrier for home delivery of DTS:X. Users can create DTS-HD Master Audio content using the DTS:X encoder suite,[3] or the legacy DTS-HD Master Audio Suite.[4]
Features[edit]
DTS-HD Master Audio is a lossless compression codec containing a lossy DTS Digital core, thus allowing for bit-to-bit representation of the original movie's master soundtrack. DTS-HD Master Audio supports variable bit rates up to 24.5 Mbit/s. The format supports a maximum of 192 kHz sampling frequency and 24-bit depth samples from 2 to 5.1 channels, and 96 kHz/24bit resolution up to 7.1 channels.[5][6] DTS-HD Master Audio is capable of virtually any number of discrete channels but is limited by storage media.[7]
As a 3D audio delivery format, a DTS:X encoded DTS-HD Master Audio stream is able to contain up to 7.1 channels as well as nine objects and its associated metadata at 96 kHz/24 bit.[8]
Combined lossless/lossy compression[edit]
When played back on devices which do not support the Master Audio or High Resolution extension, it degrades to a 'core' track which is lossy.[6]
According to the DTS-HD White Paper,[9] DTS-HD Master Audio contains 2 data streams: the original DTS core stream and the additional 'residual' stream which contains the 'difference' between the original signal and the lossy compression DTS core stream. The audio signal is split into two paths at the input to the encoder. One path goes to the core encoder for backwards compatibility and is then decoded. The other path compares the original audio to the decoded core signal and generates residuals, which are data over and above what the core contains that is needed to restore the original audio as bit-for-bit identical to the original. The residual data is then encoded by a lossless encoder and packed together with the core. The decoding process is simply the reverse.
AV transport[edit]
DTS-HD Master Audio may be transported to AV receivers in 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 channels, at lossless quality, in one of three ways depending on player and/or receiver support:[9]
- Over 6, 7 or 8 RCA connectors as analog audio, using the player's internal decoder and digital-to-analog converter (DAC).
- Over HDMI 1.1 (or higher) connections as 6-, 7- or 8-channel linear PCM, using the player's decoder and the AV receiver's DAC.
- Over HDMI 1.3 (or higher) connections as the original DTS-HD Master Audio bitstream, with decoding and DAC both done by the AV receiver.
See also[edit]
- Dolby TrueHD, a competing lossless audio codec
References[edit]
- ^Thomson, Kristin (2004-11-01). 'DTD Unveils DTS-HD Brand For High Definition Media Formats'. Retrieved 2009-05-06.
- ^'Dave' (January 15, 2010). 'DTS-HD Master Audio Becoming the Blu-ray Standard'. Blu-raystats.com. Retrieved November 15, 2010.
- ^'DTS:X(R) Encoder Suite'. DTS.com. Retrieved 2019-01-01.
- ^'DTS-HD Master Audio Suite(TM)'. Archived from the original on 2018-03-04. Retrieved 2019-01-01.
- ^'DTS-HD Master Audio Specifications (DTS-HD Master Audio™ - DTS)'. January 10, 2012. Archived from the original on January 10, 2012. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
- ^ abDeBoer, Clint (2007-06-04). 'DTS Demos Master Audio via PC'. Audioholics Online A/V Magazine. Retrieved 2019-01-01.
DTS-HD Master Audio delivers sound that is bit-for-bit identical to the studio master. It can deliver audio at variable bit rates which are significantly higher than standard DVDs. DTS-HD Master Audio can provide up to 7.1 audio channels at a 96k sampling frequency / 24-bit depth or 5.1 audio channels at 192 kHz that are identical to the original master. The DTS-HD Master Audio bit stream also contains the DTS 1.5 Mbps core for backwards compatibility with existing DTS-enabled home theater systems, and delivery of 5.1 channels of sound at twice the resolution found on most standard DVDs.
- ^Morrison, Geoffrey (September 23, 2009). 'Dolby Pro Logic IIz vs. Audyssey DSX vs. DTS'. Home Entertainment. Archived from the original on 2010-10-10. Retrieved November 15, 2010.
DTS-HD can natively support over 2,000 individual channels, so according to DTS adding any number of discrete height channels would be easy.
- ^Waniata, Ryan (2015-04-13). 'Lookout Dolby Atmos, DTS just entered the next era of surround sound with DTS:X'. Digital Trends. Retrieved 2016-06-09.
- ^ ab'DTS-HD Audio: Consumer White Paper for Blu-ray Disc Applications'(PDF). November 2006. Retrieved 2020-01-24.
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=DTS-HD_Master_Audio&oldid=965785950'
Is there a minimum Windows version requirement?
Yes. It is recommended that your PC is updated to Windows 10 version 10.0.18362.380 or later. You can confirm and/or update your current Windows 10 version by opening Settings and selecting Update & Security, or by typing System Information into the taskbar.
Is there a minimum XBOX version requirement?
Yes. It is recommended that your XBOX is updated to OS version Xbox June 2020 Update or later. You can confirm your current version by looking in the XBOX Settings menu and selecting System | Console info.
What is Microsoft Spatial Sound?
Microsoft Spatial sound is Microsoft’s platform-level solution for spatial sound support on Xbox and Windows, enabling both surround and elevation (above or below the listener) audio cues.
Spatial sound can be leveraged by Windows desktop (Win32) apps as well as Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps on both Windows and Xbox One.
The spatial sound APIs allow developers to create audio objects that emit audio from positions in 3D space.
What is DTS Sound Unbound?
DTS Sound Unbound is an application and one-stop shop for essential audio solutions from DTS like DTS Headphone:X.
DTS Headphone:X leverages Microsoft Spatial sound, enabling the most believable, 3D audio experience for games. Immersion through DTS Headphone:X means in the sonic landscape, stationary and moving sounds can be heard from above, below or around the listener. Sounds pass around the listener with amazing externalization and accurate localization. PC and XBOX users can download the DTS Sound Unbound app via the Microsoft Store application on their PC or console.
DTS audio solutions are available for a free trial period and in-app purchase.
What technologies are available for purchase via the DTS Sound Unbound application?
DTS Headphone:X is a spatial audio renderer built to support the rigorous needs of gamers. A multi-platform solution designed for PC and XBOX, DTS Headphone:X works on PC, Xbox Console, to bring your gaming experience to the next level that only highly accurate 3D audio can do. Environments are richer and more immersive, and enemies of all kinds are easier to locate. DTS Headphone:X works with any pair of headphones and comes bundled with DTS:X. Visit our website for more information: https://dts.com/headphonex
DTS:X is the latest and best audio decoder from DTS, connecting the listener to a world of content and enabling a fully immersive, object-based audio experience for DTS-encoded content stored locally or streamed to a device. Can be purchased separately or bundled as part of the DTS Headphone:X in-app purchase. Visit our website for more information: https://dts.com/dtsx
The DTS:X in-app purchase is only available on the PC platform.
Please note that at this time our focus for DTS encoded content is for headphones and multi-channel speakers that are directly connected to the sound card on the PC. HDMI and home theater uses are on our roadmap where we are actively working with Microsoft to bring this feature to our DTS community.
List of games that support Microsoft Spatial sound
Gears 5
Borderlands 3
Call of Duty Modern Warfare
Forza Horizon 4
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Assassin's Creed Origins
For Honor
Final Fantasy XV
Resident Evil 2
Metro Exodus
The Division 2
Borderlands 3
Call of Duty Modern Warfare
Forza Horizon 4
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Assassin's Creed Origins
For Honor
Final Fantasy XV
Resident Evil 2
Metro Exodus
The Division 2
Why isn't my DTS Gaming Headphone unlocking DTS Headphone:X?
Gaming headphones that integrate DTS Headphone:X v2.0 or PC products that integrate DTS:X Ultra will automatically license these DTS Headphone:X and DTS:X products that support Microsoft Spatial sound.
A gaming headphone may have DTS Headphone:X v2.0 integrated in their core audio driver for Windows 10, but may not be a compatible audio device for the Microsoft Spatial sound framework. In this case, the ability to set DTS Headphone:X in the Microsoft Spatial sound menu or the DTS Sound Unbound application will be restricted.
Gaming headphones and PC products that integrate DTS Headphone:X (not 'v2.0') will require the additional in-app purchase to unlock DTS audio for Microsoft Spatial sound.
At the Microsoft level, a USB audio device supported on PC may not be a recognized USB audio device on the XBOX console, and vice versa. Therefore, the gaming headphone OEM that has integrated DTS Headphone:X version 2 for PC may not be recognized, and license DTS Headphone:X, via the DTS Sound Unbound application (and vice versa).
What countries or regions have access to DTS Sound Unbound?
DTS Sound Unbound is available in all countries and regions where the Microsoft Store is available.
How do I install DTS Sound Unbound on my PC?
There are two ways to install DTS Sound Unbound:
1. Click on the following link to go directly to the DTS Sound Unbound product page in the Microsoft store: https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9PJ0NKL8MCSJ
2. Select DTS Sound Unbound from the Spatial sound settings from the taskbar. This will bring you directly to the Microsoft Store page.
• Right-click on the speaker icon in the taskbar
• Select 'Spatial Sound'
• Select “DTS Sound Unbound”
How do I install DTS Sound Unbound on my XBOX?
To install DTS Sound Unbound on your XBOX, please follow these steps:
- Launch the Microsoft Store app from your XBOX home page or the “My games & apps” screen.
- Select the Search tile.
- Using the on-screen keyboard, type “dts” and select the DTS Sound Unbound application tile from the results.
How do I know DTS:X and DTS Headphone:X are working?
First you need to check if the technologies are licensed. From the DTS Sound Unbound homepage, check the left side logos for DTS Headphone:X and DTS:X. The text '✓ Licensed' should appear underneath the logo if that technology is licensed.
From the DTS Sound Unbound homepage, click on either of the top right or left logos for the two technologies. You will access the in-app technology page which contains a short description, and a video that will demo the technology.
You can also click on the 'Settings' link part of the DTS Headphone:X section on the DTS Sound Unbound homepage, then select 'Explore Spatial Sound'. By dragging the dot you will experience live the technology' capabilities.
On how many devices can DTS Sound Unbound be installed?
Up to 10 devices.
Is DTS Sound Unbound available on PC?
DTS Sound Unbound is available on any Windows 10 PC running version 10.0.18362.380 or higher.
On the taskbar, search for 'system information' to discover the Windows OS version number running on the device.
Is DTS Sound Unbound available on the Xbox?
DTS Sound Unbound is available on the XBOX running a recommended minimum OS version of Xbox June 2020 Update.
Will DTS Sound Unbound work on Windows 7?
This application requires a Windows 10 build 10.0.18362.380 or higher.
Does DTS Sound Unbound come pre-installed on Microsoft Windows or XBOX?
DTS Sound Unbound does not come pre-installed on a Windows 10 PC or the XBOX console. The Sound Unbound application is downloaded from the Microsoft Store.
If bundled as part of DTS:X Ultra for PC, it can be pre-installed as part of the build, depending on the manufacturer. Check the manufacturer website for additional information.
Is HDMI supported for DTS content?
At this time our focus for DTS encoded content is for headphones and multi-channel speakers that are directly connected to the sound card on the PC. HDMI and home theater uses are on our roadmap where we are actively working with Microsoft to bring this feature to our DTS community.
How do I enable DTS Headphone:X?
If you downloaded DTS Sound Unbound as part of a gaming headphone or a PC purchase, DTS Headphone:X will be automatically enabled once you install and run the DTS Sound Unbound application.
If you have installed the DTS Sound Unbound application as an add-on, DTS Headphone:X is enabled by selecting 'Try/Buy DTS Headphone:X' from within the application.
On the Windows 10 PC, you can confirm DTS Headphone:X is enabled by right-clicking on the speaker icon in the taskbar, select Spatial sound, and selecting DTS Headphone:X.
On the XBOX console, you can confirm DTS Headphone:X is selected by opening the XBOX Settings menu, selecting General | Volume & audio output, then selecting DTS Headphone:X from the Headset format menu.
How do I enable the DTS:X decoder?
DTS:X is enabled by selecting 'Try/Buy DTS:X' within the Sound Unbound application. Once purchased, or trial started, there are no additional steps to enable the DTS:X decoder. It is up to the media playback application to take advantage of Windows decoders; such as Microsoft Movies & TV application.
The DTS:X in-app purchase is only available on the PC platform.
What is the difference between the DTS Headphone:X and DTS:X Ultra spatial sound settings?
DTS Headphone:X and DTS:X Ultra share the same core spatial audio engine. DTS Headphone:X audio processing is applied once a headphone is connected. This allows the users to select value-added features like alternative headphone-specific tunings from the extensive DTS library of headphones.
DTS:X Ultra is applied to the device’ loudspeakers (not headphones) and includes dedicated speaker tuning to optimize the sound.
Note: DTS:X Ultra is only for Windows 10 PCs.
How do I change my Microsoft Spatial Sound Settings to select DTS spatial audio rendering?
On a Windows 10 PC, to change the spatial sound settings to DTS Headphone:X (or DTS:X Ultra):
1. Right-click on the speaker icon in the taskbar
2. Click on Spatial Sound
3. Select DTS Headphone:X (or DTS:X Ultra, for playback over internal loudspeakers)
On the XBOX console, to change the spatial sound settings to DTS Headphone:X
- Open the XBOX Settings menu
- Select General | Volume & audio output,
- Select DTS Headphone:X from the Headset format menu.
Does DTS Headphone:X work with all headphones?
DTS Headphone:X enables immersive audio playback over any pair of headphones.
DTS maintains a database of 500+ headphones with custom tunings to optimize the listening experience, preserving accurate sound externalization and precise localization of audio objects.
I have a gaming headset that already has DTS Headphone:X included. Will DTS Sound Unbound work with my existing gaming headphone?
Gaming headphones that integrate DTS Headphone:X v.2.0 in their core audio solution are designed to unlock DTS Headphone:X for Microsoft Spatial sound. However, a gaming headphone may have DTS Headphone:X v2.0 integrated in their core audio driver for Windows 10, but may not be a compatible audio device for the Microsoft Spatial sound framework. In this case, the ability to set DTS Headphone:X in the Microsoft Spatial sound menu or the DTS Sound Unbound application will be restricted.
When plugging in a supported gaming headset, DTS Headphone:X will be selected automatically for Microsoft Spatial sound. Continue to use the manufacturer's preferences panel to customize the listening experience as desired.
What content can I playback with the DTS:X decoder?
The DTS:X decoder available via Sound Unbound is the DTS immersive audio decoder, designed to playback any DTS-encoded content, whether stored locally or streamed to a PC.
Due to compatibility issues, not all MKV files with DTS encoded audio will playback properly in Windows movies and TV applications.
How To Configure And Test 5.1 Surround Sound On Windows 10 ...
What languages are currently supported?
Dts 5.1 Sound Card
At launch, English, Chinese, Spanish, and German are supported. Additional languages will be added over time.
How much does the DTS:X decoder cost?
On Windows 10 PC installations, the DTS:X decoder can be purchased directly within the DTS Sound Unbound application. The current pricing can be found on the product page: https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9PJ0NKL8MCSJ, or within the application’s main homepage.
How much does DTS Headphone:X Cost?
DTS Headphone:X can be purchased directly within the DTS Sound Unbound application. The current pricing can be found on the product page: https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9PJ0NKL8MCSJ, or within the application’s main homepage.
Dts Audio Free
On Windows 10 PC installations, purchasing DTS Headphone:X includes the DTS:X decoder.