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The following information obtained from DTS's web site (www.dtstech.com) in April, 1998 answers many
questions regarding DTS equipped DVD players and DTS encoded DVDs and CDs:
When will DTS-encoded DVD titles begin to enter the market?
The first release of DTS-encoded DVD titles is targeted for the 2nd quarter of 1998, to coincide with the arrival of the first
'DTS Digital Out' DVD players. A detailed explanation of the initial titles and street dates is currently being finalized.
Which companies will offer 'DTS-ready' DVD players, and when?
Announcements have already been made by Panasonic and Yamaha (for 2
nd
quarter 1998 delivery), and several other
manufacturers will soon announce new DVD models targeted for summer and fall shipments. The DVD players that are
'DTS-ready' will have an official 'DTS Digital Out' logo on the front face panel.
Are current DVD players capable of playing the upcoming DTS-encoded DVD titles?
None of the DVD players presently on the market are able to play the DTS-encoded multi-channel soundtrack, including the
Sony 7000. At the same time, you will still be able to play these discs on current DVD players, but only with the alternate
PCM or Dolby Digital soundtrack.
Why does a DTS-encoded music CD play on current DVD players, but not the DTS soundtrack of a DVD?
For compact discs and laserdiscs, there is only one digital audio data stream (PCM). The player does not need to know
whether the data is DTS-encoded or not; it simply plays whatever is there and sends it to the digital output. DVD, on the
other hand, allows for several different digital audio formats, more than one of which can be found on the disc simultaneously.
The player must now recognize the various bit streams as being DTS, Dolby, PCM, etc.; choose the one the user wants; and
present it properly at the output. This ability to read the DTS data stream 'identifier' was not built into present players.
But I have seen the Sony and other current players play the DTS demonstration DVDs.
As a way to demonstrate the picture and sound quality you can expect on DTS DVDs, a limited quantity of demo discs were
specially produced to play on some of the current players. This procedure, however, cannot be utilized for commercially
saleable product, as previously explained.
Can I get a copy of the DTS demonstration DVD?
Unfortunately, no. The demonstrations DVDs were produced in very small quantities, for dealer and trade show use only.
However, you can see and hear them at stores where DTS Digital Surround is being demonstrated.
Will it be possible to upgrade existing DVD players to recognize the new DTS-encoded data stream?
Currently, there are no upgrade announcements for DVD players that are already on the market. This is a question that can
only be answered decisively by the player manufacturers or other companies that offer aftermarket modifications.
Parasound Products, Inc. 950 Battery Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
415-397-7100 / FAX 415-397-0144 www.parasound.com
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1997 Parasound Products, Inc.
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