T+A DD 820 M User Manual page 65

Dolby Digital
Dolby Digital is a digital multi-channel surround system
which was developed specifically for spatial sound re-
production in connection with 35 mm cinema films. The
process utilises five separate sound channels: three front
channels (left, center, right) and two surround channels.
A sixth independent bass effect channel is also present,
catering for low frequency effects (LFE). That is why
such systems are said to offer 5.1 channels.
In comparison with Dolby Surround, Dolby Digital pro-
vides two independent surround channels which provide
genuine spatial stereo sound, offering the same realistic
stereo reproduction as provided by the front channels.
The decoder's integral Dolby Digital decoder provides
the means of obtaining a genuine digital Dolby stereo
cinema presentation in your own living room. The dis-
crete digital recording process and the five playback
channels guarantee a very wide dynamic range and
accurate spatial orientation.
dts Digital Surround
The "dts" multi-channel film sound system was originally
developed to replace analogue film soundtracks, using
digital soundtracks consisting of six discrete channels.
This system has now been further developed to provide
spatial sound reproduction in the home situation.
The six channels (5.1) are encoded / decoded in original
quality, i. e. with 20-bit resolution, and recorded using
only slight data compression. The 5.1 loudspeaker con-
figuration, currently the standard arrangement for home
cinema systems, is ideal for playback.
Sound field simulation
The surround processes already described require pro-
gramme material which is encoded using the appropriate
system, but the digital surround decoder also offers a
facility to enhance the spatial effect available with con-
ventional unencoded stereo recordings (CD, MC, VHF
radio etc.).
This it does by offering a range of artificial sound field
simulations, including opera, arena, club etc.
These sound fields are based on a precise analysis of the
acoustics found in typical concert halls.
The digital signal processor of your digital surround de-
coder is capable of simulating the spatial sound of these
halls, and reproducing it via the five channels of your
surround system.
For example, if you select the HALL setting while watching
a rock concert on television, you will have the illusion of
sitting in the middle of the audience.
Please note that it is important to set the sound field which
is appropriate to the material to which you are currently
listening. It makes no sense at all to select a sports arena
if you intend listening to a concert of chamber music, or an
intimate club atmosphere for a rock concert.
Your digital surround decoder can generate the following
sound fields:
HALL, OPERA, ARENA, CLUB, CHURCH, DISCO
S-VIDEO
High-quality picture norm with separate brightness and
colour signals. Better picture quality than standard video.
However, as the colours are not transmitted separately,
picture quality is not quite as good as with the RGB
method.
Update
Method of bringing the software used by the decoder's
main processor or signal processor abreast of new
developments. Updating the software provides for future
expansion of functions and changes to meet new
requirements.
VIDEO
Standard picture norm: colour and brightness information
is transmitted by a single conductor. Standard video
connections are present on all AV devices.
65