Just how much would you pay for DTS?

[russraff]

This may have been discussed before, but what the hell:

There has been a movement, moreso recently, towards buying a certain region/version of DVD, simply because it has a DTS track on it. For example, there is a guy on the “Alien Quadrilogy - Japanese Alien Head..." thread that said he spent all that money (£150) just for DTS!:eek: Or there may be a whole discussion of extras and quality of picture, yet some one will say "...but it doesn't have DTS, so I will wait for a version that does" or similar. Even the DVD reviews continually flag up DTS as something extra special, like "Sleapy hollow - DTS Edition".
I mean, c'mon guys! Is DTS really so good (and it isn't, IMO) that people are willing to pay way over the odds, or sacrifice extras - one of the reasons DVD's are so good, for it?

Russell

[puddleduck]

Is DTS really so good

No but its louder ;)

Too be fair, before I started using my ears I too used to believe the DTS hype and would get stuff with DTS, often importing or paying over the odds.

But honestly, in most cases there is no difference, and any differences that do exist tend to be as a result of different mixes or masters being used, rather than due to any inherant superiority in DTS.

This is all IMHO...

[dsw182]

I'd pay anything for a widescreen DTS copy of Transformers The Movie.

[russraff]

Ah, well. That's different, isn't it? ;)

Russell

[Rock Da Bass]

An additional £5 in some cases would be worth it, especially if it's a favourite film.

[Darth_Fisto]

I don't even listen to DTS anymore (unless I think it's better, which is very rare). There is no difference in it, and more often than not the DTS mix is actually from the same master as the Dolby mix (LOTR: TTT: EE being an example). This means that both are exactly the same.

It's a state of mind, a gimmick that a lot of people have fallen for. You advertise something as being "better" and people will believe it is better. DTS is all about talk, but do you hear Dolby going on about how good their sound is? No, and that's because Dolby is still The Daddy in the sound department.

Sure, there are DTS mixes that are better than the Dolby mix and vice versa. I laugh at the people who spend £20+ on their R2 Japanese imports of Blade and what not. I also laugh at reviews which claim DTS gives "tighter bass" or "more defined surround noise". It's total bull**** in my opinion. Ok, their amp may process it in such a way that there is a difference to their ears, but to claim it is better than Dolby is just nonsense unless they can back it up with real examples instead of repeating the same stuff for every DTS soundtrack.

I wouldn't pay extra for DTS. Infact, I would rather not have it and that they use the space for the video or another commentary. It's the same when they include a 2.0 surround track. Why bother?

[lentini]

The only DTS disc I'd spend over the odds for is Jurassic Park Superbit and it's THX1138's fault for reviewing it so well :grin:

[Rolo Tomasi]

I recently purchased the XXX Superbit for the DTS option and, having compared it to the Dolby one, I much prefer it. The DD sounded too restrained on my set-up, even at loud volumes (the Columbian drugs factory being a good example) but the DTS just seems to have more 'body' to it.

The Superbit was £9.99 and the ordinary version approx £5. I don't think that £5 is too much to pay for a soundtrack that you are happy with and, IMHO, lives up to the reviews.

[Phil Hinton]

Even the DVD reviews continually flag up DTS as something extra special, like "Sleapy hollow - DTS Edition".

No, Thats the title of the disc, Sleepy Hollow: DTS Edition, same as True Lies: DTS Edition. They are released retitled like that in Japan.

Sure, there are DTS mixes that are better than the Dolby mix and vice versa. I laugh at the people who spend £20+ on their R2 Japanese imports of Blade and what not. I also laugh at reviews which claim DTS gives "tighter bass" or "more defined surround noise". It's total bull**** in my opinion. Ok, their amp may process it in such a way that there is a difference to their ears, but to claim it is better than Dolby is just nonsense unless they can back it up with real examples instead of repeating the same stuff for every DTS soundtrack.

I'll wait until you actually review a disc to comment here, many of the reviewers we have here were firmly on the fence when it came to DTS vs Dolby until they actually had to watch critically.
In fact many Reviewers used to think Extras were good, until you actually have to watch each and every extra on a disc to review it, you soon realise that most extras are cheap publicity add ons, it's very rare to get something worth watching as an extra.

The arguement will always go on, and on, and on, and on. At the end of the day its down to personal preference, but we would be stupid not to look at Japanese discs and indeed discs from all over the world, whats wrong with greater choice. If it's not for you, then fine, but claim it's all bull**** is very narrow minded and a bit of a generalisation. I don't think our reviews are as bad as some of the clear fanboy sites out there which praise dts over dolby when they dont even understand what makes a good soundtrack. Actually many people who try to jump on one sound format over the other dont know what a good soundtrack is! They have never heard what good sound is never mind what makes up a soundmix.

The only DTS disc I'd spend over the odds for is Jurassic Park Superbit and it's THX1138's fault for reviewing it so well

It was actually Matt who reviewed this disc, but owning the disc it really is like night and day between DTS and Dolby, but then they are using different mixes, with the dts track sounding more impressive and using the soundfield more realistically. But then someone will disagree as that is the way of the world.
There are many DVD's with Dolby mixes that clearly can't be bettered by adding the dts option and someone was right to mention different mixes, this does happen now and again but is rather rare.

Now can we discuss something interesting like are the films any good...........

[FoxyMulder]

I have got into a little argument on the AVS American Forums with someone who claims the Japanese Superbit of Jurassic Park is oversaturated with regards to its colours, does anyone here have an opinion on that ?

[Phil Hinton]

Foxy you could point them in the direction of Matts JP R1 review where he compares it with the Superbit and there is quite a difference with the picture quality.
Here's the url http://www.totaldvd.net/cgi-bin/dvdreviews.php?reviewid=10108

[Darth_Fisto]

I'll wait until you actually review a disc to comment here, many of the reviewers we have here were firmly on the fence when it came to DTS vs Dolby until they actually had to watch critically.
In fact many Reviewers used to think Extras were good, until you actually have to watch each and every extra on a disc to review it, you soon realise that most extras are cheap publicity add ons, it's very rare to get something worth watching as an extra.

Just because you have to write a review it doesn't make your senses any different. At first I thought DTS was better, merely because it was louder. But then I read up on the two formats. Technically, DTS should be better, but I can't recall one soundtrack where DTS outshines it's Dolby counterpart in technical terms. It always seems to be down to the mix, and when the same mix is used I can't tell the difference. And I know what you mean about extras, most of them are made-for-TV jobs with backslapping a plenty (although I could name plenty exceptions).

The arguement will always go on, and on, and on, and on. At the end of the day its down to personal preference, but we would be stupid not to look at Japanese discs and indeed discs from all over the world, whats wrong with greater choice. If it's not for you, then fine, but claim it's all bull**** is very narrow minded and a bit of a generalisation. I don't think our reviews are as bad as some of the clear fanboy sites out there which praise dts over dolby when they dont even understand what makes a good soundtrack. Actually many people who try to jump on one sound format over the other dont know what a good soundtrack is! They have never heard what good sound is never mind what makes up a soundmix.

First things first, I wasn't really thinking of your reviews. I actually quite like the reviews on this site, in both the opinion given on the film and the DVD :smashin:

But I've read many reviews by completely different reviewers and they spit out the same words over and over concerning how the DTS is "better" than the Dolby track. In the case of Japanese discs, they are so much dearer to import than R1 DVDs that the difference would have to be huge to even contemplate purchasing this. Of course, this is my personal preference and I like to think I have some common sense. And about the bull**** thing, if you look at the general glutton of reviews (including some magazines) you will see that most are of the "DTS is better" brigade. I'm sure DTS has its advantages, but it certainly hasn't proved it's any better than Dolby Digital. I'm not on either side of the fence, as I will listen to DTS at least once. But I have given up on comparing it to the Dolby track because 99% of the time there is no real difference.

Again, this is just my opinion.

[Grimleys]

TBH these days a DTS track on a disc is a bonus IMO, I do try & see if any disc I want to get has a DTS track but I'm not prepared to pay over the odds (ie Jap R2) I'd only pay a fiver premium if there was 2 different discs, one with one without
I've only replaced one disc since I started collecting roughly 6 years ago & that is 5th element (replaced a french copy R2 with a R1 Superbit) & I'm going to replace my R1 copy of Finding Nemo as well with the R2 dts version (that's not really through choice though, I had to give my R1 copy to my sister otherwise my 2 year old nephew bursts into floods of tears as he loves the film -AHHH!!) :rolleyes:

[nwgarratt]

The one disc that does show the best of DTS v DD is R1 of Saving Private Ryan. The DD is still excellent but I prefer the DTS everytime.

I can tell the difference between the two on my setup. It is not just louder but the sound is more spacious between the speakers.

I rather have the choice of either DD or DTS instead of extras that I only watcgh once.

[russraff]

No, Thats the title of the disc, Sleepy Hollow: DTS Edition, same as True Lies: DTS Edition. They are released retitled like that in Japan.

Yeah, a poor choice of words - I was late for work! What I was failing to say is that the discs on review seem to be of the DTS variety. Why not review the "normal" version, rather than a Japanese DTS version? By seemingly reviewing a somewhat larger proportion of perhaps rarer or more expensive DTS titles, you give the impression that DTS is somehow better. Thinking back, this may have something to do with DTS giving you discs to review?

In fact many Reviewers used to think Extras were good, until you actually have to watch each and every extra on a disc to review it, you soon realise that most extras are cheap publicity add ons, it's very rare to get something worth watching as an extra.

Your opinion on extras is a bout as wrong as it gets, frankly. As a reviewer it is your job to look at all extras (and all movies come to think on it) no matter if you like them or not. Much like a chef: he may not like oyster, but he still needs to know what a nicely prepared oyster tastes like, or he may be serving rubbish.
As a consumer, I am not interested in watching extras that I may not be interested in. Certainly I havent watched all of the stuff on Two Towers EE, as it all just doesn't interest, though some of it is exceptional. Using the analogy above, given a menu you would only choose the food you like, not the stuff you don't.
The point is there is a choice and different people will choose what content they want to watch, whether or not a reviewer decries it as rubbish. The extra content on DVD's are a big part of what makes DVD's worth buying, especially if these extras offer insight into a particularly good movie. Donny Darko's directors commentary, for instance.

Getting back on track – I wasn’t actually debating whether DTS was better per se. I do think DTS is better in some cases, but is it worth paying extra for? I was just so astonished someone would be willing to pay an extra £100 just to get DTS.

I actually quite like the reviews on this site, in both the opinion given on the film and the DVD

Same here, but they got Underworld wrong, though: It's a great film! ;)

Russell

[SILVERBACK]

i payed about £40ISH for my copy of blade dts from japan that price includes shipping aswell lol,still seems like a bargain :) but then again when i think about it maybe i was ripped off lol then again its all about one upmanship with me and none of my mates have it so :devil: lmao

[Family Guy]

I just can't resist a good ol' DD v DTS debate - even if it wasn't meant to be one in the first place...:devil:
The answer to the question is no, I wouldn't pay extra for dts. And no, dts on a disc would not sway me to buy it if, as in the old days, extra's were on the DD version but not on the dts.
As the quality of my kit (finally) gets better, I find the differences between DD & DTS smaller. I'll certainly not go into the languages menu to switch the track to dts...and yes, I do sometimes toggle them to see if there is any difference.
My next sound upgrade will be a new sub sometime later on this year. At the moment I have a paradigm PS1000, which, IMO is the best sub I've ever owned. However, Servo 15 & SVS talk recently has me thinking and I'll be going down that route in 6 or 7 months time. Then I'll be able to see if bass is "tighter" in dts or not...I need a sub that can keep up with my new M&K's...:grin:

[Dimmy]

In all honesty, unless the Dolby Digital mix is particularly bad, I won't be in too much of a hurry to pay extra for a DTS mix. There's certain films where I have, bought the same film twice since one release has great packaging and the other DTS - stuck the DTS disc in the great packaging etc.

But in most cases, most of the time, I think Dolby Digital provides more than enough surround panache to involve you into the movie...

If you watch Star Wars Episode II or The Matrix on DVD (with their Dolby Digital mixes) and are getting distracted from the film because you think the dolby mix is poor or you're listing reasons why a DTS mix might have sounded better you're either lying or insane IMHO...

[FoxyMulder]

I would be willing to pay extra for a DTS track if its a modern film but not for a remixed eighties film, but then i sit back and ask myself why should i pay extra for something which should be on the disc in the first place.

[pinky3003]

i wondered how long it would take army guy to make a comment....i love DTS

[Smurfin]

Originally posted by pinky3003
i wondered how long it would take army guy to make a comment....i love DTS

At least he has something constructive to add to the discussion rather than your lame attempt to turn this into another flame-thread:rolleyes:

[Family Guy]

Originally posted by pinky3003
i wondered how long it would take army guy to make a comment....i love DTS

I just read the e mail that said you replied to this thread...and I thought it would say something along the lines of "If I won the lottery, I would spend it all on Nosferatu in dts..." But I was wrong. It was worse...:rolleyes:

I've just watched Underworld (just this minute finished) in DD...and NOTHING has sounded better on my HC. NOTHING. DD. Get the picture?;)
(film was a lot better than I had been led to believe as well...):smashin:

And it's Army BLOKE...not guy. That's what American squaddies call themselves...

[Paul Williams]

Whatever comes with the disc is fine by me as long as it didn't cost more that £10. I have notice occasional differences, but usually find DD a more 'even' soundtrack. DTS seems to be set to get the best out of a restrictive system, as with most Chart CD's these days.

Paul

[russraff]

Army Bloke:

See? I said that Underworld is a good film. The soundtrack is superb, too, though apparently at 4db over normal.

pinky3003:
But WHY!? Why do you love it and, by your inferance, would you pay more for DTS?

Russell

[pinky3003]

lmao....hi army bloke, i feel as though we have been down this road before.....
yes i do spend money on jap imports......yes i do want DTS.....and if army bloke wants to lend some DTS demo discs....he is more than welcome....

[Montana]

I have been watching this thread with glee, as others have , and I thought I would mention something that hasn't cropped up (at least this time anyway).
There is a huge difference in compression between DTS and DD when it is put onto a DVD.Hence when you get a DVD with both sound traks on it you either have 2 discs or virtually no extas.DD is more heavily compressed and takes up a lot less space than DTS does.Also the bandwidth of the sound produced is very different, DD is around the 448kbps and DTS is around 768kbps.
Now having looked at these two differences it's clear that DTS does have an advantage (to some peoples ears), the normal type of replys by reviewers is , "The soundstage was more open in the DTS track" , "The bass was tighter" etc etc etc. So if DD had the same compession and the same bandwidth(using the same track from the master) would the DTS and DD soundtrack be virtually identical ? ? ? :confused:
I am hoping someone with a bit more knowledge than myself, can help me on this, and why are the DD and DTS tracks laid down different etc.
Many thanks in advance.

Andy

[Family Guy]

Montana,
Read (http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=99983&highlight=dolby+dts) and learn my friend- particularly the links.

Pinky - I don't have any dts demo discs. All the films that sound good to me are in DD. I watched The Bride Of Frankenstein after I made the post last night. It's in DD mono. I didn't notice. The film is that good...;)

[pinky3003]

im in the process of getting DTS demo discs i mean army

[Family Guy]

Thanks for the offer...but no thanks...

[fred123go]

I would never buy a disc just for dts or pay any extra, i find dts to make soundtracks slightly unpleasant at high volumes, jurassic p 3 for example, and make my speakers sound slightly harsh. I have decided that dolby digital is for me as my own personal preference, i wouldn't even pay 1 quid more for a dts dvd.
fred

[dvdmike]

if any of you have heard a dts laserdisc this thread would never have been started

[nwgarratt]

if any of you have heard a dts laserdisc this thread would never have been started

Exactly, the Jurassic Park laserdisc is miles better than the DVD.

[dvdmike]

they all are full rate dts

[Family Guy]

That may be...but Casper dts DVD sounds EXACTLY the same as Casper LD dts...

[FoxyMulder]

Not true armybloke i'm a member of the AVS american forum sites and this was a big debate a few months back, the Casper Laserdisc is reference quality and the dvd is a pale shadow of that laserdisc version, i trust what some of those people are saying as they own the laserdiscs and the dvd, also worth noting the dvd is halfbitrate DTS thus frequency response is 15khz before it starts to go downhill and the Laserdisc is clean to 20Khz maybe even 22Khz.

[Family Guy]

Ah-ah!! You missed the key word in my statement...SOUNDS. Take away all the techno mumbo jumbo and what you have is a DVD that sounds exactly the same as the laserdisc...excepth the LD was never released in DD - only pro logic. We had to pay over the odds for the dts version IIRC.
Oh, and BTW, I to am a member of avs...;)

[FoxyMulder]

Explain to me how the dvd DTS version can sound EXACTLY the same if the frequency response is completely different ?

[Family Guy]

I don't know...I don't have a PHD in dts...but I do know it sounds the same to me...

[dvdmike]

read this (http://www.videophile.info/Graphs/Page_01.htm)

[Marv]

Intresting read. But this debate will always go.

[FoxyMulder]

£5.50 and a packet of cheese n onion and oh throw in a pepsimax to go.

[captaindobie]

Sorry, i am a little worse for wear...red wine, it's a gift from the gods...
This is so effing dull!
I really can't tell the difference (apart from the volume, but i've found a rather neat feature on my Sony amp called the volume control and, as if by magic, i can make the sound louder or indeed quieter by simply turning the knob - no tittering at the back)
Now, more importantly which is the real daddy...

Cheese & Onion v Salt & Vinegar
Plasma v LCD
Spectrum v Commodore 64
Alfie Moon v Danny Baldwin
Arsenal v Man. Utd (or Chelsea or Liverpool)
Wild Berry Lucozade v Orange Lucozade
T3 v Stuff
Corn Beef v Honey Roast Ham
Blonde v Brunette
Xbox v PS2 (ok, ignore that one)
Jordan v Jodie

.................................................. ........................... :boring:

[Reiner]

Since I am not convinced that DTS is better (as in generally or always better) I do not spend any additional money just to get a DVD with DTS track.

[the_pauley]

To echo what Army Bloke said, some mates and I have just watched two Marx Brothers movies from the new R1 box set tonight.

P***ed ourselves laughing and didn't give a hoot (or even consider / notice) that they were DD mono.

At the end of the day, if you spend your time critically listening to the sound quality of the audio tracks, then the film isn't really grabbing you is it?

Choose one:

"Bride of Frankenstein" DD Mono, or "Van Helsing" DTS 5.1?

In other words, do you love movies or just love things that go "BOOM"?

[mjn]

I wouldn't pay extra for DTS. Infact, I would rather not have it and that they use the space for the video or another commentary. It's the same when they include a 2.0 surround track. Why bother?

By the DVD standard, they have to include a Dolby 2.0 surround, for compatability reasons.

[sjp1966]

At the end of the day, the sound and picture quality that you get is only as good as the equipment you put it through.

in the reviews, i would be interested to know what equipment that the film was reviewed on. The reason i ask this, is becuase i have been told that the system i have is pretty good, to be fair i dont know much about AV etc and i asked the guy in the shop what he recommended, i heard it, thought it looked and sounded good (in their demo room, with projector and screen) and bought it.

the weakpoint in my system in the TV, i have a 32" Sanyo WN6 TV, which is good enough for me as i dont have the room, and more importantly the money to shell out on a projector or plasma screen. And i suspect that the people that look on these forums fall into that or a number of other categories

A: a few will have top notch system, maybe in a dedicated room, with projector, or a plasma, with wiring laid out properly and proper speaker placement etc, they have spent a small fortune on their kit

B: some people will have decent equipment, but the room its in might be a bit c :censored: p, the power leads, may run next the the speaker leads, the TV might be the weakpoint (like me).

C: i think most people (ands this is assumption so i apologise if i got it wrong) will have fairly good kit, maybe a all in one home system like the Sony DAV-800 i used to have, or some other kit maybe between £500 and £1000 worth

anyway back to my point, if thee films are being watched on equipment that falls into section A: then they may be able to tell the difference, but people in category B and C may not hear or see that difference.

I have watched about 6 films in the last 2 weeks, and i have not noticed one edge enhancement, nor one artefact, i could tell with regards the sound in some places, the voices were a bit low, so i up'd the center (and yes my system does need calibrating) the blacks were good, the colours good etc, all in all i was happy.

sometimes i think it must be a bit of a nightmare having really really top quality kit, after all if it is that good you see all the faults in the media

[pjclark1]

my sony amp chooses the sound track for me!
DTS is it's first choice
DD 5:1 second choice
Who am I to argue with Sony................
I think this is more about you guys watching boring movies,
why not buy movies with good plots, then you won't need
to fiddle with the knobs.

[sjp1966]

:oops:

it would seem after reading this (http://www.avforums.com/frame.html?http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=99983&highlight=dolby+dts) that i was wrong.

It would seem that the lower end the equipment the better a DTS track will sound, not a higher end system.

so ignore what i said and rush out and buy a plasma

[nwgarratt]

I can tell the difference very easily. It does depend on the the DVD though. I am sure some people do think it is just louder depending on the equipment they have.

With my setup there is a very big difference on DVD's such as SPR.

[Family Guy]

With DVD's such as SPR, the difference is noticeable - though not obvious. Try watch the new reissued Independence Day and switch between tracks. You'll be hard pressed to notice the difference...now if only they would re-release all the Laurel & Hardy classics in dts...the sound of that saw smacking into Stan's face when hes tied up behind the mast must be amazing, and would make me laugh a lot louder... :lesson:

[dynamic turtle]

IMO the differences are small, but noticeable. If you have a copy of the Das Boot Superbit disc (if not, why not?!?!) you should try the following:

About two-thirds of the way in (can't remeber the exact chapter number), the officers are gathered in the captain's quarters. There is a faint sound of a pocketwatch ticking. Try switching between DTS & DD soundtracks during the scene and notice how the tick-tock changes. On my system, the DD tick is barely audible and lost inbetween other SE's and speech.

Just one example, but a useful one nonetheless. Observations like this tend to push me towards the DTS camp. Well engineered/mastered DD tracks are fine by me though!

DT

[dynamic turtle]

Oh, and the same observation can be made with the Crouching Tiger superbit dvd. Sword clashes are teeth-shatteringly rendered in DTS, but sound a little "compressed" in DD. IMO of course.....

DT

[Family Guy]

Interesting you mention the Das Boot superbit disc...the dts track on this disc WAS NOT well received by dts chav's on it's release. Probably because it's one of the better ones, with only subtle changes like the ones you have mentioned above...rather than having been recorded 5 db higher and the LFE and surround channels another 5db's higher than that...like some dts track I could mention... :rolleyes:

[dynamic turtle]

The DTS LFE in Das Boot Superbit is insane. The subwoofer nearly exploded and my Barrat cardboard house nearly caught fire. They could be accused of over-egging the pudding with that particular mix......I had to turn the LFE channel down to about 13 db below the other channels to make it bearable ;)

DT

[nwgarratt]

There IS a difference between DD and DTS. It just needs a decent sound engineer to maker use of it. However, I believe some do not make use of the sound format to the full advantage.

[west]

I personally prefer DTS and depending on the film will pay 15 - £20 more. Although it does depend on good reviews and how hard it is to get on DTS. For an average UK or US release (with or without DTS) I'll pay £10 or less but for a film which I love and isn't available With DTS in the UK or US then I would stretch to £30 very reluctantly. I wouldn't spend a fortune on a non-action/sci-fi/War film just to get the DTS as the benefit wouldn't out way the cost. I recently picked up underworld extended cut with DTS for £16 although if it was a UK version I would have waited for it to come down in price.

[Family Guy]

I personally prefer DTS and depending on the film will pay 15 - £20 more. Although it does depend on good reviews and how hard it is to get on DTS. For an average UK or US release (with or without DTS) I'll pay £10 or less but for a film which I love and isn't available With DTS in the UK or US then I would stretch to £30 very reluctantly. I wouldn't spend a fortune on a non-action/sci-fi/War film just to get the DTS as the benefit wouldn't out way the cost. I recently picked up underworld extended cut with DTS for £16 although if it was a UK version I would have waited for it to come down in price.
:lease: :zonked:

£16 on Underworld!!??!! I paid £3.99 for mine from CD Wow - and it has dts!! From what I haer, the extra minutes add nothing to "the story" - if there is one in the first place... :clown:

[Thunder]

:lease: :zonked:

£16 on Underworld!!??!! I paid £3.99 for mine from CD Wow - and it has dts!! From what I haer, the extra minutes add nothing to "the story" - if there is one in the first place... :clown:

Everyone has their own tastes and shouldnt be berated for them :lesson:

[HeadBanger]

Wow! I usually avoid threads where DD vs DTS (or similar) is in the title as they all seemed to be full of people saying how wonderful DTS is and how superior it is. I thought I'd give this thread a read and was pleasantly surprised to read that since I last read a thread like this (a year or two ago) people seem to be finally realising that DTS is NOT superior. Either that or the die hard DTS fans aren't bothering to read it!!

On the whole I've rarely noticed much difference (loudness aside which as someone quite rightly pointed out here can be matched with the volume control!!!) and haven't got caught up in the DTS hype. Some DTS do sound better, some DD sound better.

In answer to the original question I have never bought a disc just because it has DTS and would not pay more just for DTS. I am more than happy with DD.

[pjclark1]

Anyone who thinks Underworld is worth buying
needs to be berated, it's our duty to educate them
into having better taste in movies.

[roversd1]

Back in the days of TMA, I tested the Gladiator DTS-ES release (R1) up in the main listening room.

The arena fight scenes definitely had more bite (and I dont just mean the tigers...) and anything to do with 'metal on metal' was a lot crisper.

The cheering from the crowds was muted and considerably dull and toward the front speakers with the DD5.1 mix, whereas the DTS mix was equal in volume from all speakers when the picture panned around and again, more crisp.

Somebody had taken time over Gladiator's soundtrack, when compared with other films, a DTS track can sound overblown .

But, at least we have a choice?

[nwgarratt]

MATTS, How can you say that

people seem to be finally realising that DTS is NOT superior.

and then say

Some DTS do sound better, some DD sound better.


That is what I agree with. It depends on the engineer who does the audio tracks. If some DTS do sound better, then DTS is superior when done properly.

It also depends on how good the amp and speakers are. If someone uses tiny speakers with a amp built in the DVD player, then they probably won't notice any real difference except the volume.

[HeadBanger]

?

NWgarratt - Because if DTS was superior then (if all else equal - same master etc) it would always sound better no?

the people here seem to agree that some DTS sound better and some DD sound better (I concede that all things are not equal though and sometimes different masters, lower bitrates etc explain the differences) I would simply conclude that neither is superior to the other! :grin:

[Family Guy]

Back in the days of TMA, I tested the Gladiator DTS-ES release (R1) up in the main listening room.

The arena fight scenes definitely had more bite (and I dont just mean the tigers...) and anything to do with 'metal on metal' was a lot crisper.

The cheering from the crowds was muted and considerably dull and toward the front speakers with the DD5.1 mix, whereas the DTS mix was equal in volume from all speakers when the picture panned around and again, more crisp.

Somebody had taken time over Gladiator's soundtrack, when compared with other films, the DTS track can sound overblown .

But, at least we have a choice?
Strange...on the Dolby website, they actually claim the Oscar for the sound on this one... :confused:

[roversd1]

Strange...on the Dolby website, they actually claim the Oscar for the sound on this one... :confused:

They forget to press 'surround mode' durinng the Oscar listening session? :rotfl:

[west]

Anyone who thinks Underworld is worth buying
needs to be berated, it's our duty to educate them
into having better taste in movies.

{removed by Mod- Please refrain from trying to navigate the swear filter and please do not be so rude to fellow members - THX 1138}..... what is worth buying oh educated one :rolleyes:

[Smurfin]

{removed}..... what is worth buying oh educated one :rolleyes:

Do you have to be so abusive?

[the_pauley]

Hmm...

Paying extra for "Underworld" in DTS as opposed to DD...

I suppose that's analogous to forking over yer hard-earned for an airier, less compressed turd?

I'm sure that's what we all bought our home cinema gear for - to worry over the sound of s**t on DD compared to the sound of s**t on DTS.

I'm sure fans of appalling movies starring Kate Beckinsdale are praying for a DTS track on the "Van Helsing" DVD?

KA-BOOM! CRASH! THUD!

...and not forgetting... KERRAPP!!! :grin:

[the_pauley]

PS: For my money this is the post of the year so far...


{Removed}.....

Tell 'em kiddo! :rotfl:

:clap: :clap: :clap:

[Smurfin]

PS: For my money this is the post of the year so far...


Best post of the year? :lease:

[the_pauley]

Sometimes one does consider wearing a Top Hat with a flashing red neon sign that reads: "Irony"...

:god:

[zantarous]

So to sum up this thread if DD and DTS were pushed to the limits and effort was put into both tracks DTS would sound better? What makes me laugh is not the people who say they prefer DTS, after all we are entitled to our own opinions, but the way some people berate them for daring to thinking it “could possibly be superior to DD.” These are the people who generally take a “What is the best DTS track” thread way of track.

And to answer the original posters question, I like DTS but defiantly would not spend outrageous amounts on JPN versions especially if the are old films. However if there is two version of a movie priced the same I will always opt for the DTS even if it means sacrificing extras.

[Smurfin]

Sometimes one does consider wearing a Top Hat with a flashing red neon sign that reads: "Irony"...

:god:

No offence but someone needs to look up the word "irony";) I think you mean "sarcasm" :hiya:

[FoxyMulder]

Gladiator won the oscar for best sound for the cinema and the codec used for the cinema is totally different to the one used in the home ( therefore why bring this up )

Why are people attacking each other ?

[the_pauley]

No offence but someone needs to look up the word "irony";) I think you mean "sarcasm" :hiya:

No offence taken as I am right and you are wrong. :grin:

Irony "...simulated adoption of another's point of view or laudatory tone for the purpose of ridicule...", viz, My remarks on West's "{Removed}..." comment.

Sarcasm (note correct spelling) was what I was displaying in my response to you. ;)

"Someone" needs to look up the meaning of words before telling others they need to look up the meaning of words, don't you think Smurfin'?

:hiya: << Oh look! More sarcasm!

[Simon6776]

Why are people attacking each other ?

Probably because some people find the thread is getting boring, and have limited vocabulary to expand the discussion, without resorting to abusive language.

[the_pauley]

A DTS vs. DD thread - boring?!?!

Surely you jest sir!

:devil:

[Simon6776]

http://www.apax34.dsl.pipex.com/smileys/whome.gif

[Smurfin]

No offence taken as I am right and you are wrong. :grin:

Irony "...simulated adoption of another's point of view or laudatory tone for the purpose of ridicule...", viz, My remarks on West's "F*** OFF..." comment.

Sarcasm (note correct spelling) was what I was displaying in my response to you. ;)

"Someone" needs to look up the meaning of words before telling others they need to look up the meaning of words, don't you think Smurfin'?

:hiya: << Oh look! More sarcasm!

Maybe you need to read the dictionary again? Oh and thanks, I noted the correct spelling, which was what I used in the first place :rolleyes: :confused:

Oh I wish a mod would please kill this thread :grin:

[the_pauley]

Er, the reason I have quotation marks around the definition is that it comes from The Oxford English Dictionary - you did suggest I look it up after all, didn't you? :grin:

So why on earth do I need to look again?

Think you're the one needs to take a look (at least once), eh Smurfin? :smashin:

The spelling remark was not directed at you. Why should it be you spelt it correctly? :confused: Just a general comment as it invariably gets spelt with the intrusive "a", even in the national press.

Anyway, before a mod says it... :offtopic:

[zantarous]

There would be no reason for a mod to kill this thread if people stopped taking it OT.

[west]

you know what I think, I think that Army bloke and all the rest of those Dolby Digital is as good as DTS types are all paid employees of Dolby. It always amazes me how you can get shot down in these Forums for having an opinion and for stating that you prefer DTS.

Why don't we just agree to disagree about our opinions and those in the Dolby Digital camp stop slamming those who prefer DTS.

Just for the record before I discovered my preference for DTS I had no idea there was any "DTS hype". My preference was born through my amazement of certain films with DTS and my complete disappointment of films with Dolby Digital. To My ears I prefer the way DTS sounds and I and others like me shouldn't be berated or put down for liking one sound over the other or even abused for our taste of films. Maybe the reason we prefer DTS is because they use a different mix? I honestly do not know. Whatever the reason I just wish that Dolby Digital would do the same thing.

Anyway if everybody liked the same thing the world be a boring place.



To quote zantarous "three little letters, yet so much pleasure: DTS"

[Marv]

The Majorityof dts only dvds are from Japan and cost around £30, now if these dts editons were avalible in the US and Uk for £30 I Onder if people would still buy them then.

[west]

The Majorityof dts only dvds are from Japan and cost around £30, now if these dts editons were avalible in the US and Uk for £30 if people would still buy them then.


Not a chance, I would wait for them to come down in price. The only reason I'd buy Japanese DVD is because there is no other option for DTS.

[Smurfin]

The Majorityof dts only dvds are from Japan and cost around £30, now if these dts editons were avalible in the US and Uk for £30 if people would still buy them then.

For some reason people like to collect "rare" dvds (but that, I mean discs which are difficult to get hold of) and "exclusive" ones that need to be imported. I can see the attraction, but never since my laserdisc days will I fool myself again...in a couple of years they won't be worth a jot.

[dynamic turtle]

Getting back on-topic (enough playground fights for one thread) I watched Phantom Menace on DVD for the first time over the weekend. It has a DD soundtrack. I'm not sure if THX optimisation is responsible here, but I was deeply impressed with the weight and scale of the action scenes. I felt every lightsabre "woomph"!!

Have they released a DTS soundtrack version? Anyone know how they compare?

DT

[Family Guy]

No they haven't...but I have the pod race from Ep 1 in DTS ES discrete on the THX demo disc...and yep, it sounds the same.
And West...never have I said DD is better than dts...I did however state that I wouldn't pay extra for a dts disc if it was available in DD...I'm not in one camp or the other...I'm also not deaf and would have what I call a decent system - Pioneer THX Surround EX amp, Miller & Kreisel speakers...THX certified speaker cable and interconnects...so I think I'm hearing what's on the disc TBH.
Wasn't it you who said that dts should only be used on certain soundtracks - ie action films? If it wasn't, I apologise...but if it was, you appear to have made a bigger fool of youreself for saying that than I have for stating that I don't think the difference is that great between DD & dts... ;)
Read this -
you know what I think, I think that Army bloke and all the rest of those Dolby Digital is as good as DTS types are all paid employees of Dolby. It always amazes me how you can get shot down in these Forums for having an opinion and for stating that you prefer DTS.
And tell me who's shooting down who...and who's not allowed to have an opinion? :oops: ;) (the bit I'm pointing out is those Dolby Digital is as good as DTS)...again, not once have I run down either sound format, while your heading for a libel case from Dolby labs... :grin:

[Fordy]

I'd really like to hear OT star wars in dts, just to see if it sounds better

[FoxyMulder]

Forget Dolby or DTS i would love to hear all films with a lossless format ( don't care which ) :)

Roll on High Definition DVD and make it cheappppp so we can all afford it.

[Simon6776]

FWIW, I thought both the Star Wars (I and II) DD soundtracks were overly bass heavy, and I would like to hear DTS versions of these, to see if the bass is more controlled.