What is DTS audio and how does it differ from Dolby?

Find out the most important differences between Dolby Atmos and DTS or DTS:X audio, as well as the best surround sound codec.

When it comes to surround sound technologies, the dispute is usually about DTS audio and Dolby Atmos because There are two most used today. And the proof of their quality can be seen in the cinema, where you can have a unique immersive experience, so you will probably feel like you are in every situation shown. But if you are planning to buy an audio playback device, you need to know the differences between the two types.

Therefore, we have prepared this post in which we will explain in detail everything you need to know about DTS audio and also about Dolby Atmos, looking at the differences between these two increasingly popular audio technologies.

This way you will know which will offer you a better immersion experience and it will allow you to feel like you are in the cinema, but from your living room; although this leads to a new debate about which is better between a soundbar or speakers. In the following lines, we will tell you everything about it so that you can decide and give you our conclusions.

What is Dolby Atmos?

However, before going into the details of the differences between the two technologies, it is necessary to know in detail what exactly is involved, starting with Dolby Atmos, which is a feature you may have heard or read about. In fact, it is so widely used that there is a very high probability that your mobile phone is compatible.

In 2012, Dolby Laboratories unveiled what would be its technology designed to deliver an immersive audio experience, which they called Dolby Atmos. In addition, shortly after, the first movie compatible with this feature was released and it belonged to Pixar: Brave or Brave.

To further understand how Dolby Atmos works, you should keep in mind that this technology handles a maximum of 128 audio tracksincluding metadata. In addition, they also have the sound location and information needed for surround sound.

Another fact you should know is that all these tracks are assigned to a specific channel, which allows you to enjoy an immersive experience, because that’s what this technology is for. And if we focus on the technical side, it is necessary to emphasize that of the 128 channels available, 10 are used for scene dialogue and ambient sound, while the rest focus on scenery elements.

Currently Dolby Atmos technology It is available and compatible with a wide range of devices, such as mobile phones and tablets, headphones, computers and much more. This means that you have a lot of equipment at your disposal that will allow you to enjoy this immersive technology.

What is DTS audio?

Now it’s time to talk about DTS audio, or DTS: X, which is also the audio codec responsible for manage and store audio data which will be reproduced from the content. Furthermore, there is a crucial detail that needs to be highlighted on this one, namely that it does not have a specific audio system.

DTS:X audio is meant to be experienced offers three-dimensional and immersive sound, as well as Dolby Atmos. In addition, it is currently available in several theaters worldwide, but does not have the presence of its competition.

From a technical point of view, it should be noted that DTS:X audio can select listener address in objects displayed on the screen to give them a specific channel. From this, the sound processor renders the sound output, but always with regard to the number of speakers.

You can find the DTS:X codec in some headphones on the market today use DTS Headphone:X metadata. Thanks to them, it is possible to enjoy surround sound that only this technology can achieve.

Differences between Dolby Atmos and DTS audio

Now that you know a little more about these audio technologies, it’s time to tell you what are the differences between thembecause there are several of them and they can even be decisive in purchasing decisions.

Dolby Atmos has more efficient file compression

Something important that Dolby Atmos has in its favor over and above what DTS:X offers is that It has a much more efficient understanding of files. This translates into less impact on editing teams by reducing the size of said files.

DTS:X has a more accurate surround sound system

For this difference, we will only focus on the technical part, because that way we can conclude that the DTS:X codec is capable of provide more accurate surround sound, compared to what Dolby Atmos achieves. In addition, you can edit and process audio content at a higher bit rate.

However, it is important to note that on a day-to-day basis users will not notice this difference because They are unable to distinguish the sound between the two technologies. However, this feature was worth noting because it shows that, at least in this technical sense, DTS:X is slightly better.

Dobly Atmos has more compatibility

Another fairly clear difference between the two technologies is related to compatibility, because it is no secret to anyone that at least at the moment Dolby Atmos is present in many other services.

In this sense, we have to confirm it This codec can be found on streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, but also on platforms like Apple Music to name a few. And it should also be noted that the Blu-Ray releases have Dolby Atmos support.

If so more services are starting to integrate the DTS:X codec Dolby Atmos will continue to have a greater presence on its platforms.

DTS:X is free to use

But not all are disadvantages for the DTS:X codec, because an important advantage and difference that it has in its favor is that, as a free technology, it can be implemented in any type of content and device. without having to pay to obtain licenses. Something that happens with Dolby Atmos that may affect the final price of the product.

DTS and Dolby Atmos sound: which is better?

After knowing some of the features and differences that the DTS:X and Dolby Atmos codecs have, it is possible that as a user, you already know which technology best suits your needs. However, this may not be clear to everyone as they were designed for the same purpose.

So when it comes to the strictly technical, it is necessary to emphasize again that DTS Audio has greater audio fidelitycompared to its rivals. However, Dolby Atmos has much more support for services and platforms. And the latter is already a big advantage in its favor, because it allows you to enjoy your favorite movies and series on mobile with immersive sound or even from a computer.

However, the best audio technology will be the one that adapts to your user needs, as both have their pros and cons as we have already mentioned through their differences. Although definitely in the end You won’t go wrong with your choice either. and enjoy an immersive sound experience.