DTS:X To Compete with Dolby Atmos

[Covert Rain]

So DTS is finally releasing their competing format to Dolby Atmos. We all knew it was coming. Kind of glad I waiting on picking up another receiver. They are going to start releasing them this summer.

http://www.soundandvision.com/conte...sed-surround-sound-format-compete-dolby-atmos

 

[puckhead]

I think it's going to end up better than Atmos. I've always preferred DTS's implementations.

To be honest though, even though I used to be right on top of all of this, I'm so pleased with my current set up that it's hard to get excited about these small improvements. 4K isn't even on my radar and I'll be fine with 7.1 until the receiver and/or tv goes out.

I don't begrudge anyone else dipping their toe in the water so please let us know how it turns out!

 

[Covert Rain]

I think it's going to end up better than Atmos. I've always preferred DTS's implementations.

To be honest though, even though I used to be right on top of all of this, I'm so pleased with my current set up that it's hard to get excited about these small improvements. 4K isn't even on my radar and I'll be fine with 7.1 until the receiver and/or tv goes out.

I don't begrudge anyone else dipping their toe in the water so please let us know how it turns out!

I get what your saying about small improvements but this is anything but. Have you hears an ATMOS demo? It's game changing IMO. Unlike old audio that would simply delay sound to mimic space or direction this is actual object placement of audio.

It's amazing. You actually get a clear sense of where objects are where in today's surround sound, no matter how good you could always hear the dead spots. When audio engineers mix surround sound today you common here people complain that the mix isn't quite right and the surrounds are not enveloping.

That will be a thing of the past. Instead of relying on how good a sound engineer is at utilizing "tricks", the engineer can specifically place objects exactly where they want. If you see a film and the surrounds are underutilized it will be because that was on purpose versus the engineer making a mistake on the mix or not being very good at utilizing said tricks.

 

[puckhead]

I have seen demos. Years ago I even witnessed NHK's first showing of 8K with 22.2 surround. That was definitely amazing, so I'm not against this stuff at all.

However, demos are just that, demonstrations of the best scenario designed to present something in a way that highlights the best of the technology.

In some movies, it could really be a nice addition, especially in something from Marvel for instance.

Most of the time, IMO, it will be unneeded and draw attention to itself in a way that pulls one out of the story or be downright gimmicky.

The other issue is will enough people support DTS X or Dolby Atmos for that matter with the proper speaker setup, receiver, source, etc. for the studios to dedicate the man hours needed to let the magic come through on all but the select few productions? Or, will they instead cheap out and do the minimum to say it's in there and let the audiophiles and bleeding edgers duke it out on the Internet much like they're doing with 4K and 3D before that. Hell, some Blu-rays out there look marginally better than an upscaled DVD because the studios are so cheap.

I hope it takes off, because it is something that could be great. I'm just not so sure it can be profitable enough in our culture of mp3's and Netflix with Dolby 2.0 being enough for most. The one thing that may help is if it can really shine with back catalog movies that weren't mixed in the format and it can "enhance" the existing tracks in a beneficial way for those that may be willing to just upgrade a receiver in an existing theater.

 

[Covert Rain]

The other issue is will enough people support DTS X or Dolby Atmos for that matter with the proper speaker setup, receiver, source, etc. for the studios to dedicate the man hours needed to let the magic come through on all but the select few productions? Or, will they instead cheap out and do the minimum to say it's in there and let the audiophiles and bleeding edgers duke it out on the Internet much like they're doing with 4K and 3D before that. Hell, some Blu-rays out there look marginally better than an upscaled DVD because the studios are so cheap.

I hope it takes off, because it is something that could be great. I'm just not so sure it can be profitable enough in our culture of mp3's and Netflix with Dolby 2.0 being enough for most. The one thing that may help is if it can really shine with back catalog movies that weren't mixed in the format and it can "enhance" the existing tracks in a beneficial way for those that may be willing to just upgrade a receiver in an existing theater.

Good points but I think the writing is on the wall. Most receiver manufactures and speaker manufactures have already pledged support. Many theater chains have already started supporting it in select theaters. The studios have also announced that ATMOS will be supported in the new Ultra Blu Ray format as well.

The other thing I really really liked they did this time? They thought ahead. Not everybody will want to have to add a ton more speakers over head for example in their homes. So, the speaker manufactures worked with Dolby to design speakers that act as your regular floor standing ones but can point a speaker from that position to reflect the sound off the ceiling. So, they anticipated people not wanting to go that direction.

There is always a chance this stuff fails but I can't wait. I am going to wait towards the end of the year to pick up a new receiver so I can take advantage of both. I have not been this excited since Blu Ray hit the market.

 

[puckhead]

I'll be looking forward to your review!

 

[dreamcastrocks]

I purchased a new receiver in the last year, so this new kinda upsets me.

 

[HeavyB3]

Hmmm... I will need a new receiver soon, my 15 year old Kenwood receiver is cutting out, seems to be finally dying. Maybe I'll go this route

 

[Linderbee]

I purchased a new receiver in the last year, so this news kinda...{makes me all giggly inside at having a reason to buy a new one, but the thought of having to explain to Linder why it's necessary}...upsets me.

FTFY.

 

[puckhead]

FTFY.

 

[Covert Rain]

I put off getting a new one because I had read this was coming at some point. Just like I have put off getting 4K until they are fully compliant with the new standards. I almost pulled the trigger on a new Projector yesterday but now I am thinking I will hold off on that as well until fully compliant Projects come down in price.

It's constant battle with Electronics. I love it but hate it.

 

[BigRedRage]

I put off getting a new one because I had read this was coming at some point. Just like I have put off getting 4K until they are fully compliant with the new standards. I almost pulled the trigger on a new Projector yesterday but now I am thinking I will hold off on that as well until fully compliant Projects come down in price.

It's constant battle with Electronics. I love it but hate it.

Sounds like the beginning of the movie idiocracy. (hopefully you have seen it and get the reference)

 

[Covert Rain]

Sounds like the beginning of the movie idiocracy. (hopefully you have seen it and get the reference)

I have never seen the entire movie but yeah! It's one of those things were sooner or later you have to pull the trigger but there is always something "new" around the corner. It sucks because I like to be an early adopter but I have paid for that over and over. LOL.

I am learning to be more patient as I get older. Although when Ultra Blu Ray players come out I am going to be stupid and impatient again.

 

[puckhead]

Sounds like the beginning of the movie idiocracy. (hopefully you have seen it and get the reference)

I so love that movie. Every line makes me giggle like a school girl.

"Welcome to Costco, I love you."

 

[BigRedRage]

I so love that movie. Every line makes me giggle like a school girl.

"Welcome to Costco, I love you."

"we dont have time to stop for a *******, Joe."

 

[puckhead]

"we dont have time to stop for a *******, Joe."

 

[Covert Rain]

OK, I did it. As a birthday gift I broke down and bought a projector and screen for my home theater room. It's not exactly what I wanted. I was holding out for a 4K, 3D, LED projector but I don't see them coming down anytime soon.

So, I compromised. I bought a budget projector for now and will upgrade later. It was a debate with the wife. However, I told her it was just like when we decided to have kids. What if I had waited until we were ready? It never would have happened.

Not sure if that was what put it over the top for her but that is my story.

 

[puckhead]

Congrats on your purchase! You guys will love it, I'm sure.

Maybe let the very understanding Mrs pick out the first couple of movies that you watch on the big screen.