Dolby Digital or DTS: which audio format sounds better?
On DVD you can often choose between Dolby Digital and DTS for the audio formats. We explain what sounds better and explain the advantages of the respective compression.
Audio formats: Dolby or DTS - which sounds better?
On the now outdated DVD, two compression methods fought for supremacy: DTS and Dolby. However, Dolby was found on most DVDs:
- This is mostly because Dolby compresses the audio signals more. So there is more space for picture information on the 4.7 GB DVD.
- You will rarely find a DTS track on a DVD because the theoretically (!) Higher data rate requires more storage space.
- This is exactly the crux of the matter: DTS offers more space upwards. In the end, it always depends on how much the sound engineer makes use of the scope.
- It is generally the case that DTS, especially in the bass, is mixed a little louder. This can give the impression when switching that DTS sounds better. But it doesn't have to be that way, it is quite possible that the DTS track sounds worse than Dolby. Therefore, in this case it is simply a matter of trying it out.
- In addition, you should still be aware that the corresponding hardware should be available on your side for the theoretically better quality. With a cheap sound system, apart from the volume differences, you probably won't notice any differences.
- It is different with the Bluray: Here much more storage space can be donated for the audio track and can therefore be stored with almost no loss. You will find almost only DTS-HD Master Audio on Blurays, the competing format Dolby TrueHD is more of a niche existence.
