First Software Encoders for DTS 96/24 and DTS-ES Released
October 7, 2004
DTS (Digital Theater Systems, Inc.) announced the availability of two new DTS pro audio software encoders: the Pro Series 6.1 Surround Encoder, which is the stand-alone solution for the Mac or PC, and the DTS Pro Series Network Encoder, which is a networked solution for large post-production facilities based on the Apple's Xserve RAID storage system. Both encoders can be used to create multi-channel DTS soundtracks for DVD-Audio, DVD-Video and 5.1 CD titles.
The first commercially-available solutions for creating 96kHz and 6.1-channel discrete DTS-ES soundtracks, the DTS Pro Series encoders provide the only 96kHz multi-channel audio solution for video content on DVD-Audio and DVD-Video discs. Presenting solutions for the different workflows utilized in most pro-audio facilities worldwide, the encoders will be available through the DTS' international distribution network beginning (www.dtsonline.com/pro-audio/find.) The encoders were initially announced earlier this year.
Musician Peter Gabriel is the first person to use the Pro Series 6.1 Surround Encoder on a commercial project. At his Real World Studios, he is currently using it to encode the DVD music title Play: The Videos, which is scheduled to be released by Warner Vision International on DVD-Video on October 26, 2004. All of the 5.1 surround tracks on Play will be encoded in DTS 96/24.
Both the DTS Pro Series 6.1 Surround Encoder and the DTS Pro Series Network Encoder offer a full suite of DTS technologies, including:
- DTS Digital Surround for 5.1-channel surround sound
- DTS-ES 6.1 discrete for enhanced surround precision - only DTS delivers a discrete center surround channel
- DTS 96/24 for the highest resolution DVD-Video with 5.1 discrete channels
The encoders also offer a range of encoding options:
- 44.1k for use on CDs
- 88.2k for even higher quality on CDs
- 48k for DVD-Video
- 96k for the highest resolution on DVD-Video
- 764kbps bit rate for the best balance of quality when optimizing bit budget
- 1.5Mbps bit rate when the goal is highest quality possible
- 1.235Mbps for multi-channel music CDs
While the DTS Pro Series 6.1 Surround Encoder is a stand-alone encoder for both Mac and PC, the DTS Pro Series Network Encoder for multi-user facilities delivers seamless integration with the Xserve RAID. Developed as an application for multiple workstations, the Network Encoder will allow up to 99 users on either Mac or Windows workstations to address the DTS encoding facility on the Xserve.
For more information, visit their web site at www.dtsonline.com. | 
