February 14, 1997

What is DTS (5.1) Surround on CDs for music?

DTS uses standard CD format.  We are able to get 20 bit 5.1 channel
information on a standard CD.  We take the original multi tracks and
re-mix them to 6 channels of a Tascam D-88.  We use a 20 bit
converter and mix in the digital domain.  Channels 7,8 are used to
store the extra 4 bits.

We mix either on a Neve "Capricorn" digital board, or a Euphonix
board with a module called a "cube", which allows us to mix 5.1
channels.  The 'cube' is strickly an add-on.  Its only purpose
is to allow the Euphonix board to multi buss.  In other words,
if you have mix on the board and you want to send the guitar
to the left rear speaker, the 'cube' interfaces the signal
paths to allow you to buss the guitar to the rear left
speaker.

While mixing, the 'cube' also send the signal to the DA-88 Digital
Recorder.  We take the outputs and assign them as follows:
TK1)front left, TK2)front right, TK3)center, TK4)rear left,
TK5)rear right, and TK6) subwoofer.  Again, we keep all
data in the 20 bit domain.  Then, the mastered DA-88 tape is
encoded here at DTS and coded onto a CDR master.  There, we
replicate as standard CDs.

For playback, a STANDARD CD PLAYER IS USED WITH DIGITAL OUT.
This output goes directly into a DTS decoder or a preamp that
has a DTS system built in.  Our laser discs also are done
in this fashion.  The new DVD (DTS) discs will have a stereo
mix as well as 5.1.  However, the DVD standard is still
very new and being sorted out as to a standard format.

DTS music CDs don't use a double sided disc.  We are able to
encode 5.1 channels of data onto a standard CD using DTS' 20 bit
encoding system.  We mix at The Enterprise Studios in Burbank, CA
as well as The Journey Room in Malibu, CA.

For more information about DTS, please send email or post a message
to Karen (at DTS) Hultgren  73362,1140

DTS also has a web site at address    http://www.dtstech.com