DTS 96/24
DTS 96/24 is not so much a separate surround sound format, but is an "upscaled" version of DTS 5.1 that can be encoded onto DVDs. Instead of using the standard DTS 48kHz sampling rate, a 96kHz sampling rate is employed. Also, the standard 16-bit depth, the bit-depth is extended up to 24 bits.
As a result of these factors, there is more audio information embedded into the soundtrack, translating into more detail and dynamics when played back on 96/24 compatible devices. Also, if even if your source device or home theater receiver is not 96/24 compatible, that is not a problem as non-compatible devices can still access the 48kHz sampling rate and 16-bit depth that is present in the soundtrack. For more details, check out the DTS 96/24 Page.
DTS Neo:6
DTS Neo:6 is a surround sound format that functions in a similar fashion to Dolby Prologic II and IIx, in that, with receivers and preamps that have DTS Neo:6 decoders, it will extract a 6.1 channel surround field from existing analog two-channel material, such as a stereo CD, vinyl record, or stereo movie soundtrack or TV broadcast.DTS-ES
DTS-ES refers to two 6.1 channel surround encoding/decoding systems, DTS-ES Matrix and DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete. DTS-ES Matrix can create a center rear channel from existing DTS 5.1 encoded material, while DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete requires that the software being played already has a DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete soundtrack. DTS-ES and DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete formats are backwards compatible with 5.1 channel DTS Receivers and DTS encoded DVDs.DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-HD is a high definition digital-based surround sound format that supports up to 8-channels of surround decoding with increased dynamic range, wider frequency response, and higher sampling rate than standard other DTS formats. DTS-HD Master Audio is one of the several audio formats designed and employed by Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD technologies.DTS-HD Master Audio is compatible with the audio portion of the HDMI interface interface. For more technical details, go to the official DTS-HD Master Audio page.DTS Neo:X
In what appears to be a response to Dolby's ProLogic IIz and Audyssey's DSX surround sound formats, DTS unveiled a new 11.1 channel surround sound format at CES 2011 that they have labeled DTS Neo:X. DTS Neo:X takes cues already present in either 5.1 or 7.1 channel soundtracks and creates height and wide channels that are distributed to added height and wide speakers, enabling a more enveloping "3D" sound listening environment.It is expected that DTS Neo:X will be incorporated home theater receivers that have 11 channels of amplification, or provide preamp output for connection of external amplifiers that will add the needed extra channels. For the details known so far, check out the report from Twice.
DTS Surround Sensation
DTS Surround Sensation is a surround sound format that creates phantom center, left, right, and surround channels within a two-speaker or stereo headphone setup. It is able to take any 5.1 channel input source and recreate a surround sound experience with just two speakers. In addition, surround sensation can also expand two-channel compressed audio signals (such as MP3) for a more surround-like listening experience.For more details, check out the DTS Surround Sensation Page.
SRS Circle Cinema 3D
The availability of 3D for consumers has been making a big splash at consumer electronics and home theater trade shows in the past couple of years, and while consumer adoption is not as fast and some observers would like, it appears that 3D video is here to stay. However, with emergence of 3D video, there is also movement to change change the way surround sound is currently utilized. For all the details, read my Overview of SRS Circle Cinema 3D Audio (CC3DA).SRS Circle Surround and Circle Surround II
While Dolby Digital and DTS approach surround sound from a directional standpoint (specific sounds emanating from specific speakers), Circle Surround emphasizes sound immersion. A normal 5.1 source is encoded down to two channels, then re-decoded back into 5.1 channels and redistributed back to the 5 speakers (plus subwoofer) in such a way as to create a more immersive sound without loosing the directionality of the original 5.1 channel source material.Circle Surround provides enhancement of Dolby Digital and similar surround sound source material without degrading original intent of the surround sound mix.
Circle Surround II adds an additional rear center channel, providing anchor for sounds emanating from directly behind the listener.
