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Two Steps Forward, One Step Back?

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Dolby has released some information lately about comparisons between its codec and the DTS codec. Obviously these comparisons, even the recent one with a Sonic Solutions workstation, has "suspect" written all over it. DTS did give a response to Dolby's comparisons and addressed these issues (shooting down all of Dolby's ducks). What concerns me is that the motion picture industry, while now supporting DTS in many of its new releases, is still not giving us the best audio that is available. Many of these new releases are at a reduced data rate for DTS (768 kbs) instead of the original rate (1536 kbs) used for initial DTS releases and for DTS laserdiscs. I recently watched several DTS laserdiscs and found the sound to be better than what I am getting on current DVDs with DTS tracks (768 kbs). While the DTS DVD tracks have a more dimensional sound than the Dolby Digital DVD tracks, I still prefer the DTS laserdisc sound. Why can't we have the DVD picture and the DTS laserdisc sound? Anyone else have this experience?

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I always prefer the sound of LD over DVD Michael 12:36:40 01/02/01 (4)
Whenever I have compared the sound of LD to DVD, for the same movie, I always prefer the sound of the LD version. No matter if it is DTS, DD or DPL.
> > Why can't we have the DVD picture and the DTS laserdisc sound? < <
Have you watched The Phantom Menace on LD? Stunning picture with that great LD sound. One of the best examples, I can think of, that shows off how good DD can sound.
- Not necessarily our experience John C. - Aussie 14:17:52 01/02/01 (3)
  I find the software varies as much for video & audio in LD & DVD as it does for audio only vinyl or CD. Generally DVD gives us a better picture but that is frequently due to component video output from DVD vs S video for LD.
  As for the sound, software aside, the processor can make a dramatic difference. Sadly however, it does not matter how good the processor is if the initial audio engineering is not up to scratch and this is often the case, particularly with digitally encoded LDs done in the early 1990s.
  We looked at "The Matrix" on DVD last night. Apart from awesome graphics the DD sound on this is absolutely stunning. Pity about the confused mumbo jumbo "plot" though! But why spoil good imaging and sound with a reasonable story?
  John
  - Have to agree and disagree Michael 15:01:40 01/02/01 (2)
    John,
    Yes the quality of the software is important but, in my experience, I find that when I have directly compared the DVD and LD version of the same movie, I find that the DVD sounds compressed and lacking when compared to the LD version. Some examples include, Star Trek: First Contact, Last of the Mohicans (DD) and The Matrix.
    Yes, DVD will lend itself to having a better picture but its unfortunate that the sound quality is not better sounding then LD, IMO.
    - Interesting. I wonder if .... John C. - Aussie 15:07:53 01/04/01 (1)
      ... the processing of the DVD sound is the reason for the differences you noted. Please do not be offended by this comment as, if I have located your system correctly, it is very high end. Interestingly we share similar front ends - you have a Pioneer Elite, we have a Theta Data III (dressed up Pioneer Elite) and we both have Toshiba DVD players.
      We just saw "The Matrix" (sound via a Meridian 861 which I understand was used in making this movie) a couple of nights ago on DVD and did not detect the deficiencies in sound you refer to.
      However I have not heard the comparible LD and even if I had it the comparison would not be valid as the AC3 RF demodulator we use is a cheaper Yamaha. Prior to the 861 I had bad aural experiences with Dolby Digital sound.
      We have a few operatic DVDs and the sound from them seems ok.
      I note in your system comments you are building a custom house. We have done that & I'd be interested in comparing notes off line if you care to email me.
      Regards
      John
      - Re: Interesting. I wonder if .... Michael 13:14:09 01/05/01 (0)
        
        In Reply to: Interesting. I wonder if .... posted by John C. - Aussie on January 04, 2001 at 15:07:53:
        
        > > Please do not be offended by this comment as, if I have located your system correctly, it is very high end. Interestingly we share similar front ends - you have a Pioneer Elite, we have a Theta Data III (dressed up Pioneer Elite) and we both have Toshiba DVD players. < <
        None taken on my part. As always, I appreciate discussing things like this with others.
        > > We just saw "The Matrix" (sound via a Meridian 861 which I understand was used in making this movie) a couple of nights ago on DVD and did not detect the deficiencies in sound you refer to. < <
        On its own merits, I also find "The Matrix" an excellent sounding movie on DVD. It's just more everything sounding on LD.
        > > However I have not heard the comparible LD and even if I had it the comparison would not be valid as the AC3 RF demodulator we use is a cheaper Yamaha. Prior to the 861 I had bad aural experiences with Dolby Digital sound. < <
        The RF demodulator, in my Proceed AVP, was built by MSB for Madrigal and it does an excellent job. I also have the same Yamaha RF demodular that you do which I used to use before I got the Proceed AVP.
        Out of curiosity, have you compared the DTS DVD and DTS LD version of "Eagles: Hell Freezes Over"? The funny thing is, I actually like both the video and sound quality on the LD version over the DVD version.
        I have been enjoying the LD format so much that I try to find movies on LD whenever I can, even if I have already purchased that same movie on DVD.

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