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Home - Surround Sound Dolby Sound Formats - Part 2: Dolby High-Definition Audio

Date: 28th March 2011


 

Quick Guide to Home Theater Design

How to research, design, and build your Home Theater.

Home Theater Design e-book

by Duncan McClelland
More information HERE

 

Pioneer Elite SC-35 AV Receiver

Pioneer Elite SC-35 AV Receiver

The Pioneer Elite SC-35 is a 140W per channel AV receiver capable of excellent audio performance. Features include network connectivity, Internet radio support, iPod connectivity, Air studios monitor certification, HDMI 1.4a with 3D capability, and 3-Zone A/V distribution with GUI.

Dolby Digital High Definition Audio

Superior sound that matches the quality of HD video on Blu-ray discs

Our discussion continues by looking at two of the latest Dolby Digital multi-channel audio formats:

- Dolby TrueHD,

- Dolby Digital Plus

Both Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus fall under the category of high definition sound, or 'high resolution audio' as it is referred to under the DTS lineup.

These Dolby sound formats offer greatly improved sound quality by increasing both the bit rate from a maximum of 640 Kilobits per second to several Megabits per second, and also by increasing the number of full-range audio channels supported by these formats.




Dolby TrueHD High Definition Audio


Dolby TrueHD

Dolby®TrueHD delivers true high-definition sound, while providing up to 7.1 channels of lossless audio that is bit-for-bit identical to the studio master. This may be considered as Dolby's version of DTS-HD Master Audio, its DTS counterpart.

This Dolby sound format has been developed for high-definition disc-based media such as HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc players, to deliver audio that matches the stunning high definition pictures created by these devices.

Dolby® TrueHD was selected as a mandatory Dolby sound format for the now extinct HD DVD; it is also an optional format for Blu-ray Disc.

This Dolby sound format is also fully backward compatible with A/V receivers and HTIB (home-theaters-in-a-box) solutions supporting multi-channel Dolby Digital surround sound.

Dolby TrueHD sound format features:

100 percent lossless coding technology

Up to 18 Mbps bit rate

Supports more than eight full-range channels of 24-bit/96 kHz audio, though current HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc standards limit maximum number of audio channels to eight

Fully supported by HDMI™

Supports extensive metadata including dialogue normalization and dynamic range control

Dolby Digital Plus


Dolby Digtial Plus

Dolby Digital Plus is considered as the next-generation audio format that delivers 'better-than-DVD' sound in high-definition packaged media because it requires less compression and provides up to 7.1 channels of audio.

This high definition Dolby sound format provides a somewhat similar sound quality to that achievable by DTS-HD High Resolution Audio format.

Dolby Digital Plus provide more than just a higher bit rate and increased number of full range audio channels; it also provides new coding efficiencies for future broadcasting and streaming of multi-channel audio. It is designed to complement all high-definition programming and media. Built on Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus is fully compatible with all current A/V receivers.

Dolby Digital Plus features:

Supports more than eight full-range channels of 24-bit/96 kHz audio, though current HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc standards limit maximum number of audio channels to eight

It also supports multiple programs in a single encoded bitstream

Outputs a standard Dolby Digital bitstream for playback on existing Dolby Digital systems

Supports data rates as high as 6 Mbps

Bit rate performance of at least 3 Mbps on HD DVD and up to 1.7 Mbps on Blu-ray Disc

Fully supported by HDMI

Also selected as a mandatory audio format for HD DVD and as an optional audio format for the Blu-ray Disc


Looking for affordable Multi-channel Home Theater Receiver?

Amazon offers an extensive range of home theater receivers at significantly reduced pricing. In addition, the various buying options available from the different retailers present on the amazon storefront make amazon one of the most comprehensive online sources in this respect. 

Prior to any decision, we advise to do some research of your own. Look at what other customers had to say about their purchase especially with respect to product quality and manufacturer customer support. A good starting point is the customer feedback posted on amazon. 

You can search the amazon storefront without leaving our site by using the amazon search box below; your search results will appear here under.

 
 

 

 

Home Theater Sound

Articles covered under this section 

SUBMIT a Home Theater Receiver Review
Would you would like to submit a review of your latest home theater receiver purchase to be featured on our site?

Rest assured that your first-hand experience will be of value to many others.

Click here for details

Surround Sound Formats

Dolby Surround Sound formats - covering also Dolby Sound Expansion and  Dolby Virtual Surround Technology

DTS Sound formats including DTS High-definition Audio

High Definition Audio for Music Listening covering DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD - including DualDisc and Hybrid SACD.

AV Receiver & Amplifiers

Buyer's Guide to Home Theater Receivers: What to look for when planning an AV receiver purchase.

5.1 vs. 7.1 Home Theater Receivers: Which multi-channel home theater receiver represents the better option?

Understanding Amplifier Specs: How different specs relate to an amplifier's ability to deliver adequate audio power and sound quality.

Amplifier Power: Matching the amplifier power output to your expected level of loudness.

Time Delay Setting in Surround Systems: Correct delay settings are essential for a unified sound-field.

Best AV Receivers: Reviewing the best midrange home theater receivers for home entertainment.

Audio Speakers

Home Theater Speaker Basics: An introduction

Speakers for Multi-Channel Audio: Discussing the different types of speakers and the speaker requirements associated with the different surround sound channels.

Ceiling and In-Wall Speakers Guide: More speaker options for your home entertainment

The Subwoofer Guide: Complete guide to passive and powered subwoofers

Home Theater Speaker Choice: What to look for when shopping for audio speakers for use in multi-channel audio

Speaker Placement in Multi-Channel Audio: Discussing the home theater speaker placement associated with both music listening and movie watching

Understanding Speaker Specs: Explaining the different terms associated with audio speakers.

Additional Articles:

Tips for Better Sound: Simple steps you can take to a better home theater sound.

Dolby vs. DTS - Which is better?  Discussing the differences between these surround sound formats.

THX Home Cinema - An Overview: This short guide to THX explains this certification system, together with the different certification logos, and related technology.

 

 HT Books and Magazines

Recommended Home Theater Reading

Home Theater

Loads of useful information, equipment reviews and buyer's guides.

Home Theater Magazine

Sound & Vision

Provides good reviews on the latest home theater gear.

Sound & Vision Magazine

Great Escapes
Unique source of ideas, and interesting designs illustrated with over hundred photos

.Great Escapes

Practical
Home Theater
Well-written home theater guide - a useful reference to anyone interested in home theater.

Practical Home Theater

Comprehensive Soundproofing Guide

eBook by Craig Williams.

Practical advice on soundproofing your home theater - with DIY tips to soundproof floors, ceilings, walls, windows and doors.

Comprehensive Guide to Soundproofing Your Home (e-book)

For more information,
click here.

 

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