This years CES saw another world first involving PMC, in the form of the launch of DTS-HD Master Audio. The stunning demonstrations involved high definition video content with 7.1 discrete channels of surround audio which is bit-for-bit identical to the master soundtrack. Playback was via the PMC flagship BB5-XBD Active (L,C,R) and the side and rear channels of MB2 passive individually powered by Bryston 7B SST ‘C-Series’ mono blocks.

The press conference was attended by the world’s media with coverage broadcast live on the web as well as news stories covered by both ABC and Nevada’s local TV station. Prominent figures producing material on the new DTS-HD format were also in awe of the massive scale of the BB5’s. These included Omar Hakim (percussionist for Weather Report and producer and drummer for David Bowie, Madonna, Sting and Miles Davis). Ice T (Rap Artist, producer and renowned actor).

The running demonstrations wowed the crowds, as over sixty seats were filled every 20 minutes during the 4 day show. The stunning demo included clips of major Hollywood feature films, concert videos and music videos seen and heard for the first time in both high definition video and audio. The program soundtrack was produced by Illustrious UK, which combines the talents of Martyn Ware (The Human League, Heaven 17) and Vince Clarke (Erasure, Yaz), who have become two of the most in-demand surround sound producers in the UK today.

DTS (Digital Theater Systems, inc) unveiled DTS-HD as the new trademarked brand name for its lossless technology. Previously known under working name DTS++, the DTS-HD mark will denote media, source players and decoders that are compliant with the next generation high definition disc formats, Blu-ray Disc and High Definition DVD (HD-DVD). In addition to debuting the new brand and logo, DTS will support DTS-HD with a branding campaign to roll out in conjunction with the introduction of the new optical disc formats. DTS announced in September that its core 5.1-channel surround sound was selected as mandatory audio technology for both HD-DVD and Blu-ray Disc, and DTS-HD (DTS++ in some Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD documents), was also chosen as an optional feature in both formats.

DTS-HD is a set of extensions to the Coherent Acoustics audio coding system, which also encompasses DTS Digital Surround, DTS-ES, and DTS 96/24. The introduction of DTS-HD will provide manufacturers and content providers with a complete range of DTS-branded technologies, incorporating lossless technology for next generation formats.

Signifying “best in class” technology, DTS-HD can support a virtually unlimited number of discrete surround sound channels, can downmix to 5.1- and two-channel, and can deliver audio quality at bit rates extending from DTS Digital Surround up to lossless. The only audio solution to provide up to lossless operation and backwards compatibility in a single bit stream, DTS-HD provides the highest quality audio performance available in the new format standards, while still being capable of playback in legacy equipment, such as existing home theater systems.

“We chose the name DTS-HD for the new formats in the consumer market because of both the strong association of DTS as a premium brand, and HD (high definition) as representing highest quality in the consumer electronics market,” said Brian Towne, Vice President, Consumer / Pro Audio Division at DTS. “As the industry prepares to introduce new hardware for next generation formats, DTS is developing a marketing campaign to support both manufacturers and content providers, while developing brand awareness among consumers. We are confident the marketplace will see that DTS-HD offers a tremendous opportunity for consumers to experience the best possible surround sound, while also providing crucial flexibility to hardware licensees and studios.”

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