dts Finalizes Branding of High Definition DVD Audio Formats

Agoura Hills, CA - DTS, Inc. today unveils a three-tiered system of audio solutions for the next generation HD DVD and Blu-ray Dics formats. The naming system is a scalable architecture that can support a variety of different quality levels in a single stream. Designed to provide flexibility for content providers and immediate audio improvement with existing home theater equipment, the solution entails a series of new logos that communicate the varying quality levels to consumers: DTS-HD Master Audio, for sound bit-for-bit identical to the master soundtrack, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, for audio that is nearly identical to the master soundtrack, and DTS Encore, which delivers 5.1 channels of audio at twice the resolution found on most standard DVDs.

"DTS' audio solution for the next generation high definition formats is unique in that it allows content providers to offer improved sound today for existing equipment, with the promise of unprecedented high quality audio tomorrow as consumers adopt next generation A/V equipment - all in a single bit stream," said Brian Towne, Senior Vice President, Consumer / Pro Division at DTS. "We created this system to best serve content providers, hardware manufacturers as well as consumers as the industry makes the transition to a high definition world."

DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-HD Master Audio delivers sound that is bit-for-bit identical to the studio master. It can deliver audio at very high variable bit rates which are significantly higher than standard DVDs. DTS-HD Master Audio can provide up to 7.1 audio channels at 96k sampling frequency / 24-bit depths that are identical to the original. The DTS-HD Master Audio bit stream also contains the DTS 1.5 Mbps core for compatibility with existing DTS-enabled home theater systems, and delivery of 5.1 channels of sound at twice the resolution found on most standard DVDs.

DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio can deliver up to 7.1 channels of sound that is virtually indistinguishable from the original soundtrack. It provides audio at high constant bit rates superior to standard DVDs to produce outstanding quality. It can carry up to 7.1 channels at 96k sampling frequency / 24-bit depth resolution, thereby allowing content creators to provide rich, high definition audio on content where disc space may not allow for DTS-HD Master Audio. The DTS-HD High Resolution Audio bit stream also contains the DTS 1.5 Mbps core for compatibility with existing DTS-enabled home theater systems, and delivery of 5.1 channels of sound at twice the resolution found on most standard DVDs.

DTS Encore
DTS Encore delivers 5.1 channels of audio at 1.5 Mbps - twice the resolution found on most standard DVDs, thereby providing the best sound performance possible from currently existing DTS-capable equipment. Due to space limitations on the standard DVD format, most DVD content featuring DTS surround sound is encoded at 768 kbps. However, with the introduction of the new higher capacity high definition optical disc media, consumers will be able to experience the DTS core at a full 1.5 Mbps, resulting in an immediate improvement in sound quality even if a next generation player is connected to standard home theater hardware.

dts technologies and their mandatory/optional status on new high definition DVD formats:

Over the next year, DTS will work closely with both content providers and hardware manufacturers to promote the company's audio solution for the next generation formats at retail.

About DTS
DTS, Inc. is a digital technology company dedicated to delivering the ultimate entertainment experience. DTS decoders are in virtually every major brand of 5.1-channel surround processor, and there are hundreds of millions of DTS-licensed consumer electronics products available worldwide. A pioneer in multi-channel audio, DTS technology is in home theatre, car audio, PC and game console products, as well as DVD-Video, Surround Music and DVD-ROM software. DTS audio products are featured on more than 27,000 motion picture screens worldwide. Additionally, DTS provides imaging technology and services for the motion picture industry; DTS Digital Images, formerly Lowry Digital Images, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DTS and an industry leader in image restoration and enhancement. Founded in 1993, DTS is headquartered in Agoura Hills, California and has offices in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan and China. For further information, please visit www.dts.com .