DVD-A versus DTS

Can anyone explain the differences between these two formats? They both work in the '04 TL and at home in a DVD player. Both these formats are sold in the same oversize jewel case and are sold in the same section of the music stores I frequent. The section is labeled "DVD Audio".

 

JonDeutsch posted a great primer on DVD-A that was turned into a "sticky" (see the beginning of this forum's postings). DTS is "Digital Theater Sound" and is not DVD-A from what I learned. It will play on the TL sound system as will 5.1 format, regular CDs and DVD-A (which will also play on your home DVD system but technically they are not DVD-A and will not give you that true 5/6 channel sound.) I defer to Jon who knows what the deal is.

 

DVD-A is supposed to be better, but is like hearing the difference from an MP3 and the same song on a CD. One is just more compressed or comression without loosing some data.

I'm just glad the TL has a surround setup with a center speaker and all 5.1 sorround. Between DVD-A and DTS ?????? hard to tell the difference. 5.1 channels and 2 stereo channels big difference.

 

sorry, but can I jump in w/ a stupid question

If I get a DVD-A will it only work in the car or a DVD player? Will it now work in a traditional cd player w/o the 5.1 sound quality?

 

DVD-A's will not play in a "traditional" CD-only player.

 

It will play in your home DVD player though.

 

DVD-A will not play in your DVD player at home, what get's played fromt the that DVD it that it also has a DTS track on the DVD, so your home DVD player does not play True DVD-A just the compress DTS.

 

That's true today, but from the DVD-A primer sticky:

 

Most DVD-A's will/should play in your DVD player at home, even says so on a lot of the jewel cases.

the Diff from DVD-A to DTS is not a real comparison.. DTS is (i think) Digital Theater surround).. so it is more of a format, not a quality issue. DVD-A means the 96 bit 192khz quality. DVD-A can contain DTS as a soundtrack type. The Linkin Park DVD-A certainly does as I can discreetly hear the instruments fade and pan around.

I also have a DTS 5.1 CD, so it is lower resolution, but is still capable of using the 5.1 surround on the TL and certainly does, it's a fun cd to demo to people to show off the TL.

I've also noticed that DTS cd's are brighter and crisper than a standard CD as far as the lack of treble in the TL, but honestly there should be no reason to back that up.