Pro Logic IIx, DPL II, DPL, DTS ES, DD EX and other formats digrams.

[Smokey]

A Summary of Available Formats:

Dolby Pro Logic:..................................<img src="http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_1/images/layout-pl.jpg">

This is a Matrix* decoder delivering 4 output channels, Left / Center / Right / Surround. Virtually every movie since 1977 has had a two-channel soundtrack with Center and Surround folded in.
Note: A subwoofer signal can always be derived through bass management, but it is not technically part of the matrix decode scheme.

Dolby Digital:.....................................<img src="http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_1/images/layout-dd51.jpg">

Dolby Digital is a flexible discrete** digital technology for carrying audio. It is most often thought of as "5.1", though it must be noted that it can have just about any combination, including 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 4.1, and 5.1 etc. In the case of 2.0, where it is basically a two channel carrier, Dolby Pro Logic may be applied to get 4 output channels. Just about every movie since 1991 has had a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack while every DVD in the world must include either some form of Dolby Digital sound (or Linear PCM).

DTS:.............................................. ..<img src="http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_1/images/layout-dd51.jpg">

This is also a discrete** audio carrier technology, delivering either 5.0 (in the commercial cinema system) or 5.1 (in the consumer system). Not every Hollywood movie gets circulated with a DTS soundtrack, and DVDs including this optional format are a minority.

THX Surround EX / Dolby Digital EX:.....<img src="http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_1/images/layout-ddex.jpg">

Jointly developed by THX and Dolby, this playback system first appeared in the consumer market only on THX equipment as THX Surround EX but later came to be known as Dolby Digital EX on non-THX equipment. This system is a "marrying" of discrete and matrix technology. In a nutshell, a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is the source.
The Pro Logic matrix* decoding technology is used on the two surround channels, turning them into three: Left Surround, Center Surround, and Right Surround. While it can rightfully be said this system is intended for a 6.1 playback layout, THX and Dolby have avoided calling it a 6.1 delivery system as that would imply it is a discrete format, which it honestly is not. As of this writing there have been 34 titles made in EX, virtually all including it when released on DVD.

Note: Although it is possible to use one speaker in the center surround position, THX has always advocated, or set a preference for, using two speakers for that one channel.

DTS ES:.....................................<img src="http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_1/images/layout-ddex.jpg">

This is the same principal as Dolby Digital EX, and in fact the same source track as a Dolby Digital EX soundtrack, only at decode time it uses DTS's own matrix technology to derive the trio of surround channels.

DTS ES Discrete:..........................<img src="http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_1/images/layout-dtsdis.jpg">

This is the same layout as Dolby Digital EX / DTS ES, except that the sixth main channel is actually discrete with its own carrier channel at the source. This system may honestly be referred to as "6.1". There have been no Hollywood movies circulated with this type of soundtrack (it has never been used in the commercial systems), and precious few DVDs include a soundtrack remixed for DTS ES Discrete.

[Smokey]

Dolby Pro Logic II Movie /Music.:.....<img src="http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_1/images/layout-pl220.jpg">

Despite its success, Dolby Pro Logic never really "worked" quite right on music, or more specifically, material which was not specifically "encoded" for matrix playback. Dolby Pro Logic II uses advanced Matrix technology to improve on the original in several ways. It derives 5 channels from the 2 channel carrier (Left / Center / Right / LeftSurround / RightSurround).
It includes "Music" and "Movie" modes which cater to their namesake's material, Movie being more center channel concentrated versus Music which is more expansive and "works" on non-surround encoded material.

DTS Neo:6 Cinema /Music:..........<img src="http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_1/images/layout-dtsneo.jpg">

This is DTS's effort at a Matrix system which takes two-channel source material and delivers up to six channels at playback: Left / Center / Right / LeftSurround / CenterSurround / RightSurround. The "Cinema" vs. "Music" variations cater to their namesake's material, with Cinema being more center channel concentrated versus Music which is more expansive.

THX Ultra2 Cinema / Music / Game:......<img src="http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_1/images/layout-pl2x51.jpg">

THX felt that people wanted to make more use of the extra speakers they had purchased for EX. In response to that, they introduced these three new playback systems. Four channels are created from the two surrounds using a technology THX calls ASA (Adaptable Surround Array) to tailor the rear channels to "work" with non-EX Encoded material, with each mode tweaked to work best on its namesake's material.

Dolby Pro Logic IIx:............................<img src="http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_1/images/layout-pl2x20.jpg">

There are actually two parts to Pro Logic IIx. The first is its role as a classic Matrix decoder. It distinguishes itself by delivering up to seven channels (as compared to Pro Logic II's five, or Pro Logic's four). Like Pro Logic II, it includes Music and Movie modes. Note that both the side channels and rear channels are stereo.

Part II:............................................<img src="http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_1/images/layout-pl2x51.jpg">

Pro Logic IIx also plays a role with Discrete 5.1 material by deriving four surround channels, as oppose to EX's three, yielding up to seven main channels. It includes Music and Movie modes. Although, like THX Ultra2, it is designed to accommodate non-EX encoded material, Dolby recommends the Movie mode for all movie material, including EX encoded soundtracks.

* Matrix Decoding:Matrix Decoder or Matrix Surround Decoder are the most generic terms available for the principle behind all of the surround sound technologies based on a two-channel carrier.

** Discrete Decoding:Whereas any Matrix decoder derives multiple channels from two, when we talk about a "Discrete" Surround Sound System, each and every channel is unique at the source.

For more info, visit:

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_1/feature-prologic-iix-3-2004.html

[depressed]

Very nice of you to put in the time to explain them all.

[Smokey]

I wished I was that knowledgeable. I just edited the article from the link I provided and use their graphs :)

[depressed]

It's the effort that counts... :)

Off topic, I would like to know what DSP the members here prefer when (and if) they listen to "decoded" stereo music ? Or better yet, which method do you hate the least? I kind of like the Neo 6: Music, especially if there is lot of piano activity in the song. There is a lot of rear center activity when listening to piano reproduction. I kind of miss the stereo effect when I listen too it, though. I guess the crappy speakers make it even worse. Just cant believe the difference in performance between the receiver and speakers...

[kelsci]

Very nice, Smokey. KELSCI.

[Smokey]

Thanks KELSCI. Hometheaterhifi.com did a fine job with those illustrations



Off topic, I would like to know what DSP the members here prefer when (and if) they listen to "decoded" stereo music ? Or better yet, which method do you hate the least?

I really like BBE sound decoder (only TV have this feature) when I listen to satellite audio [only] channels. It add a nice "lively" sound to it. I wished my Receiver had that enhancement feature (so I don't have to route audio thru TV).

[depressed]

Thanks KELSCI. Hometheaterhifi.com did a fine job with those illustrations




I really like BBE sound decoder (only TV have this feature) when I listen to satellite audio [only] channels. It add a nice "lively" sound to it. I wished my Receiver had that enhancement feature (so I don't have to route audio thru TV).
I know what you mean. My TV doesn't have that feature, but I listened to it a couple of times at my ex-girlfriends' place. I liked it a lot. If one is satisfied with the system (which I'm not), there is a lot of equipment on the market that can add numerous options and sound programs to the existing setup. Adding this equipment makes sense if one has decent speakers (which I don't)
Btw Smokey, if you have a 5.1 or a 6.1 (DTS only) setup, here is a link for the file. It's a hilarious surround demo ("battle" between Swedish and a Norwegian amplifier)
Just download,unzip and burn the .wav file "as is" onto a cd and listen to it. Better yet, if your sound card supports DTS, you can listen to it on your comp...
Here is the link: http://www.sr.se/laddahem/multikanal/dts/norgeES.zip
Enjoy!

[Smokey]

Thanks for the link depressed. Will check it out when I get a chance.



If one is satisfied with the system (which I'm not), there is a lot of equipment on the market that can add numerous options and sound programs to the existing setup. Adding this equipment makes sense if one has decent speakers (which I don't)

IMO an equalizer should be an integral part of any HT setup. I wished most receivers would include an internal multi band EQ also-instead of giving you the option of million DSP that are useless and will never be used.

[ronning]

IIx...?

I'm considering between two different receivers for my next purchase - a yamaha and a sony. (probably the yamaha). The yamaha has IIx decoding and the sony only has II. IIx seems to be a rather significant improvement (although I believe both yamaha and sony have proprietary "upscaling" matrixing from anything to 7.1).

I'm a little confused, though.. Dolby actually wants you to use IIx for *all* recorded movie material - 5.1, ex, and even 2 channel?? Is it designed to be a "catch all" mode that you can just leave your receiver in and always have 7.1 sound no matter the DVD soundtrack??

Thanks,

Olen
...and I thought I knew everything about surround sound - until 7.1 entered the market

[doanster]

I really dont think that it really is a 'catch all mode' :P
I am sure u know that the original DPL II is used to enhance stereo and Dolby Surround encoded soundtracks. I believe that DPL IIx simply builds on any 5.1 signal. So, for analogue 2 channel sources, the original 5.1 would be derived similar to the DPLII with enhancements to allow for 7.1 channel sound. Likewise, it would pull in a decoded DD 5.1 soundtrack and enhance it to allow for 7.1 channel sound. Of course, i m no expert (YET...hehe...I intend to work for Dolby within the next 10 yrs ;-) that is my life goal lol)


IIx...?
I'm considering between two different receivers for my next purchase - a yamaha and a sony. (probably the yamaha). The yamaha has IIx decoding and the sony only has II. IIx seems to be a rather significant improvement (although I believe both yamaha and sony have proprietary "upscaling" matrixing from anything to 7.1).

I'm a little confused, though.. Dolby actually wants you to use IIx for *all* recorded movie material - 5.1, ex, and even 2 channel?? Is it designed to be a "catch all" mode that you can just leave your receiver in and always have 7.1 sound no matter the DVD soundtrack??

Thanks,

Olen
...and I thought I knew everything about surround sound - until 7.1 entered the market