The DVD/THX

I just upgraded by sound system to a fully digital souround sound system. I was surprised that Epsidoe II does not have DTS. Is THX better than DTS? I also noticed that the level of bass is very high, especially when the lightsabers are being used. Dooku's saber seems to sound louder than the others too. This is probably because he uses Sith cristals which generate a stronger blade when used by the dark side of the force.

There is one move Dooku does that we can not see but it sounds awsome. After he says to Obi Wan 'you disapoint me' we see the red blade go past Obi Wans face twice and very close to it as well. What move was that??

 

Firstly, THX is not an audio format. It is an audio standard.

Secondly, DTS tracks are quite uncommon on DVD, one of the main reasons is that the compression is about half that of Dolby Digital, so the soundtrack takes up more space, and thus it leaves less space for subtitles, commentaries and other features on the DVD. Both Star Wars DVD's have Dolby Digital 5.1 EX soundtracks, which some say are just as good as the DTS standard, but others say is still not as good. I don't use a surround sound system, I use a very good stereo system, so I can't actually tell the difference between DTS or Dolby 5.1, except that DTS tracks always sound very soft, but that's because I don't have an amp that's compatible with the DTS audio streams.

If you're having major bass distortions on the Star Wars DVD, try changing your settings, and make sure your amp is set to the same audio format as the DVD disc is running. Also, try the THX test on the DVD: click on the THX logo in the audio menu and go through the video and audio tests and make the recommended adjustments until it all sounds right.

-JDR.

 

Some seems to think that DTS sounds better than DD, sometimes its true. Blade 2 is one that stands out where the DTS soundtrack sounds better. LOTR FOTR EE is another one that stands out because I believe that the DD sounds better and has more Hmph! ya know.

Believe me, the DD tracks on Ep1&2 are of the highest quality and are probably 2 of the greatest sound mixes ever created. They are constantly on Demo Disc lists.

 

In the LOTR EE DVD, you can REALLY tell the DTS quality when the are being surrounded by the orcs before the Balrog comes out. I mean, when I turn on DTS there, I can hear all individual sounds more clearly than with just DD 5.1. DTS really is better, you just have to know how to look.

As far as AOTC with DTS, yeah it could have benefitted from it, if only a little. Hopefully Episode III will incorporate it.

 

Well, I think DTS "can" be better, but technically its NOT any better than Dolby Digital. It all depends on the mix, and with TPM and AOTC DVD's there is no need for a DTS soundtrack because the DD track is OUTSTANDING. AOTC is the BEST mix on DVD I've EVER heard.

And LOTR:EE DTS sucks. There is not as much bass or clarity. I much prefer the DD track.