What is DTS-HD Audio Format? High-Definition Lossless DTS Explained
Complete guide to DTS-HD audio format, high-definition lossless codec, technical specifications, and applications in Blu-ray and professional audio.
Overview
DTS-HD (DTS High Definition) is an advanced version of the DTS codec released by DTS Inc., introducing high-definition audio capabilities to the DTS family. DTS-HD comprises two main variants: DTS-HD Master Audio (lossless) and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio (lossy, high-bitrate).
DTS-HD Master Audio is a lossless compression codec maintaining bit-perfect audio reproduction, supporting sample rates up to 192 kHz and multiple channel configurations including 7.1 surround sound and height channels for immersive audio. DTS-HD is primarily used on Blu-ray discs, professional audio mastering, and high-end home theater systems. The lossless variant is preferred by audio professionals and enthusiasts seeking perfect audio quality.
Table of Contents
- DTS-HD Development and High-Definition Audio Evolution - Learn the History
- DTS-HD Variants: Master Audio, High Resolution, and Core - Learn about DTS-HD Variants: Master Audio, High Resolution, and Core
- Technical Specifications and Capabilities - View Specifications
- DTS-HD vs Dolby TrueHD - Compare Formats
- Applications in Blu-ray and Professional Audio - Learn about Applications in Blu-ray and Professional Audio
DTS-HD Development and High-Definition Audio Evolution
DTS-HD was introduced by DTS Inc. in 2005-2006, coinciding with Blu-ray disc development. The company recognized that professional and enthusiast markets desired lossless audio quality alongside high-resolution support. DTS-HD Master Audio was developed as a lossless compression codec enabling perfect audio quality at manageable bitrates. This contrasted with the original DTS codec (lossy compression).
The codec was included in the Blu-ray specification as an optional (though strongly recommended) audio codec. Blu-ray players built after 2008 commonly support DTS-HD. DTS-HD competed with other lossless formats like Dolby TrueHD (lossless variant of E-AC-3) and established DTS as a player in high-quality audio. High-resolution audio support (up to 192 kHz) positioned DTS-HD for professional mastering and audiophile applications.
Later, DTS:X (object-based immersive audio) was developed as an enhancement. Today, DTS-HD is standard on Blu-ray discs, favored by audio professionals and home theater enthusiasts.
DTS-HD Variants: Master Audio, High Resolution, and Core
DTS-HD comprises several variants with different characteristics: DTS-HD Master Audio (Lossless): Lossless compression maintaining bit-perfect audio. Bitrate: 1.5-3.0 Mbps for 5.1/7.1 channels. Sample rate: Up to 192 kHz. Bit depth: Up to 24-bit. Quality: Perfect, lossless reproduction identical to original. Application: Blu-ray discs, professional mastering. DTS-HD High Resolution (Lossy): Lossy high-bitrate codec (higher quality than standard DTS). Bitrate: 768-2000+ kbps.
Sample rate: Up to 192 kHz. Quality: High-quality lossy, transparent for most listeners. Application: Legacy or streaming applications requiring lossy quality. DTS-HD Core (Backward Compatible): DTS-compatible core stream decodable by standard DTS decoders. Allows BD players without DTS-HD support to decode basic stream. DTS-HD with Extension: Full stream with lossless extension playable in DTS-HD devices.
Strategic Design: The layered approach allows backward compatibility while providing lossless quality for compatible devices. Blu-ray discs typically include DTS-HD Master Audio (lossless) as primary audio track.
