Cary Audio Design Cinema 11 - Manual (Page 9)

WELCOME
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The advantages of discrete multi-channel systems over matrix are well known. But even in
homes equipped for discrete multi-channel, there remains a need for high-quality matrix
decoding. This is because of the large library of matrix surround motion pictures available on
disc, VHS Hi Fi tape, and analog Stereo television broadcasts. The typical matrix decoder of today
derives a center channel and a mono surround channel from two-channel matrix stereo material.
It is better than a simple matrix in that it includes steering logic to improve separation, but
because of its mono, band-limited surround it can be disappointing to users accustomed to
discrete multi-channel sound.
Neo:6 offers several important improvements: Neo:6 provides up to six full-band channels of
matrix decoding from stereo matrix material. Users with 6.1 and 5.1 systems will derive six and
five separate channels, respectively, corresponding to the standard home-theater speaker
layouts. Neo:6 technology allows various sound elements within a channel or channels to be
steered separately, and in a way which follows naturally from the original presentation. Neo:6
offers a music mode to expand stereo or matrix recordings into the five or six channel layout, in a
way which does not diminish the subtlety and integrity of the original stereo recording.
DTS-ES Extended Surround is a new multi-channel digital signal format developed by Digital
Theater Systems Inc. While offering high compatibility with the conventional DTS Digital
Surround format, DTS-ES Extended Surround greatly improves the 360-degree surround
impression and space expression thanks to further expanded surround signals. This format has
been used professionally in movie theaters since 1999. In addition to the 5.1 surround channels
(FL, FR, C, SL, SR and LFE), DTS-ES Extended Surround also offers the SB (Surround Back)
channel for surround playback with a total of 6.1 channels. DTS-ES Extended Surround includes
two signal formats with different surround signal recording methods, as DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 and
DTS-ES Matrix 6.1. "DTS", "DTS-ES Extended Surround" and "Neo:6 are trademarks of Digital
Theater Systems, Inc.”
The stereo CD is a 16-bit medium with sampling at 44.1kHz. Professional audio has been 20- or
24-bit for some time, and there is increasing interest in higher sampling rates both for recording
and for delivery into the home. Greater bit depths provide extended dynamic range. Higher
sampling rates allow wider frequency response and the use of anti-alias and reconstruction filters
with more favorable aural characteristics. DTS 96/24 allows for 5.1channel sound tracks to be
encoded at a rate of 96kHz/24bits on DVD-Video titles. When DVD-video appeared, it became
possible to deliver 24-bit, 96 kHz audio into the home, but only in two channels, and with serious
limitations on picture. This capability has had little use. DVD-audio allows 96/24 in six channels,
but a new player is needed, and only analog outputs are provided, necessitating the use of the
D/A converters and the analog electronics provided in the player.