The challenge isn’t caused by a single issue. Ultra-thin TVs leave little room for quality speakers. Everyday environmental noise competes with on-screen dialogue. Immersive audio tracks don’t always translate cleanly when downmixed. And hearing ability varies widely from viewer to viewer. Together, these factors make clear dialogue harder than it should be.

Consumers are also clear about what they want next: clearer dialogue, better sound quality across devices and simpler, more intuitive controls. Brands that address these needs have a real opportunity to stand out in an increasingly crowded entertainment landscape.

Download the full report, Consumer Audio Trends: New Insights for a Clearer, Smarter Future.

The post The State of TV Audio: Clear Dialogue Takes Priority appeared first on DTS.

How are consumer choices and expectations around audio impacting streaming?

Consumer expectations for audio have evolved significantly, and they’re shaping how streaming platforms prioritize sound. Today’s viewers want more than just convenience: They expect easy access to premium experiences, consistency across platforms and high-fidelity on every device. As streaming has become the dominant way people watch content at home, those expectations now directly influence how services invest in audio quality.

We’re seeing a clear shift: Audiences who once relied on cinemas or Blu-ray for premium sound now expect that same level of immersion through streaming. This aligns with broader technological advancements — from stronger streaming infrastructure and higher video resolutions to major progress in both consumer and professional audio.

The evolution has been dramatic. In the mid-1990s, streaming audio was limited to low-bitrate mono or stereo presentations. Today, platforms can deliver fully immersive formats with multi-channel fidelity at bitrates unimaginable 30 years ago. Innovations like adaptive bitrate streaming have also enabled services to tailor audio and video quality based on where and how a viewer is watching — whether on a mobile device or an 85-inch UHD TV with HDR and immersive audio.

In short, audio expectations are part and parcel of consumers’ broader demand for quality, convenience and a seamless premium experience across all their devices.

What opportunities exist for streaming platforms to differentiate?

Streaming platforms have a significant opportunity to stand out by offering premium audio experiences across the full spectrum of consumer setups — from basic TV speakers to high-end home theaters. Viewers increasingly recognize and value high-quality sound, and studios want to ensure their content is delivered in its best possible form, not limited to standard HD video and basic stereo mixes.

This is where advanced audio technologies create real differentiation. By adopting codecs like DTS:X and adhering to established delivery standards, platforms can ensure that audiences with capable equipment receive a truly cinematic experience at home. These technologies allow studios and services to showcase content with the intent, immersion and dynamic range it was created for.

At the same time, convenience remains essential. Many viewers simply want to watch their favorite shows in the easiest way possible, whether that’s on a living-room TV or a mobile device. Our solutions account for that too — ensuring that even on a phone, the audio experience is optimized and consistent.

This approach enables streaming platforms to differentiate themselves by elevating premium playback where it’s supported, while still delivering a seamless, high-quality experience everywhere else. This balance of performance and accessibility is where the biggest opportunity lies.

What is the best way for content to be presented in the context of a highly fragmented device and service/platform environment? How can the industry ensure a consistent audio experience across this ecosystem, and why does that matter to consumers?

It starts with ensuring that the technology embedded inside each device performs as intended.

Streaming has many variables — bandwidth fluctuations, device performance and different playback environments. Adaptive bitrate technology helps manage those shifts so quality stays consistent as you move from strong to weak connectivity. That’s typically discussed in the context of video, but the same principles apply to audio as well.

On the creation side, content must be prepared once but optimized for every environment: movie theaters, projectors, phones, older TVs and high-end UHD TVs. Each use case is different, but consumers should always get the best version possible.

That’s why scalability and flexibility matter. Audio has to translate across devices, rooms and personal listening preferences. We even factor in human variability — our DTS Clear Dialogue technology addresses differences in how people perceive speech intelligibility. Personalization is becoming an essential part of content preparation because no two listeners hear the same way.

What role does DTS play in helping studios, streaming platforms and OEMs deliver on higher expectations for audio quality?

We focus on ensuring content can be delivered in a way that’s optimized for the playback environment and personalized for the listener.

Our technology enables studios and streaming services to distribute content at the highest possible quality and with strong alignment to creative intent. This means preserving the nuanced soundscapes, spatial positioning and dynamic range that sound engineers carefully craft in the studio. Whether it’s the subtle rustle of leaves in a nature documentary or the thunderous impact of an action sequence, what reaches the listener’s living room faithfully reflects the creator’s original vision. Our codecs maintain this fidelity even under bandwidth constraints, preserving the immersive details that make premium content stand out.

We work directly with device manufacturers to implement and certify our technology. Certification ensures that when DTS-enabled content reaches a device, it plays back exactly as it should. Consumers expect that level of performance from DTS, and we partner closely with OEMs to maintain it.

Whether we’re supporting content creators or device makers, the goal is the same: deliver a premium, reliable, high-quality home entertainment experience.

Streaming audiences have never had higher expectations than they have today. As video quality improves and viewing shifts across devices and environments, consumers crave consistently clear, premium sound every time they press play.

For studios, OEMs and streaming platforms, that expectation creates both pressure and opportunity. Delivering high-quality, reliable audio across a fragmented ecosystem requires technology that can adapt, scale and preserve creative intent — no matter where content is consumed. The right solutions bridge that gap, ensuring a premium audio experience that meets rising demand and strengthens your brand’s market position.

See the technologies that deliver consistent, high-quality sound across devices.

The post The Next Frontier of Streaming: Meeting the Demand for Premium Sound appeared first on DTS.

Wireless headphones and soundbars top consumer wish lists

The market signals a major upgrade cycle is underway. Nearly 65% of respondents plan to purchase or upgrade at least one audio product in the next 12 months, with wireless headphones or earbuds (26%) and soundbars (25%) leading the pack. As consumers increasingly pair sound bars with their TVs and use headphones for video entertainment, the opportunity emerges to design these devices to replicate the immersive quality of home theater setups.

While 64% of consumers actively want or find a home theater setup desirable, only 19% plan to invest in one, primarily due to concerns about cost. This creates a massive market opportunity: Integrating advanced audio processing into soundbars and headphones makes it possible to deliver home theater-like audio, satisfying consumers’ cravings for premium sound without the high price tag.

Engage the next generation of audio enthusiasts

Gen Z adults, the oldest of whom are now in their late twenties, are poised to become the largest and highest-spending generational cohort in history. With 87% planning to buy or upgrade audio gear in the next 12 months, this digital-native generation is powering the next audio upgrade cycle.

Notably, Gen Z viewers are far more likely to use headphones when watching video entertainment on their TVs compared to other generations. They also overwhelmingly prefer phones, tablets and computers for consuming content. To capture this audience, prioritizing seamless, high-quality audio experiences in the hardware itself ensures your devices offer the processing and features required for premium performance across all platforms.

Partner for success in the evolving audio landscape

OEMs who continually innovate and adapt their product roadmaps can thrive in an audio landscape marked by rising expectations and shifting consumer behaviors. By leveraging the latest advancements in audio technology and partnering with experienced solution providers, companies can unlock new opportunities for product differentiation, premium tiering and greater market share across headphones and soundbars.

Curious what drives consumer audio preferences? Download our report for insights from 2,000 U.S. and U.K. adults on habits, expectations and buying choices.

The post New Data: The Audio Upgrade Cycle is Here — Insights for CE OEMS appeared first on DTS.

IMAX’s exclusive expanded aspect ratio pulls you deeper into the Grid, amplifying every high-speed Lightcycle chase. On supported devices, IMAX Enhanced sound by DTS unlocks the full dynamic range of the original theatrical mix—placing you right at the center of the action.

Step into the experience:

    See More: IMAX’s expanded aspect ratio reveals more of Tron’s stunning world, enhancing the scope, detail and scale of every scene.

    Hear More: DTS-powered audio captures the full dynamic range of the original theatrical mix, from the quiet hum of the Grid to thunderous, high-impact action.

    Feel More: IMAX Enhanced pulls you deeper into the story, providing an unmatched immersive experience.

Tron: Ares expands the Tron saga with bold new energy and joins an ever-growing lineup of titles in IMAX Enhanced, delivering a fully immersive home experience for Disney+ subscribers.

To experience IMAX Enhanced sound by DTS, a DTS:X or IMAX Enhanced certified TV, soundbar or AV receiver are required. Certified devices from brands like Sony, Hisense, TCL, Xiaomi, Denon, Marantz and JBL support IMAX Enhanced sound by DTS.

Are you ready to redefine what’s possible with the power of IMAX at home and offer an exclusive experience to your consumers? Connect with our team to learn more about joining the IMAX Enhanced program.

*Disney+ subscription required. Device and feature limitations apply for IMAX Enhanced sound; enhanced sound feature not available for all titles, territories, devices, or languages.

The post Now Streaming in IMAX® Enhanced on Disney+: Tron: Ares appeared first on DTS.

About a third of consumers (31%) would like their everyday audio experience to include more immersive or surround sound. What does this reveal about changing expectations for TV audio?

TVs are getting thinner, but they’re also adding more speakers in various places. Some TVs feature a 5.1 speaker setup, which addresses consumer demand for a more immersive or surround sound experience. That has mixed results depending on what you think you’re going to get and what you actually get. Nothing will be as good as having a separate surround sound system with 5 speakers or more, along with a subwoofer.

While folks would like to have a more immersive audio experience, there are still many barriers to what that really means in practical terms. That said, there are probably more options than ever in the consumer electronics (CE) market to make that vision a reality at several different price points, whether you’re using speakers on a TV, adding a soundbar or wireless speakers, or going all-in with an AVR and a dedicated setup and speakers. However, there are likely still gaps in what products will provide consumers with the best experience, depending on the space they’re in and their budget.

Elements of sound, such as dialogue clarity, dynamic range and surround effects, make an entertainment experience unforgettable. How should industry players think about enabling these experiences more broadly?

Many CE devices today feature various solutions that optimize their sound in the space they occupy, yet most customers never realize these capabilities are available.

The fundamental opportunity here is around discoverability and communication. When settings are challenging to find or are described in overly technical language, even the best technology goes unused.

The good news is this creates a real differentiator for OEMs who get it right. Making features accessible, using plain language that resonates with everyday users, and ensuring those features deliver immediately — that’s where brands can stand out and build customer loyalty.

Some TV OEMs include onboarding videos or tutorials as part of the first-time user experience. During setup, users may be prompted to watch these optional videos to learn more about their device’s features. These onboarding tools have proven highly effective in helping consumers understand and engage with the capabilities of their TVs.

With 41% of consumers seeking better sound quality across all their devices, what does this reveal about the need for improved design, and how can technologies like DTS deliver consistency across devices, formats and environments?

Consumers want great audio experiences regardless of where they are, what they’re listening to, what device they’re using or what’s going on around them.

When you’re talking about post-processing, that’s DTS Virtual:X, DTS Clear Dialogue and our collection of post-processing solutions. Post-processing is like putting a filter on a photo — same picture, but it looks better. Here, it’s the same sound, just clearer and more balanced. There are algorithms and other types of audio processing we apply to make it sound better. Our collection of technologies helps make a device sound as good as possible, regardless of the content played back through it.

Dialogue intelligibility is among the top audio expectations for modern viewers. Why does it remain such a persistent challenge, and what can OEMs do to finally solve it?

The challenge is multifaceted. It has to do with content production, device limitations and the environment in which the consumer is listening. It also needs to take into account the listener’s ability to hear and understand what is being said.

Market feedback indicates this is the number one problem to solve for TV audio. While many have attempted to address dialogue intelligibility over the last few decades, very few have come close to an effective solution — and only DTS has developed technology that consistently delivers results. This represents a real opportunity for OEMs: solving dialogue intelligibility could encourage people to buy another TV or accelerate their upgrade cycle. Most solutions have tried to address this in different ways, with very limited user controls, often buried deep in the settings of a TV. There is a real opportunity here to give the user greater real-time visual controls, using language that resonates with everyday users and making them intuitive to find.

How could solving dialogue intelligibility become a real differentiator?

The potential impact is significant. Enhanced dialogue intelligibility helps manufacturers appeal to premium buyers, stand out in mid-market segments and reach broader audiences—including older viewers and non-native speakers. It can also boost post-sale revenue by keeping viewers more engaged. However, these advantages only materialize with careful, intentional implementation.

If OEMs invest in technology that solves dialogue intelligibility, paired with redesigned settings menus and intuitive language that speaks to everyday users, the competitive advantage is substantial. Easy-to-find controls only matter if they deliver real improvement. When you combine an effective solution with accessible user controls, you create tangible brand differentiation in a crowded market where hardware specs no longer separate leaders from followers. Most consumers expect settings to be buried and confusing, which means the brands that solve this problem will stand out dramatically while building stronger brand equity, increased customer loyalty and potentially accelerated upgrade cycles as satisfied users stay within your ecosystem.

Ultimately, how do you see DTS’s role in making premium sound more accessible to everyday consumers, and why is that important for the industry right now?

At a macro level, people want to be able to have that moment in their day where they can watch their shows and be able to enjoy them to the fullest extent possible, regardless of their environment, the equipment they have, how much they spent on it, what’s happening in their room or their own ability to understand. And it’s not just about hearing, it’s cognitive.

Folks need that space in their day to put down their burdens and engage in a story that helps them reconnect with humanity.

Bringing relief, joy, distraction, comedy or anything that you associate with entertainment — all OEMs understand their responsibility in the home. As one of the leading technology providers in the audio space to OEMs for the last few decades, we deeply understand that we’re here to make their products deliver on that promise as much as possible. That’s really at the end of the day why we do this.

We work with OEMs beyond licensing. Whether it’s identifying what your customers need, solving specific technology challenges or capturing market opportunities you’ve spotted — we can collaborate at whatever level makes sense for your business.

The viewers are ready. The technology exists. Now it’s time to deliver.

Partner with DTS to make premium sound possible.

The post What Will It Take to Make Premium TV Sound Enjoyable for Everyone? appeared first on DTS.

IMAX’s exclusive expanded aspect ratio brings you closer to every incredible moment, from mind-bending cosmic visuals to the team’s thrilling first mission. On supported devices, IMAX Enhanced sound by DTS delivers the full dynamic range of the original theatrical mix, putting you right in the middle of the action.

Step into the experience:

• See More: IMAX’s expanded aspect ratio opens the frame to reveal more action, scale and scope.
• Hear More: DTS-powered audio captures the full dynamic range of the original theatrical mix, from quiet tension to explosive action.
• Feel More: IMAX Enhanced pulls you deeper into the story, transforming your home into an immersive experience.

Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe in bold new directions and joins an ever-growing lineup of Marvel Studios films available in IMAX Enhanced with DTS:X, delivering a fully immersive home experience for Disney+ subscribers.

To experience IMAX Enhanced sound by DTS, a DTS:X-certified TV and IMAX Enhanced or DTS:X certified soundbar or AV receiver are required. Certified devices from brands like Sony, Hisense, TCL, Xiaomi, Denon, Marantz and JBL support IMAX Enhanced sound by DTS.

Are you ready to redefine what’s possible with the power of IMAX at home and offer an exclusive experience to your consumers? Connect with our team to learn more about joining the IMAX Enhanced program.

* Disney+ subscription required. Device and feature limitations apply for IMAX Enhanced sound; enhanced sound feature not available for all titles, territories, devices, or languages. © 2025 MARVEL

The post Now Streaming in IMAX® Enhanced on Disney+*: Marvel Studios’ TheFantastic Four: First Steps appeared first on DTS.

Now imagine when Clark Gable uttered his famous line, he was drowned out by background noise or overwhelmed by the musical score. Moviegoers might have been confused and disappointed. They could’ve been thinking, “I don’t give a WHAT?” or “What did he say? I missed it.”

Clear dialogue makes this line iconic. However, the rise of high-tech, ultra-thin TV screens and changes in sound production processes have made it harder for viewers to hear what’s happening. Consider that 84% of viewers struggle to understand dialogue while watching TV, and over half of Americans say they’re using subtitles to bridge the gap.

Dialogue enhancement gives TV viewers more control over what they hear and how they hear it. The result? A better audio experience. As an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), here’s how you can improve the audio experience for TV viewers with DTS Clear Dialogue.

The state of dialogue enhancement for TVs

With audio technologies improving, why is dialogue getting harder to hear?

Evolving preferences play a role. Consumers want televisions that are both large and thin. To make this possible, OEMs flatten speakers to fit slimmer physical profiles, but these smaller speakers can’t deliver the sound quality of their larger counterparts. Improving audio technology also plays a role in dialogue challenges. For example, the use of digital post-processing to add or amplify environmental sounds can make it harder to hear dialogue.

Subtitles offer a solution to dialogue enhancement. By putting dialogue on-screen, viewers won’t miss a word. But this creates a secondary issue: channel overload.

Human brains use the same framework to process audio and video stimuli. If you’re watching TV, you hear people talking. If you’re reading a book you “hear” the words in your head.

The problem? Our brains can only handle one input source at a time. Turning on subtitles creates two inputs — one on the screen and one in our head — and we can’t hear both simultaneously.

Challenges with current dialogue enhancement solutions

Issues with dialogue intelligibility have led to the emergence of several tech-driven solutions over the years. Dynamic range compression (DRC) is one of the most widely used techniques and is designed to balance out audio by lowering the volume of loud sounds and increasing the volume of softer ones. However, while this approach can make dialogue easier to understand, DRC can also create unwanted effects like “pumping” which can negatively impact the listening experience.

Newer TVs may also include dialogue enhancement features that boost common speech frequencies — between 125Hz and 5,000Hz. In this instance, the dialogue may be louder, but these features can increase background noise that falls within this range. And many of these solutions are a one-size fits-all, meaning viewers are given a limited number of presets, none of which may match their needs.

In several cases, the dialogue settings are also often hard to find. They may be buried in system menus or sub-menus, making it difficult for viewers to locate and adjust quickly if they want to turn dialogue enhancement on or off.

While these innovations have moved the industry forward, there’s still opportunity to create solutions that are more user friendly, customizable and designed specifically for how people experience dialogue at home.

Conquering confusion with DTS Clear Dialogue

Enter DTS Clear Dialogue, created to solve audio confusion. Let’s take a closer look.

What it does

DTS Clear Dialogue lets users adjust the volume of only spoken words — independently from everything else — to create a more consistent viewing experience. Viewers can use presets and on-screen sliders or control dialogue levels directly from their TV remote.

How it works

The solution relies on an optimized machine learning (ML) network trained with a diverse dataset.

Machine learning algorithms are the foundation of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. They provide the content and context that AI needs to make decisions. To enhance dialogue, DTS created an ML algorithm capable of identifying dialogue from a given set of audio data. This model was then trained across multiple audio types and tested in real-world scenarios. With each audio track successfully (or unsuccessfully) processed, the model improves.

The result is a dialogue enhancement solution that can handle any audio track from any source, and its performance improves with continued use.

Why it matters

For end users, DTS Clear Dialogue offers complete control of their listening experience.

For manufacturers, the solution offers OEM-ready audio enhancements that are easy to integrate. DTS Clear Dialogue can be enabled on the same hardware used in modern television architecture, while offering substantive benefits over existing audio controls.

The biggest benefit? It’s a solution viewers will use — and love. This is a common conundrum for technology manufacturers: Despite best efforts, many applications ultimately frustrate rather than facilitate user aims. Consider word processors. While a digital mainstay, they’re often cumbersome and confusing. Streamlining key operations can lead to big market benefits. Recent data shows that Google Apps has outpaced Microsoft Office 365, in part because of its user-friendly approach.

DTS Clear Dialogue offers the same advantage for OEMs: a solution that does what users want without making it complicated, cumbersome or difficult to find.

The competitive advantage

DTS Clear Dialogue isn’t just a bonus feature or technical box to check — it’s a new approach to improving dialogue intelligibility that prioritizes viewers and puts them in control.

The result is a competitive advantage. Instead of leaving viewers to fend for themselves with subtitles or rely on third-party DSP solutions, OEMs can provide a better audio experience right out of the box. In the same way viewers now insist on the on-demand accessibility of streaming services and the high-fidelity visuals that come with modern TVs, they now want the ability to control every aspect of their audio experience, from the smallest whisper to the loudest argument to the most impactful speech.

Discover the best integrated TV audio solution for manufacturers. Get started with DTS Clear Dialogue.

The post Integrating a Dialogue Enhancement Solution People Will Actually Use — and Love appeared first on DTS.

1. Unparalleled Dialogue Clarity Through Advanced Audio Separation

Advanced audio separation lies at the heart of DTS Clear Dialogue. This technology allows the system to isolate dialogue from other audio elements, such as background music and sound effects. This isolation enables manufacturers to independently process dialogue, enhancing its clarity and presence without affecting the overall audio mix. Imagine a thrilling action movie where explosions and intense music often overshadow crucial dialogue. With DTS Clear Dialogue, viewers can clearly hear every line, even during the most intense scenes. This precise separation ensures a balanced and immersive audio experience, eliminating the frustration of muffled or lost dialogue.

2. Empowering Viewers with Real-Time Personalized Audio

Audio preferences are subjective and vary significantly among viewers. DTS Clear Dialogue recognizes this individuality and offers dynamic, user-controlled adjustments. Viewers can personalize their audio experience by adjusting dialogue levels through intuitive on-screen controls, voice commands or dedicated remote buttons. TV manufacturers can choose the interface that best aligns with their brand and target demographics, offering a truly personalized experience. This flexibility extends to accommodating diverse listening environments and individual hearing needs. Someone watching television in a noisy room, for example, can instantly boost the dialogue volume without affecting the overall sound level. This real-time control empowers viewers to tailor the audio to their specific needs, which ultimately enhances their comfort and enjoyment.

3. Universal Compatibility Across Content and Language

DTS Clear Dialogue is designed to work seamlessly across a wide range of content, languages and sources. Whether viewers are streaming the latest Hollywood blockbuster, enjoying live sports or watching local news, the technology ensures consistent dialogue clarity. This content-agnostic approach benefits both global audiences and content providers. For viewers, it means a consistently clear audio experience regardless of the program. For manufacturers, it simplifies implementation and ensures a uniform high-quality audio output across all content types. This broad compatibility makes DTS Clear Dialogue a versatile solution for diverse content libraries and international markets.

4. Driving Engagement and Unlocking Monetization Opportunities

DTS Clear Dialogue fosters greater viewer engagement by enhancing dialogue clarity and offering personalized audio control. When viewers can easily understand the dialogue, they become more immersed in the content and are likely to spend more time watching. And stronger engagement drives viewership, which in turn increases opportunities to generate post-sale revenue through enhanced advertising experiences for TV manufacturers and content providers. Clearer dialogue also improves accessibility for viewers with hearing impairments, expanding the potential audience and fostering inclusivity. By creating a more satisfying and accessible viewing experience, DTS Clear Dialogue increases viewer satisfaction and loyalty, ultimately benefiting both manufacturers and content platforms.

5. A Future-Proof Investment in Cutting-Edge Technology

It’s no surprise that in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, staying ahead of the curve is paramount. Integrating DTS Clear Dialogue equips TV manufacturers with a future-proof solution that anticipates the growing consumer demand for high-quality audio. Early adoption of this technology provides a competitive edge, differentiating products in a crowded market. As the technology matures, DTS Clear Dialogue will continue to set new standards for audio performance, ensuring manufacturers remain at the forefront of innovation. This forward-thinking approach solidifies a brand’s commitment to providing the best possible audio experience and positions it for long-term success in the ever-evolving television industry. The benefits of DTS Clear Dialogue extend beyond immediate improvements, representing a strategic investment in the future of television audio.

Unlocking Competitive Edge Through Superior Audio Clarity

DTS Clear Dialogue is more than just a feature — it’s a comprehensive solution powered by ML that addresses critical pain points for consumers and offers strategic advantages for TV manufacturers. By investing in this technology, manufacturers can deliver superior audio clarity, cultivate stronger brand loyalty and differentiate their products in a competitive market.

Ready to elevate the TV audio experience? Learn more about how integrating DTS Clear Dialogue can set your brand apart and make every word crystal clear.

The post 5 Reasons DTS Clear Dialogue Is a Game Changer for TV Audio appeared first on DTS.

Why TV dialogue has become difficult to follow

Dialogue intelligibility, or how easily viewers understand spoken words on TV, isn’t just a matter of turning up the volume. It’s about clarity and the various factors that affect audio quality. These seven key problems help explain why so many viewers now rely on subtitles:

1. Slim TVs with compromised sound: Today’s ultra-thin TVs often sacrifice speaker quality for sleek, aesthetically pleasing design. While digital signal processing (DSP) attempts to compensate, it can inadvertently hinder dialogue clarity.

2. Artistic vision vs. home reality: Directors often prioritize immersive audio experiences. However, what sounds crystal clear in a professional studio with high-end equipment may not translate well to a typical home setup. And downmixing surround sound to stereo can muddy dialogue even further.

3. Compressed production timelines: There’s pressure to create and deliver content under tight budgets and deadlines, often deprioritizing nuanced audio mixing for diverse listening environments. The result? Dialogue that is heard poorly across real-world listening environments, especially in acoustically challenging home living rooms.

4. Environment noise masks TV dialogue: Households are constantly filled with competing noise sources, from HVAC systems to kitchen appliances and traffic. In open-concept homes, ambient noise severely reduces dialogue intelligibility. Raising the volume isn’t always a solution, given noise-sensitive settings like apartment walls or sleeping children.

5. Language barriers: Regional accents, rapid speech and multilingual content are increasingly common in global TV entertainment. While they add authenticity to the screen, they also elevate the comprehension needed, with viewers relying on subtitles that can distract from the overall immersive experience.

6. Aging viewers and hearing loss: With a growing percentage of the audience over 60, age-related hearing loss highlights a significant factor in dialogue clarity. Current audio personalization tools often fall short of effectively serving this demographic and others who are hard of hearing.

7. Inconsistent audio across platforms: Viewers engage with content across multiple platforms, each with its own audio encoding practices. This lack of standardization leads to fragmented dialogue levels and forces viewers to manually adjust, undermining satisfaction and perceived quality.

Turning challenges into innovations for OEMs

Addressing these challenges presents a golden opportunity for TV OEMs to elevate their products and lead the market. Here’s how OEMs can innovate:

Advanced audio processing: Moving beyond basic DSP, manufacturers can integrate sophisticated audio processing technologies, leveraging AI and machine learning to dynamically enhance dialogue clarity while preserving the overall audio experience. This could involve algorithms that intelligently identify and separate dialogue from background noise or adaptive volume control that automatically adjusts based on the content and ambient noise levels.

Personalized sound profiles: OEMs can develop personalized sound profiles to better serve the growing hard-of-hearing population. These profiles could be customized based on individual hearing tests or user preferences, allowing viewers to tailor the audio output to their specific needs, potentially integrating with hearing aids or other assistive devices.

Room correction technology: OEMs can incorporate room correction technology to address the impact of room acoustics. This involves analyzing the room’s acoustic properties using microphones and adjusting the TV’s audio output to compensate for reflections and other distortions, delivering a more balanced and clear sound regardless of the listening environment.

Partnerships and content optimization: OEMs can collaborate with content creators and streaming platforms to establish consistent audio standards and optimize audio tracks for diverse playback environments. This collaborative approach ensures that content is delivered with optimal audio clarity across different platforms, minimizing the need for viewers to constantly adjust settings.

Elevating the viewing experience

OEMs that take the lead on solving dialogue intelligibility challenges aren’t just improving sound quality — they’re redefining the viewing experience. By first addressing the root causes of poor audio clarity, manufacturers can deliver the premium, frustration-free experience consumers expect today, enhance user satisfaction and differentiate offerings. This proactive strategy positions OEMs as leaders in innovation, transforming the viewing experience and setting new standards for audio clarity excellence in entertainment.

Discover how DTS Clear Dialogue is designed to help OEMs put this strategy into action — tackling audio clarity issues at the source and keeping viewers off the subtitles.

The post 7 Causes of Dialogue Intelligibility Issues and the Innovation Opportunities for OEMs appeared first on DTS.

The shortcomings of traditional dialogue enhancement methods

Traditional methods of dialogue enhancement, while helpful to a degree, have often fallen short of delivering a truly satisfying audio experience:

• Dynamic range compression (DRC), a common audio processing technique that makes loud sounds quieter and quiet sounds louder, can introduce unwanted “pumping” effects where the volume seems to fluctuate unnaturally, or worse, suppress the dialogue it’s intended to enhance.
  
  
• Dialogue enhancement filters, which boost frequencies associated with speech (typically between 125Hz and 5,000Hz), can sometimes improve clarity, but they also impact other audio elements like background music and sound effects, resulting in a less balanced and immersive soundscape.
  
  
• Dialogue boosting technologies, which provide alternative audio mixes optimized for clearer speech, are often limited to specific platforms, languages and content, restricting their effectiveness.
  
  
• While personalization holds promise, creating tailored soundtracks based on individual preferences requires separating dialogue, music and effects (DME) into discrete tracks — a process that, though effective, demands significant storage and is impractical for every viewing scenario.

The power of machine learning for dialogue enhancement

ML offers a powerful new way to improve dialogue that overcomes these limitations. Unlike digital signal processing (DSP) techniques, ML models can be trained to recognize acoustic patterns and distinguish between dialogue, music and sound effects with remarkable accuracy. This level of understanding allows for a more nuanced and precise approach to enhancing dialogue clarity.

By learning the complex interplay between these audio elements, ML algorithms can intelligently “unmix” the audio, creating a clearer separation between speech and background sounds. This process offers greater flexibility for personalization and customization, allowing viewers to tailor their audio experience to specific preferences and listening environments. It also minimizes any unwanted side effects, preserving the integrity of the overall soundscape while significantly improving dialogue intelligibility.

DTS Clear Dialogue: A new era of audio clarity

DTS Clear Dialogue is a prime example of how audio ML can revolutionize the television viewing experience. This solution leverages on-device AI-based audio processing and a deep learning network trained on diverse datasets to ensure its effectiveness across a wide range of content and listening scenarios. This extensive training allows the model to:

• Identify, separate and enhance dialogue to increase intelligibility
  
  
• Personalize audio experiences by allowing customers to control the dialogue volume level on demand
  
  
• Deliver customizable, consistent and reliable audio performance regardless of the source material

DTS Clear Dialogue tackles dialogue intelligibility challenges head-on by addressing the interplay between speech, background music and effects. By isolating and enhancing dialogue, this technology improves the clarity of spoken language, ensuring viewers can easily follow conversations without straining to hear or constantly adjusting the volume. With clean sound comes a better viewing experience, drawing audiences deeper into the story and letting them appreciate the subtleties of the audio mix.

A strategic advantage for TV manufacturers

Embracing AI-powered audio solutions like DTS Clear Dialogue is not just a technical upgrade — it’s a strategic move for TV manufacturers. By addressing one of the most common viewer complaints — poor dialogue intelligibility — manufacturers can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. In a competitive market, superior audio quality is a key differentiator.

AI-powered solutions are highly scalable and compatible with existing hardware, making them a practical choice for manufacturers looking to future-proof products. They deliver a user-centric experience that prioritizes both accessibility and personalization, catering to the needs and preferences of today’s viewers. By investing in these cutting-edge technologies, manufacturers can exceed evolving consumer demands, positioning themselves at the forefront of innovation in the television industry.

Ready to revolutionize audio and deliver frustration-free viewing experiences? Discover how DTS Clear Dialogue can help you stand out with unmatched dialogue intelligibility.

The post Harnessing Machine Learning to Solve TV’s Biggest Sound Problem — Dialogue Intelligibility appeared first on DTS.

IMAX’s exclusive expanded aspect ratio brings you closer to every heroic moment. On supported devices, IMAX Enhanced sound by DTS delivers the full dynamic range of the original theatrical soundtrack, creating a truly immersive experience for Disney+ subscribers.

What to Expect:

• More Picture: See more of the action with IMAX’s expanded aspect ratio
• Heart-Pounding Audio: DTS-powered audio makes you feel the action
• More immersion: IMAX Enhanced provides a truly immersive experience at home

From intense close-quarters fights to sweeping global battles, Captain America: Brave New World is a must-watch in the Marvel Cinematic Universe—now joining the catalog of 18 fan-favorite Marvel films available with IMAX Enhanced sound by DTS. It’s the ultimate way to enjoy the action at home.

To experience IMAX Enhanced sound by DTS, an IMAX Enhanced-certified TV, soundbar or AV receiver is required. Certified devices from brands like Sony, Hisense, TCL, Xiaomi, Denon, Marantz and JBL support IMAX Enhanced sound by DTS for a fully immersive experience.

Are you ready to unleash the full power of IMAX at home and offer an exclusive benefit to your consumers? Connect with our team to learn more about IMAX Enhanced.

Disney+ subscription required. Device and feature limitations apply for IMAX Enhanced sound; enhanced sound feature not available for all titles, territories, devices, or languages. © 2025 MARVEL

The post Now Streaming in IMAX® Enhanced on Disney+: Captain America: Brave New World appeared first on DTS.

Several core questions can be considered to assess whether a solution is the right fit. Ideally, the right solution will fix key challenges, adapt to diverse user needs, and align with market demands for innovative and accessible audio technology.  

The below checklist covers five essential factors manufacturers should consider when choosing a solution:  

To learn how you can help improve the television experience by making dialogue more intelligible with DTS Clear Dialogue, download the full e-book, “What Did They Just Say? How Machine Learning Gives TV Audiences the Audio Experience They Want”.  

Download the eBook 

The post Improving Dialogue Clarity: A Checklist for TV Manufacturers  appeared first on DTS.

Recently we introduced DTS Clear Dialogue, which uses AI-based processing to identify and separate dialogue from other audio elements of the program. The solution allows viewers to personalize their experience by empowering them to adjust the volume between dialogue and non-dialogue audio to meet their unique listening needs.

Of course, talking about DTS Clear Dialogue and seeing it – or hearing it – in action are two different things. To best experience the benefits of DTS Clear Dialogue, we have created a video that really brings this important and engaging feature to life.

The video includes the multiple ways a TV OEM may choose to present DTS Clear Dialogue to their customer, whether it’s via a dedicated button on the remote or with a volume control overlay. And because DTS Clear Dialogue is content agnostic, the video shows how the product works for both dramatic content as well as live sports.

Watch an exclusive product walk through to hear DTS Clear Dialogue in action.

TAKE ME TO THE VIDEO

The post Hear DTS Clear Dialogue in Action appeared first on DTS.

It’s a common issue. According to an Xperi survey, 84% of viewers report difficulties understanding on-screen dialogue.

Even with large screens and stunning visuals, it is a stark reminder for TV manufacturers that audio quality remains a critical part of the viewing experience. If the televisions you’re putting on the market today aren’t delivering on dialogue clarity, it may be time to rethink your approach.

The changing landscape of dialogue clarity

When users can’t understand dialogue, they’re left frustrated. They may even decide that their television doesn’t meet their needs. The dialogue intelligibility challenge isn’t new for manufacturers, but traditional post-processing solutions, distribution formats, and alternate soundtracks often fall short. Emerging machine learning (ML)-powered technologies have shifted the conversation and created new options.

In a competitive home entertainment market, audio quality has become a major differentiator. It is increasingly shaping buying decisions, with 94% of respondents in an Xperi and Opinium Research survey prioritizing it ahead of screen size or video resolution. Manufacturers should ask: Are our products delivering the dialogue clarity customers want?

How audiences consume content has also evolved, directly impacting expectations for sound quality. Viewers watch content from multiple sources and on multi-device setups, leading to inconsistent audio experiences in a fragmented content landscape. On top of that, they’re watching TV in busy homes with competing noises, like humming appliances, laughing children or barking dogs. Consumers also have unique needs, such as:

• Watching late at night and keeping the volume low to avoid disturbing others.
• Living in apartments with thin walls, limiting how much they can turn up the volume.
• Watching content in unfamiliar languages, increasing the need for clear, precise dialogue.
• Neurodivergence, sight impairments, or other challenges that lead to the need for highly personalized audio settings.

Demographics also shape audio preferences and needs. A study from the Fraunhofer Institute found that 90% of people over 60 struggle with dialogue clarity — a significant insight, considering that the World Health Organization (WHO) projects this population will reach 1.4 billion by 2030. Hearing challenges of all types are on the rise. By 2050, the WHO estimates 2.5 billion people worldwide will experience some degree of hearing impairment. Even younger viewers, including Gen Z and millennials, have their preferences, seeking intuitive solutions that provide crystal-clear audio as they multitask. TV manufacturers have a strong business case to address dialogue clarity across customer audiences.

Behavioral trends for TV manufacturers to understand

Many viewers rely on subtitles to understand dialogue. According to the Xperi survey, up to 77% report turning them on, with 30% using them all or most of the time. While subtitles provide a temporary solution, they disrupt immersion. Consumers may also toggle the volume up and down, creating frustration and reducing engagement. When that doesn’t work, they might turn to the settings. However, audiences expect “set it and forget it” solutions. Complicated menus and manual adjustments add friction to the viewing experience.

The bottom line? Frustrated viewers aren’t just adjusting the volume and settings — they’re questioning the value of their televisions and exploring alternative devices or platforms. Manufacturers looking to build brand trust and maintain audience engagement can use these behavioral trends to help identify the most effective solutions.

What do viewers need from dialogue intelligibility solutions?

Solving the dialogue clarity problem requires a solution that aligns with audience expectations and behaviors. Four key considerations emerge:

1. Clarity without complexity: Viewers want solutions that automatically offer clear dialogue — without constant manual adjustments or toggling between settings. For manufacturers, that points to the need for context and content-aware solutions that dynamically adjust to environmental factors.
2. Customizability: Audiences are interested in intuitive controls, such as sliders or dedicated buttons, that allow them to enhance dialogue levels based on their needs. Choose solutions that can be delivered in various ways and fit your brand. For example, 38% of viewers were interested in a dedicated remote-control button, according to a Xperi survey.
3. Consistency across content: Audiences consume content across platforms, including streaming, cable and more. They’re interested in a consistent audio experience regardless of platform or source.
4. Inclusivity: Solutions must address diverse needs, including hearing impairments, language barriers and different viewing environments. The greater personalization that solutions can deliver, the more effectively they meet the needs of different customer segments.

Emerging technologies offer a competitive edge

Addressing dialogue clarity means meeting audience expectations for a seamless, frustration-free experience. Innovative technologies powered by machine learning help manufacturers deliver crystal-clear dialogue across all types of content, environments and demographics.

ML-powered solutions have unlocked new capabilities for separating audio tracks into dialogue, music and effects. On-device solutions, such as DTS Clear Dialogue, work with existing TV chipsets. Manufacturers can integrate advanced dialogue clarity technology without costly redesigns, delays or additional engineering efforts.

The opportunity is clear: In the Xperi survey, 79% of buyers expressed interest in purchasing a television with built-in DTS Clear Dialogue technology. Opt for next-generation solutions that align with audience needs, drive satisfaction and set you apart in the competitive home entertainment market. The time to take the viewing experience — and your brand — to the next level is now.

Download our e-book on how OEMs can take advantage of ML to create better audio experiences here.

The post Clear Audio: Understanding Audience Expectations for Dialogue Intelligibility appeared first on DTS.

84% of viewers report difficulty understanding TV dialogue. It’s time for TV manufacturers to deliver the crystal-clear audio consumers expect.

DTS Clear Dialogue uses machine learning to enhance clarity, personalization and accessibility.

In our latest e-book, you’ll learn:

• Why traditional solutions like subtitles and volume adjustments fall short of consumer expectations and fail to solve dialogue intelligibility issues.
• How machine learning (ML) powered technologies are transforming dialogue clarity through precision, personalization and accessibility.
• The business case for TV manufacturers to invest in innovative sound solutions to differentiate products and drive customer satisfaction.
• What to look for when selecting a strategic solution for dialogue intelligibility.

Download the e-book now and stay ahead in the audio experience game!

The post What Did They Just Say? How Machine Learning Gives TV Audiences the Audio Experience They Want appeared first on DTS.

What is DTS Clear Dialogue?

One of the highlights of our participation was showcasing DTS Clear Dialogue, a groundbreaking solution designed to enhance audio clarity. DTS Clear Dialogue focuses on isolating and amplifying dialogue in audio content, ensuring that every word is heard with crystal-clear precision. This technology is particularly beneficial in environments with background noise, making it easier for listeners to follow conversations without straining.

Martin Walsh’s Keynote Session

Our very own Martin Walsh, VP of Audio Research & Development, Xperi took the stage during a keynote session AI-Enhanced TV Audio: Clearer Dialogue, Better Sound to delve deeper into the capabilities of DTS Clear Dialogue. His presentation highlighted why there’s an industry need for a universal solution to unclear dialogue, the technical innovations behind our solution and demonstrated its real-world applications. Attendees were impressed by the live demonstrations, which showcased how DTS Clear Dialogue can transform the listening experience and switch off the subtitles again.

“It was great to introduce the reasons why it’s so much more difficult to understanding what’s being said on TV these days and then watching a room full of people realize that its not just them!” Said Martin Walsh after the event. He continued “It was equally rewarding to watch them then acknowledge the difference Clear Dialogue technology will make towards solving that problem when they heard the demo.“

Watch Keynote Recording Here

Watch Fireside Chat Here

Event Highlights

The Futuresource Audio Collaborative event was a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with other professionals in the audio industry. We engaged in insightful discussions, explored new partnerships, and gained valuable feedback on our products. The event also featured a series of panels and workshops that covered a wide range of topics, from the impact of upcoming product passport legislation on the audio device supply chain to the story behind KEF’s new Music Gallery in London.

Overall, our experience at the Futuresource Audio Collaborative event was incredibly rewarding. We are excited to continue pushing the boundaries of audio technology and look forward to sharing more innovations with you in the future.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights from DTS!

Get in touch with us: getconnected.emea@xperi.com

The post Enhancing Audio Clarity: DTS Clear Dialogue at Audio Collaborative 2024 in London appeared first on DTS.

The Problem: A Widespread Challenge

Dialogue Confusion: It’s all too common for viewers to miss crucial plot points because they can’t hear what characters are saying. This disconnect not only affects enjoyment but also overall engagement with the content.

Caption Dependency: When viewers turn to captions, they often miss out on other critical audio elements, such as background scores and sound effects. This reliance diminishes the immersive experience that high-quality audio can provide.

Environmental Factors: Background noise—whether it’s the hum of appliances, street sounds or even the chatter of family members—can drown out dialogue, leaving viewers frustrated.

The Solution: DTS Clear Dialogue Powered by AI

Enter DTS Clear Dialogue, a groundbreaking solution that leverages AI-based audio processing to transform how we experience sound in home entertainment. Here’s how it works:

• Dialogue Separation: DTS Clear Dialogue uses advanced technology to separate speech from background audio, isolating and enhancing dialogue for crystal-clear sound.
• Language Inclusivity & Content Agnosticism: Our deep learning model is designed to work across various languages and content types, ensuring that everyone can benefit from improved dialogue intelligibility.
• Customization for TV OEMs: Manufacturers can integrate this flexible technology into their products, providing customizable options for consumers to tailor their audio experience.

Consumer Benefits: A Personalized Audio Experience

DTS Clear Dialogue isn’t just about technology; it’s about enhancing the viewer’s experience in meaningful ways. TV manufacturers can integrate the solution into their products to offer:

• Optimized Audio Control: Users can easily adjust dialogue volume, ensuring that speech is always at the forefront, even amidst rich soundscapes.
• Personal Profiles: Create customized profiles that cater to individual preferences, allowing for distinct dialogue and non-dialogue settings based on what works best for each viewer.
• Addressing Hearing Impairment: DTS Clear Dialogue can significantly assist those with hearing impairments, providing them with a better understanding of dialogue without needing captions.
• Intuitive User Experience: The on-device, on-demand interface makes it easy for anyone to enhance their viewing experience without navigating complex settings.

Conclusion: A New Era of Home Entertainment

As technology continues to evolve, so should our viewing experiences. DTS Clear Dialogue offers a powerful solution to one of the most significant challenges in home entertainment today—understanding onscreen dialogue. With its innovative AI-driven approach, consumers can finally enjoy their favorite shows and movies without missing a word.

The post Unlocking DTS Clear Dialogue: Revolutionizing Home Entertainment appeared first on DTS.

1. Superior Speech Clarity

DTS Clear Dialogue excels at isolating and enhancing dialogue by separating it from the background audio, ensuring that speech remains clear even amidst complex soundscapes. For films, series or sports, this technology allows viewers to better grasp essential dialogue without distraction. The result is a more engaged audience that fully comprehends the narrative.

2. A Personalized Audio Experience

One common frustration among viewers is the need to constantly adjust volume levels due to fluctuating audio quality. Clear Dialogue minimizes this issue by balancing sound levels, allowing for a seamless listening experience. This translates to reduced viewer dissatisfaction and increased content consumption, as audiences can enjoy shows without the annoyance of manual volume changes.

3. Developed with a priority on Accessibility

By improving dialogue clarity, Clear Dialogue enhances accessibility for diverse audiences, including those with hearing impairments or non-native speakers. For TV manufacturers committed to inclusivity, integrating this technology can expand viewership and demonstrate a dedication to providing quality content for all.

4. Language Inclusive and Content Agnostic

Leveraging AI-based audio processing and machine learning, DTS Clear Dialogue identifies and extracts dialogue and detects what needs to be enhanced so listeners can better understand it. Clear Dialogue is inclusive of any language and agnostic to any content type – movies, TV shows, sports and live events.

As the demand for high-quality audio experiences in media continues to rise, TV manufacturers are looking to leverage technologies like DTS Clear Dialogue to enhance viewer engagement and satisfaction. By improving speech clarity, reducing volume-related frustrations, and promoting accessibility, this technology provides a competitive edge in the media landscape. Investing in DTS Clear Dialogue is not just an enhancement—it’s a strategic move toward delivering superior experiences that resonates with audiences.

Watch DTS Clear Dialogue in action.

The post Improving the Consumer Audio Experience: The Benefits of DTS Clear Dialogue appeared first on DTS.

What DTS Clear Dialogue does

Everyone can relate to the all too common experience of struggling to understand what people are saying on TV. Subtitles can help, but reading words on the screen takes away from the enjoyment of watching TV unencumbered. DTS Clear Dialogue improves the understandability of spoken language by allowing viewers to adjust the volume of the dialogue itself. Quite simply, DTS Clear Dialogue puts an end to the question “what did they just say?”.                             

How DTS Clear Dialogue works

DTS Clear Dialogue uses a number of different techniques to improve dialogue intelligibility. For starters, it separates dialogue from background audio. This is accomplished by leveraging proprietary AI-based audio processing to first identify, then separate and finally enhance spoken dialogue from any given audio track.

Next, because dialogue intelligibility affects viewers in different ways, DTS Clear Dialogue gives people the ability to personalize the experience by allowing them to adjust the dialogue volume to meet their individual listening needs. Many current solutions are a one-size-fits all approach with a subpar and complicated user experience. DTS Clear Dialogue bucks that trend by offering various levels of personalization, dependent on the implementation selected by the TV manufacturer.

Not everyone speaks the same language or watches the same kinds of shows of course. So DTS Clear Dialogue has been developed to work across various languages and content sources. This language-inclusive and content-agnostic approach means DTS Clear Dialogue will improve dialogue intelligibility for anyone watching movies, TV shows, sports and live events, through either streaming services or broadcast.

Finally, DTS Clear Dialogue offers an incredibly flexible integration for TV manufacturers. This lets them decide how to best incorporate the solution into their devices.

Who DTS Clear Dialogue is for

As alluded to above, this solution is really for everyone. The issue of dialogue intelligibility affects people who watch TV around the world. To reach them, we’re working directly with the TV manufacturers themselves first. The TV OEM will ultimately own the user experience and can control how they want to present this feature to their customers.

For example, one possible solution for manufacturers is to create a dedicated button on the TV remote just for dialogue. Another could be to use voice commands such as “increase dialogue volume” or adding dialogue volume control to the existing TV volume overlay for easy and intuitive access to the feature.

Example volume control for demonstration purposes

The AI, and DTS, difference

At DTS, we’ve spent decades developing and implementing the exact kind of expertise and knowledge around audio, audio-processing and advancements in AI and machine learning techniques to create something like DTS Clear Dialogue. It’s a revolutionary solution, years in the making, to a long-running problem.

DTS Clear Dialogue is trained on an extensive dataset of all kinds of audio scenes and examples, which allows it to identify and separate spoken dialogue from other audio elements for any incoming audio stream, and then apply our intelligibility processing to it. The results are immediately obvious, especially when combined with today’s TVs that are more powerful than ever and capable of running complex operations like a neural network which is part of the technical foundation of this product.

And while our initial focus has been on TVs, we’re already looking at offering this solution to other device categories in the near future. Right now we’re excited that our SDK is readily available today and are working with relevant chip partners to make DTS Clear Dialogue available to all the television manufacturers, and their customers, out there and waiting.

Stay up to speed on this new solution by signing up for the DTS Home Entertainment newsletter here.

The post Introducing DTS Clear Dialogue appeared first on DTS.

From watching content in 4K HDR to high frame rates, and on massive screens that are no thicker than a pencil. And it’s not just about the picture. Today’s audio is streamed in high-fidelity, multi-channel and object-based surround sound.

If everything is so great, why are so many people having so much trouble hearing and understanding dialogue on their televisions? DTS recently surveyed 1,200 people and found that a whopping 84% have experienced issues understanding dialogue while watching TV shows and movies. That led to 77% of those same respondents to use captions or subtitles at some point, with nearly one in three (30%) people saying they always or often have them turned on. No matter how you look at it, that’s a lot of people having trouble with dialogue intelligibility.

It’s true subtitles can point to other, more subjective issues like hearing loss, which is experienced in different ways and to varying degrees. Language and dialect differences can also lead to more subtitle use. But those issues alone don’t account for the large degree that subtitle usage has increased, especially when we consider that it actually requires more brain power to watch a program with subtitles than without. How can we explain why this is happening, and how can we address the problem of dialogue intelligibility directly?

Multiple factors feed into the problem

There’s no doubt that televisions have gotten remarkably better, and notably thinner, over the years. The bigger and flatter the television is, however, can pose challenges to overall speaker quality and have adverse effects on the audio output from those speakers. Even audio processing technologies like virtual surround sound and dynamic range compression that attempt to improve sound quality can inadvertently affect dialogue if not tuned properly.

Beyond the television itself, post-production practices can also play a part in dialogue intelligibility. More and more soundtracks are being mixed for multiple channels of audio, with one channel primarily devoted to dialogue. These immersive sound mixes are often downmixed to stereo when played over a regular television. The problem is that the downmix process can lead to a situation where the combination of downmixed channels may mask the dialogue and make it more difficult to understand.

Finally, even the consumer’s home plays a part. Changes in the average home means they are likely to be more reverberant than before. An abundance of appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, air conditioners and dryers create more in-home noise pollution. Environmental sounds, both interior and exterior, can mask important dialogue especially if that dialogue is reproduced at lower levels.

Solutions are falling short

While DSP-based (digital signal processor) solutions have been available in television more recently, they’ve not proven to adequately solve the issue of dialogue intelligibility. Traditional dialogue enhancements algorithms do boost audio frequencies associated with dialogue and have proven to improve intelligibility for people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. But when background sounds are mixed with the dialogue, both dialogue and the non-dialogue get the same boost so the situation is not much better.

Delivering bespoke television mixes to the home that are more dialogue-forward and have lower dynamic ranges between quiet and loud sounds is a possible solve. The issue with this approach is that it’s a one-size-fits-all solution for a problem that’s more subjective, improving the experience for some, diminishing the experience for others.

Making the dialogue track available as a separate audio stream is another approach worth considering. It would allow the consumer to control the dialogue-to-background ratio based on their preferences, hearing needs or environmental noises. Unfortunately, this approach requires the content creators themselves to adopt new workflows, which they may or may not be willing to do. And it doesn’t address the issue of legacy content that would have to somehow be retrofitted to deliver the same benefits.

AI + machine learning can make the difference

AI and machine learning are more than just industry buzzwords. Recent developments in audio machine learning have made it possible to separate audio content into component parts. That means unmixing tech can now separate dialogue from non-dialogue components within any type of content, without the need to involve the content creators at all.

These techniques don’t just work for new content. The processes to separate dialogue can be used on any audio content ever made in the past century – going all the way back to 1927 and the first “talkie”, The Jazz Singer. The best part is that once the dialogue has been separated, it can be processed with minimal consequence to the original artistic intent. What’s more, the amount of processing applied can be user controlled, either based on their preferences or environmental noise, or even the nature of the mix.

So where is the technology that actually brings these techniques and processes to life? Well, it’s coming soon. This exciting new tech will, for the first time, enable dialogue to be processed independently from the rest of the soundtrack, thus enabling viewers to focus less on trying to understand dialogue and more on being wowed and entertained by what’s being said.

Stay tuned for more news about this exciting development in dialogue intelligibility and stay up to speed by signing up for the DTS Home Entertainment newsletter here.

The post Using AI and Machine Learning to Clear the Fog of Dialogue appeared first on DTS.

How is Sony bringing cinematic experiences to the home?

Sony as a company prides itself on its long history of elevating consumer experiences at home through all our products and consumer touchpoints. As we think about the future of at-home experiences, a big area of focus is figuring out how to improve the audio-visual experience even more. As in what is the next “wow factor” that we can introduce? And so, in the last few years as we started to move from standard def to high def to a 4K world, we’ve challenged ourselves to discover the next iteration beyond 4K that could really enhance and elevate consumer experiences.

With so many options out there, how does Sony set itself apart?

There are a lot of TV manufacturers on the market. So being different and elevating beyond what is available in the marketplace is important. About five years ago, working closely with DTS and IMAX, we really set what I believe is a new standard in home entertainment with the launch of IMAX Enhanced titles on select certified devices.

What role does sound play in that experience?

People often only think about picture quality. And we do pride ourselves on providing the best picture. But the reality is, sound is equally important. We already have the best picture performance in our new BRAVIA range of XR TVs, so it’s important that we don’t forget the importance of the audio.

What does the content partnership with IMAX Enhanced look like?

Currently, Sony Pictures Entertainment has the largest IMAX Enhanced catalog of content in the world. These are films that have been digitally remastered with IMAX’s proprietary DMR technology and feature IMAX’s expanded aspect ratio (on select films and scenes only), delivered in 4k HDR with DTS:X audio. We spent a lot of time remastering our catalog of content with IMAX and today we’re proud to now offer an expansive IMAX Enhanced library of films. And that library is continuously growing.

What about regional availability?

The nice part about our relationship with DTS and IMAX is we aren’t just thinking about serving the English-speaking markets, but also localization. So, in addition to our IMAX Enhanced collection of 300 or so movies, we also offer localization to the key territories and markets where we want to deliver our movies and experiences.

How does the IMAX Enhanced program work for Sony BRAVIA TVs? 

To be part of the IMAX Enhanced program, Sony BRAVIA TVs go through a series of rigorous tests to become IMAX Enhanced-certified. Sony BRAVIA TVs also have a unique feature called IMAX mode which senses when IMAX Enhanced content is played back through the Sony Pictures Core app and automatically adjusts the settings to optimize that content for the best viewing experience possible. Viewers don’t have to lift a finger.

What has consumer feedback been like?

We recently did a demonstration where we specifically showed a scene from an IMAX Enhanced film with DTS:X audio and there was definitely a moment where you’re sitting in that room watching these action scenes and you feel the hair on the back of your neck stand up and you’re like ‘we did that.’ And that is something that is truly special. At the end of it, a number of people said, “Oh, I need one of those Sony TVs in my house, and I definitely need to upgrade my audio system.”

Watch highlights from the interview:

To learn more about the IMAX Enhanced program, check out the official website and the following Q&A featuring Sven Mevissen, Director of Product Management at DTS, and Deston Bennett, Senior Director, Business Development & Partnerships at IMAX Streaming and Consumer Technology.

The post How Sony is Elevating the Home Entertainment Experience with IMAX Enhanced appeared first on DTS.

“What did they just say?!”

It’s a common refrain in most households because dialogue intelligibility is a large and growing problem in home entertainment.

Defining dialogue intelligibility

What is dialogue intelligibility anyway? It’s basically the clarity and comprehensibility of spoken dialogue in television shows, movies and videos. In other words, it’s the ability to understand the speech – or dialogue as we say in the industry – without straining to hear. When dialogue intelligibility is good you can easily follow the storyline and grasp important details without missing anything because of poor sound quality, background noise, individual hearing ability or environmental issues.

Difficulties of understanding dialogue today

Dialogue intelligibility has become an increasingly frustrating issue in home entertainment for several reasons. For starters, today’s TVs feature sleek designs and thinner profiles that leave little room for high-quality loudspeakers. There’s also an overall emphasis on picture quality over acoustical performance in TV manufacturing. Post-processing audio solutions intended to address these issues often fall short and can even unintentionally affect dialogue clarity.

Content creation plays a role in dialogue intelligibility as well. Production budgets have shrunk while delivery requirements have gone up, meaning there’s both less time and money to optimize audio for home entertainment. Sometimes creative decisions prioritize artistic expression over dialogue clarity. Plus, most content is created in and optimized for ideal studio settings that don’t reflect the average person’s TV room or entertainment system.

Beyond manufacturers and creators, we also have to take into account the listener’s hearing abilities. A Fraunhofer survey showed that 68% of all study participants have problems understanding dialogue and 90% of people over age 60 have difficulty. Improving dialogue intelligibility, and creating individualized solutions for different stages of hearing impairment, becomes even more critical as the population ages.

Finally, we have to look at environmental conditions that affect dialogue intelligibility. External factors like street noise, HVAC systems, traffic, and landscaping can certainly make it harder to hear and understand dialogue clearly. But internal factors like small living spaces, close neighbors or sleeping children can also constrain volume levels to a point where it’s hard to hear what people are saying on TV.

The search for solutions

With multiple factors creating dialogue intelligibility problems it can be difficult to know exactly how to get started looking for solutions. So we begin by defining a clear problem statement, a rallying cry so to speak, that allows different teams to align on the problem and later collaborate on a solution.

For dialogue intelligibility, our problem statement is actually born from the question at the top of this piece: “What did they just say?” It’s a simple question we can all relate to because most people have experienced issues understanding dialogue at some point in their viewing history. And it’s a simple question that accurately describes the customer’s overall problem, dialogue intelligibility.

With the problem statement in hand the R&D teams now have wide latitude to approach potential solutions, while product management provides insight into the living room experience, content production challenges and customer empathy. The collaboration between the two helps ensure that solutions we develop are both technically sound and aligned with customer expectations and market demands. Our teams have been working diligently on finding solutions that do just that, and more.

Keep an eye out for more updates around dialogue intelligibility by signing up for our DTS Home Entertainment newsletter here.

The post “What did they just say?” The Challenge of Dialogue appeared first on DTS.

IMAX Enhanced delivers an elevated streaming experience in the home and beyond with the highest fidelity IMAX picture and heart-pounding immersive sound by DTS, ensuring creative intent is fully optimized and preserved for an IMAX-quality presentation. DTS:X, a DTS audio solution, preserves the full dynamic range of the theatrical mix, allowing sound to move freely around the listener for a more dynamic and immersive presentation.

How do I get access to the IMAX Enhanced sound by DTS:X audio version on Disney+?

To enjoy DTS:X enabled titles on Disney+, you’ll need a DTS:X enabled Android/Google TV at launch, with additional platform support coming soon.

Will my existing DTS enabled AVR/Soundbar deliver IMAX Enhanced sound by DTS?

Absolutely! As long as they’re connected to a DTS:X enabled TV running Android/Google TV.

Are IMAX Enhanced certified devices required to get access to content on Disney+?

IMAX Enhanced certified devices are always recommended to get the most out of the experience, but they are not required to access IMAX Enhanced content on Disney+.

Disney+ subscription required. Device and feature limitations apply for IMAX Enhanced sound; enhanced sound feature not available for all titles, territories, devices, or languages. ®IMAX Corp. © DTS, Inc.

The post Frequently Asked Questions – IMAX Enhanced sound with DTS:X appeared first on DTS.

In this episode, we hear from Marvel Studios’ own Chris Russell, VP Post Production, and Evan Jacobs, Creative Finishing Supervisor. Both Chris and Evan discuss the importance of storytelling in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and how sound is a critical piece of it.

In addition to learning from two Marvel experts, the episode also includes valuable insights from Loren Nielsen, VP Content and Strategy at DTS and Bruce Markoe, SVP, head of Post Production at IMAX.

Watch the episode and learn more about the power of IMAX Enhanced sound.

Stay up to speed on the latest news for IMAX Enhanced by subscribing to our Home Entertainment newsletter!

Disney+ subscription required. Device and feature limitations apply for IMAX Enhanced sound; enhanced sound feature not available for all titles, territories, devices, or languages. ©️ Disney and its related entities.

The post DTS Craft Masters: Go Behind the Scenes of Your Favorite Marvel Studios Movies Now with IMAX Enhanced Sound by DTS appeared first on DTS.

What exactly is IMAX Enhanced? 

Deston Bennett: IMAX Enhanced is an elevated home entertainment offering brought to life through a partnership between IMAX and DTS to deliver a consumer experience that’s unrivaled in the market today. It consists of a content experience that delivers exclusive IMAX versions of the films coupled with best-in-class certified devices for an optimized IMAX quality presentation in the home. 

How does IMAX Enhanced bring the theatrical IMAX experience home? 

Deston Bennett: We take our exclusive versions of IMAX films and bring them into the home on streaming services with specific features and benefits like expanded aspect ratio that take our 1.43 and 1.90 versions from the theaters into the home on televisions and handheld devices. That’s coupled with the IMAX Enhanced sound delivered via DTS technology, which takes our theatrical 12 channel or 5 channel audio and reconfigures it for high performance device playback. 

How is IMAX Enhanced different from other streamed content? 

Sven Mevissen: IMAX Enhanced is not just a format, it’s a unique ecosystem combining both exclusive content and device certification. What further sets it apart is its optimized playback scenario, where the content triggers certain playback modes on those devices, like TVs and AVRs. That means consumers at home don’t have to push various buttons to make sure their TV is set to the right picture mode or their AVRs and soundbars are set up correctly.  

How can an in-market consumer tell which devices will deliver the best IMAX experience? 

Deston Bennett: Our certified devices are branded IMAX Enhanced. That means they’ve gone through a certification assessment involving a strict review process designed by IMAX and DTS and other Hollywood experts to qualify the technical performance of those devices. So whether you’re purchasing at a retail store or online you can look for the IMAX Enhanced branding with the peace-of-mind the device can deliver a premium experience. 

Sven Mevissen: Additionally, because IMAX Enhanced is an additive ecosystem, not all your devices have to be IMAX Enhanced certified to enjoy IMAX Enhanced content. But the more IMAX Enhanced devices you add to your setup, the better the experience is going to be at home. 

Does a high-quality experience mean having to pay high prices for devices? 

Sven Mevissen: You can easily spend a lot if you want to, but you certainly don’t have to.  

We expanded the ecosystem to adjacent markets, so we have soundbars in the IMAX Enhanced program. There are expensive TVs, but also more affordable ones that meet our criteria and specifications. And that’s really what this label stands for. We want to help address that consumer confusion of seeing all those labels with 4K HDR and UHD, etc., so that when they see the IMAX Enhanced label, they know they are buying into a quality experience. 

How can content owners benefit from IMAX Enhanced? 

Deston Bennett: The value that IMAX Enhanced delivers for content owners is, at a high level, exclusive IMAX versions of the film, which typically either have only been seen in IMAX theaters or have been delivered and now are remastered in the IMAX Enhanced format. Along with that, we do a proprietary, pre-processing stage where we go in and improve color and brightness to make sure that presentation on the device is met at the consumer level.  

Sven Mevissen: It is very similar for audio. With IMAX Enhanced sound with DTS:X, we are really delivering a unique version of the theatrical mix, basically derived from the theatrical print master that was shown in IMAX theaters. Content owners now, for the first time, can present their at-home customers the full dynamic range of theatrical audio on IMAX Enhanced certified devices.  

How does IMAX Enhanced optimize audio and video quality for IMAX Enhanced streams? 

Sven Mevissen: For audio, it’s an adaptation where we preserve the full dynamic range of the original mix. IMAX theaters are built very uniquely when it comes to sound systems; they don’t have dedicated LFE channels in the content. So our adaptation ensures the audio plays back well in the consumer environment. In terms of creative intent, it’s untouched. In terms of dynamic range, it’s untouched, except some subtle sub-bass management to deliver a dedicated LFE channel for home systems. It’s really a theatrical experience for consumers at home. 

Deston Bennett: On the picture side we use our proprietary DMR (Digital Media Remastering) technology to deliver video that captures the creative intent of the filmmaker and makes sure that intent is preserved at home. DMR processing helps to preserve the full dynamic range of the picture quality consumers know and love in an IMAX theater. 

What is the relationship between IMAX Enhanced and Disney+? 

Sven Mevissen: IMAX Enhanced content on Disney+ was first launched about two-and-a-half years ago with an image-first focus. We’re now introducing a second phase to the experience, which is IMAX Enhanced sound by DTS:X, available on a collection of titles.  

Deston Bennett: The featured title for IMAX Enhanced sound by DTS on Disney+ is an IMAX concert film, Queen Rock Montreal. Eighteen additional Marvel films on Disney+ will now feature the IMAX Enhanced sound feature with DTS:X as well. 

Will the Disney+ app automatically detect IMAX Enhanced sound with DTS? 

Sven Mevissen: The Disney+ app will absolutely detect the capability of the consumer’s device and tell them what is available on that device. For example, if someone has a TV that supports DTS:X – and we have many TV device makers in the program like Sony, Hisense, TCL and others – when they pick one of the titles, they’ll receive an alert that there is a new feature available on their device. They will be asked if they want to opt in, and if they do, they will, from then on, get the IMAX Enhanced sound with DTS:X version for those particular titles.  

What other content is available with IMAX Enhanced sound with DTS? 

Deston Bennett: We have over 250 titles on the Sony Pictures Core service available on Sony BRAVIA TVs. We also have a selection of Paramount titles available with the Sony titles on Rakuten TV in Europe, and recently added services in China with IQIYI and Tencent, who offer local language content in addition to some of the Sony content. 

Can projectors also be IMAX Enhanced certified? 

Sven Mevissen: Yes, we’ve had dedicated certification specifications for projectors since 2019, and we recently added a new manufacturer of high-end projectors, and the first smart projector in the program. 

Does IMAX Enhanced work on mobile devices or tablets? 

Deston Bennett: Absolutely. The goal for IMAX Enhanced and IMAX at large is to deliver the best viewing experience wherever fans are watching. So we deliver our IMAX Enhanced titles on tablets and mobile devices, as well. 

Sven Mevissen: Obviously on a device like a tablet for example, the theatrical mix is not necessarily the ideal form of consuming audio, so we have headphone technology to render a binaural experience for those devices. 

The post Ask the Experts: IMAX Enhanced Explained   appeared first on DTS.

Play-Fi’s Immersive Home Theater is a truly unmatched industry-first. And it’s a solution that serves the configuration needs of both customers and brand partners. Some customers have a simple setup with just a TV and wireless rear and height speakers. Others have a much more complex 7.2.4 surround sound system with discrete center, left, and right, subwoofers, side surrounds, rear surrounds, and front and rear height channels as well. Now all of them can enjoy a truly immersive surround sound experience.

We’re excited to announce at this time that TP Vision will be the first partner in this endeavor, launching Play-Fi Immersive Home Theater on select 2023 Philips TVs. We’ll be announcing new partners soon. Want to be one of them?

You can also subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to speed on all the latest news about Play-Fi and other DTS technologies.

The post Play-Fi makes history with 12-Channel Immersive Home Theater solution over Wi-Fi appeared first on DTS.

In the world of audio, the EISA Awards (which stand for European Imaging and Sound Association Awards) is a well-known organization seen as a trustworthy voice of the consumer electronics industry.  

The unique organization is made up of journalists and editors from websites and publications who get together to review products across various categories including home theater and consumer electronics.  

Several of this year’s EISA award winners have something in common. From AV receivers to soundbars and TVs, Play-Fi’s integration in these award-winning products shows just how much Play-Fi is elevating the wireless audio experience.  

Check out the winners below:

Philips 55OLED808 TV – Best Buy OLED TV 

“An excellent image performance and a wallet-friendly price make the 55OLED808 the OLED TV to beat in the competitive mid-range market” 

Philips 55PUS8808 TV – Best Family TV 

“This 55in Ambilight-enabled LCD TV from Philips has your living room in its sights and succeeds thanks to its S-IPS panel that supports a wide viewing angle, and a punchy, bright picture performance that isn’t fazed by ambient light.” 

“There’s even DTS Play-Fi integration, enabling the TV to become part of a multiroom audio system, or take on centre channel duties in a surround sound setup.” 

Onkyo TX-RZ50 – Best Buy AV Receiver 

“Onkyo’s TX-RZ50 receiver offers impressive value for money. Even better, it backs this up with a gutsy, immersive performance that wrings every last detail from Dolby Atmos and DTS:X movie soundtracks.” 

“Music playback isn’t ignored either: two-way Bluetooth and a DAB+ tuner join forces with Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast and DTS Play-Fi multiroom to cover all bases.” 

Loewe klang bar3 mr – Best Soundbar  

“Loewe’s smartly dressed klang bar3 mr aims to attract anyone who desires immersive TV sound, without the hassle.” 

“Employing the DTS Play-Fi platform, the klang bar3 mr possesses a variety of streaming options and caters to a multiroom setup” 

SVS Prime Wireless Pro Soundbase – Best Value Streaming Amplifier 

“Keenly priced, but showcasing plenty of attention to detail, this compact all-in-one amp includes aptX HD support when streaming via Bluetooth, television hook-up over HDMI eARC, hi-res music playback through the DTS Play-Fi app (or one of its many other streaming options), and control options including a physical remote and Google/Siri/Alexa voice. In a competitive arena, this highly flexible amplifier stands out.” 

Stay up to speed on the latest news for Play-Fi and other DTS technologies by subscribing to our newsletter!  

The post DTS Play-Fi Makes Waves at 2023 EISA Awards  appeared first on DTS.

At CES 2023, DTS and LG announced their tech integration to bring the DTS:X for TV solution to a number of LG televisions in 2023. This is the latest in a slew of television partners who have chosen to integrate the immersive audio of DTS:X within their products.

We know the heart pounding audio it provides in theaters, but what does it mean to have DTS:X for TV? A DTS:X enabled television features intelligence that seamlessly adapts to any content and DTS enabled devices to deliver the best audio experience regardless of setup. DTS:X is the most advanced audio decoder by DTS. It delivers a premium immersive audio experience that provides true-to-life sound that is faithful to the creator’s intent.

The DTS:X for TV solution provides backwards compatibility with all DTS bitstreams and has a broad adoption across consumer electronics categories. In addition to local decoding — for playback over the Television speakers — and passing bitstreams to supported downstream devices, transcoding extends the audio experience with playback compatibility to other DTS:X and legacy DTS enabled products. DTS:X for TV retains the original channel content and adapts to support device specific output limitations and constraints. A television with DTS:X supports decode and playback from streaming platforms, optical media, traditional broadcast and locally or network stored content with full immersive capabilities.

The bottom line? Heart pounding sound isn’t just for theaters. DTS:X for Television brings it home.

The post What is DTS:X for Television? appeared first on DTS.

In this episode of DTS Craft Masters, we meet Puss in Boots: The Last Wish Director Joel Crawford and other key creative contributors. They share with us how DTS:X helped deliver a movie that’s as unique sonically as it is visually.

Joel and team discuss their philosophies and techniques for developing an original soundscape, and how they utilized the immersive sound afforded by DTS:X to expand their storytelling capabilities and bring their concepts to life. We packed a lot of amazing insights into this short episode, and like the film itself, you won’t want to miss it.

To stay on top of all the latest episodes of DTS Craft Masters and more, follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter here. Be sure to check out Puss in Boots: The Last Wish in theaters this holiday season and experience the sensational storytelling power of DTS:X.

Watch DTS Craftmasters

The post DTS Craft Masters: How DTS:X helped make Puss In Boots: The Last Wish a sonic sensation appeared first on DTS.

For the one that can’t stop, won’t stop

HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Headphones

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless headset featuring DTS Headphone:X provides a high-quality wireless experience without sacrificing immersive, spatial sound. HyperX dual chamber drivers and DTS Headphone:X technology​ offer 3D audio localization to help you stay laser-focused on your gameplay. With 300+ hours of battery life, these headphones will last for all the early mornings and late nights for days of endless games.

Buy HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless

For the one that needs entertainment 24/7

VIZIO MQX 50” Smart TV and VIZIO M-Series All in One Soundbar

The VIZIO MQ50 Smart Television has 240hz at 2K​ and full immersion sound through HDMI connectivity, making it the perfect companion for PC gamers. And the magic of DTS Virtual:X powers the VIZIO M-Series All-in-One Sound Bar to captivate your senses and create the sensation of speakers placed above, around and behind you. Leverage a centralized system controlled with one remote for both devices, with a gaming mode feature to maximize your entertainment.

Buy VIZIO MQX 50” Smart TV
Buy VIZIO M-Series All-In-One Soundbar

For the one that loves to tell a story

Logitech Blue Yeti Microphone

Whether you’re an aspiring content creator or have a knack for capturing an audience’s heart, the Logitech Blue Yeti microphone enables streamers, podcasters and storytellers alike to unleash their creativity. The Blue Yeti Microphone includes Blue VO!CE featuring DTS audio enhancements. Whether you’re gaming, podcasting or creating, Blue VO!CE has real-time voice filters that tune your voice and elevate your audio with a richer, cleaner sound.

Buy Logitech Blue Yeti Microphone

For the one that does it all

ACER Predator Helios 300

The Acer Helios 300 with DTS:X Ultra puts you into the center of a larger-than-life audio experience everywhere you listen, watch and play. With high refresh and quick response, you can create and perform at your best and hear movies, games and more like never before. Hear your enemies coming from all directions and gain an edge over the competition, while still enjoying all your favorite content simultaneously without interruption. 

Buy ACER Predator Helios 300

For the one that binge-watches on repeat

Philips 7.1.2 Home Theater

Philips Fidelio FS1 Speakers, a Philips Fidelio FB1 Soundbar featuring IMAX Enhanced and a Philips Fidelio FW1 Subwoofer and create a fully wireless home theater with detailed, realistic sound that is seamlessly synced on demand. Not only does this setup feature DTS:X immersive audio, but it is also compatible with DTS Play-Fi for powerful multi-room audio that seamlessly syncs the FW1 and FS1 with speakers all around your home.

Buy Philips Fidelio S1
Buy Philips Fidelio W1
Buy Philips Fidelio B1

The post DTS Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on DTS.

Week 1: Content Creator Prize Pack (Nov 29 – Dec 5)
Week 2: Gamer Prize Pack (Dec 6 – 12)
Week 3: Movie Lover Prize Pack (Dec 13 – 19) Enter to win now

Here’s what’s inside each prize pack, and here’s how to enter to win them.

Content Creator Prize Pack (Nov 29-Dec 5)

A Blue Yeti Microphone and an Acer Helios 300 are up for grabs. Tap into your creativity and tune in to the holiday season with broadcast quality sound and unparalleled laptop performance.

The Blue Yeti Microphone includes Blue VO!CE featuring DTS audio enhancements. Whether you’re gaming, podcasting or creating, Blue VO!CE has real-time voice filters that tune your voice and elevate your audio with a richer, cleaner sound.

The Acer Helios 300 with DTS:X Ultra puts you into the center of a larger-than-life audio experience everywhere you listen, watch and play. With high refresh and quick response, you can create and perform at your best and hear movies, games and more like never before.

Gamer Prize Pack (Dec 6-12)

We’re giving away a HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Headset, a VIZIO MQ50 Smart Television and a VIZIO M-Series All-In-One Sound Bar so you can level up your gameplay with immersive audio across multiple devices.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless headset featuring DTS Headphone:X provides a high-quality wireless experience without sacrificing immersive, spatial sound. HyperX dual chamber drivers and DTS Headphone:X technology​ offer 3D audio localization to help you stay laser-focused on your gameplay.

The VIZIO MQ50 Smart Television has 240hz at 2K​ and full immersion sound through HDMI connectivity, making it the perfect companion for PC gamers. And the magic of DTS Virtual:X powers the VIZIO M-Series All-in-One Sound Bar to captivate your senses and create the sensation of speakers placed above, around and behind you. ​

Movie Lover Prize Pack (Dec 13-19)

You could win 2 Philips Fidelio FS1 Speakers, a Philips Fidelio FB1 Soundbar and a Philips Fidelio Fw1 Sub and create a fully-wireless home theater with detailed, realistic sound that is seamlessly synced on demand.

And the magic is powered by DTS Play-Fi, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced.

DTS Play-Fi compatibility provides a multi-room audio setup for a whole-home experience, connecting all speakers through one system.

DTS:X puts you into the center of a larger-than-life audio experience everywhere you listen, watch and play. When you’re immersed in sound, explosions are bigger. Emotions grow deeper. Thrills multiply.

IMAX Enhanced certification ensures an immersive, heart pounding experience that transports you into another world​, and it’s the only way to experience IMAX’s signature picture, sound and scale outside of a movie theatre.

ENTER TO WIN

The post Enter our holiday giveaway with prize packs for all appeared first on DTS.

8 products featuring DTS Play-FI won their categories at the ’22-’23 EISA Awards:

• Philips Fidelio FB1 Soundbar – Best Integrated Soundbar
• Philips 55OLED807 TV – Best Buy OLED TV
• Philips 55PUS8807 TV – Best Family TV
• Philips 65OLED+937 TV – Best Home Theater TV
• Hisense U5120GW Soundbar – Best Home Theater Soundbar
• Loewe Klang system – Best Home Theater Solution
• TCL C935U – Best Buy Soundbar
• SVS Prime Wireless Pro Powered Speakers – Best Value Wireless Speakers

SVS Prime Wireless Pro Powered Speakers also earned a Sound and Vision Top Pick Award, a SoundStage! Simplifi Reviewer’s Choice Award and the What Hi-Fi? Best of CEDIA 2022 Expo Best of Show Award.

German review site testberichte.de named both the Loewe Klang mr3 and mr5 Top Wifi Speakers, and Stuff’s IFA awards in Berlin recognized Philips Fidelio FS1.

And last but not least, the TCL X937U won TechRadar’s IFA Best of Show.

Bottom line: it was a great awards season for DTS Play-Fi.

New Feature Update: Gapless Playback.

Music, like reading, is best unin – unint – un – UNINTERRUPTED. And that’s precisely what Gapless Playback does. Our latest update release features a gap-free listening experience, so everyone can enjoy their favorite albums, playlists and more without any interruptions or “gaps” between tracks. It’s a subtle listening feature that seamlessly links tracks and keeps that sublime vibe going, so listeners stay in their happy places.

3 months of the highest-quality streaming audio, free.

Have you heard the buzz about Qobuz? Their audio quality is second to none, and they’re offering DTS Play-Fi customers 3 free months of music. Get access to their enormous vault of music and hear it all in their Critical Listening mode, which enables pristine Hi-Res audio streaming, up to 24-bit / 192 kHz, completely free of network jitter and synchronization artifacts. It’s incredible to hear and easy to access. Just open the Play-Fi app (version 7.0 or later), tap on the gear icon for the Settings menu, then scroll down to Exclusive Offers to take advantage of the promotion.

The post The industry agrees: DTS Play-Fi is the gold standard for premium, immersive audio. appeared first on DTS.

The latest episode of DTS Craft Masters gives an inside look at how IMAX Enhanced brings the cinematic experience home. Sit down with Marvel post-production executives, Evan Jacobs and Chris Russell, as they share some amazing insights about the benefits of IMAX Enhanced. They discuss many of the different ways IMAX Enhanced enriches the viewing experience, how it’s getting integrated into productions from pre to post, and how it ultimately helps deliver the filmmaker’s intent at home.

To stay on top of all the latest episodes of DTS Craft Masters and more, follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter here.

The post IMAX Enhanced brings the cinematic storytelling of Marvel to your living room on Disney+ appeared first on DTS.

DTS provides the cinematic DNA powering the camera’s Movie mode, allowing users to generate videos inspired by Hollywood’s biggest filmmakers. With 4K HDR capability, the option to record in 21:9 ratio, and a collection of Hollywood inspired “Looks”, an Honor Magic 4 Ultimate user is able to record professional quality video from a mobile device unmatched by other smart phones.

According to DxOMark, “Color rendering in video mode is very accurate, especially in bright outdoor conditions and in low light. White balance is nice, and skin tones look better than on the comparison devices… In videos, noise is very well under control in all conditions, even in challenging high-contrast scenes… Both spatial and temporal noise are well controlled, even in low light. This is true for both areas of plain color and texture in the frame.”

Xperi congratulates Honor for this accomplishment and is proud to have contributed to helping make this product world class.

The post IMAX Enhanced certified mobile partner, Honor, Receives outstanding DXO Mark High Score appeared first on DTS.

With DTS:X immersive audio, moviegoers can experience the heart-pounding sound of action-packed beats, the cacophony of rolling laughter and the sucker-punching moments that bring movies to life. Discover the transformative experience of DTS:X sound in theaters across North America, Asia, Europe and Canada with the release of “Beast” this Friday, August 19.

DTS continues to innovate the solutions of tomorrow everywhere people listen, watch and play. From the cinema to the home, the connected car to the mobile phone, we won’t stop until every experience is sensational. Stay tuned for more features on the best of DTS as we countdown to our 30th-anniversary celebration.

Experience DTS:X at a theater near you and learn more at dtsb2b.wpengine.com/cinema.

The post DTS:X: The Legacy Beyond Sound appeared first on DTS.

Geir Skaaden, Chief Products and Services Officer at Xperi, the parent company of DTS, said, “Using DTS:X technology, VIZIO ensures a more extraordinary sound experience with high-quality, immersive and engaging audio experiences to listeners across all products.”

As we count down to the DTS 30-year anniversary celebration, we salute the VIZIO team on their milestone. Cheers to another 20 years!

LEARN MORE.

The post Happy 20th Anniversary, VIZIO! appeared first on DTS.

How do IMAX Enhanced and Trinnov Audio technologies create a whole greater than the sum of their parts?

In This Episode: Paul McCambridge, Xperi’s Senior Director of Sales, EMEA, talks with Chuck Back, Trinnov Audio’s Managing Director, about Trinnov Audio’s essential role in IMAX Enhanced’s immersive audio and visual experience.

Click here to watch part 1.

Click here to watch part 2.

Click here to watch part 3.

The post Watch The Interview: Focus On DTS + Trinnov Audio – Part 4 Of 4 appeared first on DTS.

What’s behind the success of DTS and Trinnov’s innovative and long-standing partnership?

In This Episode: Paul McCambridge, Xperi’s Senior Director of Sales, EMEA, talks with Chuck Back, Trinnov Audio’s Managing Director, about the long-standing relationship between Trinnov Audio and DTS and the numerous advantages of that partnership.

Click here to watch part 4.

The post Watch The Interview: Focus On DTS + Trinnov Audio – Part 3 Of 4 appeared first on DTS.

Trinnov Audio’s home theatre products have been racking up awards and recognition. What makes their audio systems so unique? 

In This Episode: Paul McCambridge, Xperi’s Senior Director of Sales, EMEA, talks with Chuck Back, Trinnov Audio’s Managing Director, about the multiple industry awards won by their audio reproduction products and the implementation of their sustainable business model.

Click here to watch part 3.

The post Watch The Interview: Focus On DTS + Trinnov Audio – Part 2 Of 4 appeared first on DTS.

Part 4: What’s the next big thing in high-end home cinema?

Focus On is a series highlighting key DTS audio partners. In this four-part Q&A, we’re spotlighting the IMAX Enhanced program, which delivers an incredible IMAX viewing and audio experience for home cinema.

In This Episode (Part 4 of 4):  Paul McCambridge, Xperi’s Director of Sales, EMEA and Sebastien Gailleton, Director Product Management at StormAudio, talk about the next-generation of at-home theatrical experiences

The post WATCH THE INTERVIEW: FOCUS ON DTS + StormAudio – Part 4 of 4 appeared first on DTS.

Part 3: How does StormAudio technology work with IMAX Enhanced?

Focus On is a series highlighting key DTS audio partners. In this four-part Q&A, we’re spotlighting the IMAX Enhanced program, which delivers an incredible IMAX viewing and audio experience for home cinema.  

In This Episode (Part 3 of 4):  Paul McCambridge, Xperi’s Director of Sales, EMEA, and Sebastien Gailleton, Director Product Management at StormAudio, discuss how complementary IMAX Enhanced and StormAudio technologies work to deliver signature IMAX sound in the home.

The post WATCH THE INTERVIEW: FOCUS ON DTS + StormAudio – Part 3 of 4 appeared first on DTS.

Part 2: What drives products and the product development lifecycle at StormAudio?

Focus On is a series highlighting key DTS audio partners. In this four-part Q&A, we’re spotlighting the IMAX Enhanced program, which delivers an incredible IMAX viewing and audio experience for home cinema.  

In This Episode (Part 2 of 4):  Paul McCambridge, Xperi’s Director of Sales, EMEA, asks Sebastien Gailleton, Director of Product Management at StormAudio, about the philosophy driving the brand’s products and product development lifecycle.

The post WATCH THE INTERVIEW: FOCUS ON DTS + StormAudio – Part 2 of 4 appeared first on DTS.

Part 1: How did a small, technology-focused French company become a major player in immersive audio? 

Focus On is a series highlighting key DTS audio partners. In this four-part Q&A, we’re spotlighting the IMAX Enhanced program, which delivers an incredible IMAX viewing and audio experience for home cinema.  

In This Episode (Part 1 of 4):  Paul McCambridge, Xperi’s Director of Sales, EMEA, talks with Sebastien Gailleton, Director of Product Management at StormAudio, about how the European firm became a leader in immersive audio.

The post WATCH THE INTERVIEW: FOCUS ON DTS + StormAudio – Part 1 of 4 appeared first on DTS.

Want to hear more about what future holds for new Sony home cinema products? Then watch this fourth video of Focus On episode with Paul McCambridge, Xperi’s Director of Sales, EMEA and Chris Mullins, Product Manager for Home Cinema at Sony Professional Solutions Europe.

The post WATCH THE INTERVIEW: FOCUS ON DTS + SONY – Part 4 appeared first on DTS.

This third video of Focus On episode with Paul McCambridge, Xperi’s Director of Sales, EMEA and Chris Mullins, Product Manager for Home Cinema at Sony Professional Solutions Europe reveals more about IMAX Enhanced Certification Program and why this program is so perfectly aligned with Sony strategy of delivering the best big screen content at home in the highest fidelity. Watch this now!

The post WATCH THE INTERVIEW: FOCUS ON DTS + SONY – Part 3 appeared first on DTS.

Our second video of Focus On episode with Paul McCambridge, Xperi’s Director of Sales, EMEA and Chris Mullins, Product Manager for Home Cinema at Sony Professional Solutions Europe lets you discover more about a new long-awaited native 4K projector from Sony and new add-ons that it introduces. Watch this now and stay tuned for more!

The post WATCH THE INTERVIEW: FOCUS ON DTS + SONY – Part 2 appeared first on DTS.

In this series of four episodes of Focus On, Paul McCambridge, Xperi’s Director of Sales, EMEA talks with Chris Mullins, Product Manager for Home Cinema at Sony Professional Solutions Europe, a leading provider of Broadcast and Professional A/V production products and solutions for the consumer and professional markets.

Watch this first video to learn more about the latest 4K Home Cinema projectors from Sony and stayed tuned for more soon!

Latest Sony 4K Home Cinema projectors and technologies

The post WATCH THE INTERVIEW: FOCUS ON DTS + SONY – Part 1 appeared first on DTS.

The post WATCH THE INTERVIEW: FOCUS ON DTS + LOEWE – Part 2 appeared first on DTS.

Watch this first part of the interview to learn more about one of the most iconic European audio brands, Loewe and its premium modern consumer electronic product releases supported by DTS Play-Fi technology!

The post WATCH THE INTERVIEW: FOCUS ON DTS + LOEWE – Part 1 appeared first on DTS.

The discussion took place at Universal Studios’ own Alfred Hitchcock Theater where the film was mixed. Learn more about this team’s unique approach to delivering creative intent and bringing a director’s vision to life through immersive sound design and creative mixing techniques.

Check out the DTS Headphone:X trailer for the film below!

The post DTS CRAFT MASTERS: F9: THE FAST SAGA—ANATOMY OF A SCENE appeared first on DTS.