Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is DTS?

Simply put, it’s audio codec technology used for film and video. DTS-enabled devices – like home cinema system components, soundbars, game consoles and computers –play back DTS content to deliver premium aural experiences.

What’s special about DTS audio?

DTS takes you inside the sound – giving you a cinematic experience where audio is pristine, immersive, realistic and memorable.

It all began with the hair-raising T-Rex roars and spine-tingling shrieks of lifelike velociraptors in the blockbuster film, Jurassic Park (1993). We’ve been refining the technology ever since.

DTS has partnered with IMAX to deliver IMAX Enhanced, an ecosystem that combines certified premium devices from the world’s leading manufacturers and content that has been meticulously mastered to deliver mind-blowing in-home viewing experiences.

How can I experience DTS audio at home?

Look for the DTS logo on physical media –

there are hundreds of Blu-ray, 4K Blu-ray and IMAX Enhanced Ultra HD Blu-ray Discs that support DTS.

When it comes to streaming video, stay tuned for developments about services offering DTS sound.

For home theaters, many manufacturers of TVs and consumer audio equipment – including Sony, Denon, LG, Marantz, Onkyo, Panasonic, Yamaha, Vizio and Vestel – support DTS audio formats, including DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X immersive audio technologies.

For a whole-home experience, DTS Play-Fi® allows listeners to enjoy premium wireless audio from a large family of DTS Play-Fi enabled speakers, soundbars, TVs and more using the Play-Fi app. For supported brands and streaming services, see play-fi.com

Finally, the DTS Sound Unbound™ app, available at Microsoft Store, delivers an immersive experience on any set of headphones using DTS Headphone:X® spatial audio technology, amplifying gaming and video content. You can learn more about requirements and supported media/components at dts.com.

Where can I experience DTS audio in the wild?

An ever-growing number of theaters in the U.S., Mexico, China, France, India, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar and Taiwan exhibit movies with DTS sound. For a detailed list, see dts.com/cinema/

What’s the DTS origin story?

The company (originally known as Digital Theater Systems) was founded in 1993 to compete in the surround sound space by Terry Beard, an audio engineer and Caltech alumnus. Beard lobbied the director Steven Spielberg to choose DTS sound for Jurassic Park (1993); the rest is history. The DTS brand was acquired by Xperi (formerly known as Tessera Holding Corporation) in 2016.

I still have questions! How can I learn more?

For questions about DTS for studios, exhibitors and creators, email films@dts.com. For more information about the DTS ecosystem components –  for cinema, IMAX Enhanced and at home – visit dts.com. To learn how to stream your favorite content with astounding audio quality from devices in your home, see play-fi.com.