Audio format
The DTS format
DTS is cinema surround sound from DVDs and Blu-rays. DTS debuted with Jurassic Park in 1993 and went on to Blu-ray and home cinema.
When to use DTS
Convert DTS to AC3, M4A or MP3 when a TV, phone or editor won’t play it.
It is best for surround soundtracks for home cinema systems, and it opens on AV receivers, VLC and video editors; phones and browsers can’t.
How to open it: VLC plays DTS files; editors like DaVinci Resolve import them.
| Full name | DTS Digital Surround |
|---|---|
| Extensions | .dts, .dtshd |
| MIME type | audio/vnd.dts |
| Introduced | 1993 |
| Compression | Lossy |
| Typical quality | 768–1509 kbps, 5.1 |
| Support | Specialist format |
| Typical size | About 11 MB a minute at 1.5 Mbps |
Good at
- High-bitrate 5.1 and 7.1 surround
Not so good at
- Phones, browsers and most apps can’t play it
The common mistake
Mixing DTS surround down to stereo can leave dialogue quiet next to effects; normalizing loudness afterwards helps.
Questions
What is a DTS file?
DTS (DTS Digital Surround) is cinema surround sound from DVDs and Blu-rays. DTS debuted with Jurassic Park in 1993 and went on to Blu-ray and home cinema.
How do I open a DTS file?
VLC plays DTS files; editors like DaVinci Resolve import them.