LG Electronics has confirmed that it will provide native support for the DTS:X audio format in its 2023 TV models.
The news comes from Xperi, which said in a press release that LG will incorporate its audio codec in its new OLED and premium LCD TVs. LG Korea later confirmed that all of its 2023 OLED models, plus its QNED85 model and up, will have the ability to decode the DTS, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced audio codecs.
DTS:X and the less-capable DTS codecs are surround sound formats that are compatible with Blu-ray discs and Disney’s IMAX-enhanced movies, so it’s a decent upgrade for LG’s TVs, especially for anyone who has a library of such discs or subscribes to Disney Plus. A decent soundbar or AV receiver is required to make the most of it though, but that is actually quite standard as most modern TVs don’t feature speakers that are capable of properly using immersive audio, including the alternative Dolby Atmos format.
Like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X attempts to create a more realistic and multi-dimensional soundstage that makes it feel as if the sound is emanating from all around the viewer, creating a more immersive and realistic experience. If a helicopter flies overhead during a movie, for instance, the most capable DTS:X speaker systems can make it appear as if the sound really is coming from above.
DTS:X is an object-based 3D sound format, as opposed to being channel-based. This is handy as it means there’s no requirement for a specific speaker setup. Instead, it should work with soundbars that have three channels, all the way up to premium models with 15 channels.
The main difference between DTS:X and Dolby Atmos is that the latter supports higher bitrates, which means that the audio quality itself is superior. However, Dolby claims that Atmos is more efficient in the way it uses bitrates, resulting in comparable sound quality with DTS:X.
It’s important to note that different content supports different sound formats. While most Blu-rays work with DTS:X, streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video only support Dolby Atmos. Disney Plus is the only major service that supports both formats.
The upgrade means that LG’s 2023 TVs will now support both DTS:X and Dolby Atmos, making them an ideal choice for those who want surround sound for both their Blu-ray disc libraries and favourite streaming services. They’ll be able to enjoy a more immersive audio experience for all types of content.
