Last updated on January 23rd, 2024 at 02:17 am
Tired of TV speakers that sound like a grumpy hamster in a tin can? Enter DTS Virtual:X, a sound tech wizard that turns your living room into an immersive audio playground.
It’s a boon for those who don’t have the space or budget to enjoy a surround sound experience.
Usually, you would need a lot of equipment to get an immersive home theater surround sound experience.
That is no longer necessary with the introduction of DTS Virtual: X soundbars.
DTS Virtual: X provides the same level of immersive home theater sound experience affordably and saves the trouble of crowding your home theater space with a ton of equipment.
So how does DTS Virtual: X provide such good quality sound without spending a lot and with the minimum amount of equipment?
The secret to its technology is surround sound virtualization.
What DTS Virtual: X does is simulate the effects of surround sound without fulfilling all the usual requirements of a sophisticated surround sound experience.
The main advantage of DTS is you can use it in almost any kind of environment. Of course, it doesn’t outperform a dedicated surround sound system, but you get a very close experience of home theater surround sound experience for a lower price.
For its versatility, DTS Virtual: X is used in cinemas and home theater setups.
How Does DTS Virtual: X Work?
Home theater enthusiasts have often hoped to enjoy a good quality sound without needing extra speaker setup. DTS Virtual: X fulfills this wish.
DTS Virtual: X is an audio codec that employs sophisticated algorithms to analyze audio signals in real-time.
Upon completion of the analysis, it decides where to position sounds in a 3D environment, such as a living room.
Listeners get the feeling of hearing sounds from many different speakers, even if only two speakers are physically present.
All you need for DTS Virtual: X to work is a multi-channel audio signal. This could be a two-channel stereo sound or an immersive 7.1 4-channel audio signal.
For stereo sound, DTS Virtual: X uses the mixing-up technique for other sound formats. It employs sophisticated processing. This process enables DTS Virtual: X to create a surround experience without extra speakers, walls or ceiling reflections.
In other words, it simulates surround sound even if you’re using a two or three-channel sound bar.
That technology enables even a single sound bar to produce an immersive sound experience.
Psychoacoustics at Work
What is behind the magic of DTS Virtual: X is the science of psycho-acoustics.
In other words, it’s about tricking the brain into believing that sound comes from multiple directions.
So, there is no need to physically position speakers behind you or overhead in the ceiling to enjoy immersive sound.
DTS Virtual: X has the flexibility to work with any number of speakers. In fact, you need only a minimum of two speakers.
So you don’t have to worry about setting up speakers behind or above you or speakers looking upwards or downwards.
You can place your speakers according to your convenience. DTS Virtual: X will use timing, timbre and harmonics to create a 3D sound experience.
The other advantage of DTS Virtual: X is the enhancement of dialogue. Spoken words are clear and not lost in the process of sound mixing. This will enable you to enjoy movies and TV shows to the maximum.
DTS Virtual: X certainly gives spoken words a welcome boost
Getting DTS Virtual: X
An easy way to enjoy the magic of DTS Virtual: X is to buy a sound bar that supports the technology.
If budget permits, you may also want to pick up a home theater receiver with DTS Virtual: X support.
As mentioned, you need only a minimum of 2 speakers to start with DTS Virtual: X.
With a 2.1 or 3.1 setup, you can enjoy an elevated sound experience. Height effects are simulated in a true 5.1 surround system.
So, if your home theatre system comes minus height or surround speakers, DTS Virtual: X will address the shortcomings.
What to Look for When Choosing a DTS Virtual : X Speakers and Soundbars
But with tons of fancy soundbars and speakers out there, picking the right one can be challenging. Fear not, as this quick guide will equip you with the knowledge to choose the right unit that suits your budget and requirements.
Height Channels
Imagine watching a movie and feeling a spaceship rumble overhead, even though there’s no speaker above your head.
That’s the magic of DTS Virtual:X. It uses sneaky sound tricks called virtual height channels to create the illusion of overhead sound without needing extra speakers.
Think of them as audio ninjas, making your room vibrate with sonic awesomeness.
But some soundbars go super-saiyan with physical height channels, actual speakers that blast sound upwards for an even more intense overhead experience.
Imagine planes roaring past you in a movie or bullets whizzing by in a game – all happening right above your head!
These bad boys pack a serious punch, but they can also cost more and take up more space.
So, consider whether you’ll miss out on an immersive movie-watching experience minus the height channels.
Channel Count
Picture your soundbar as a team of sound athletes. The more channels it has, the more players on the field, and the wider the sound spreads out.
Think epic battles with arrows flying everywhere or a concert where you’re practically on stage with the band.
But wait a minute. Don’t get carried away by high channel numbers. Virtual channels, while cool, can’t always compete with the power of real speakers.
So, find a balance between channel count, speaker quality, and your wallet.
TV Compatibility
To unleash the full fury of your DTS Virtual:X system, your soundbar and TV need to be your best friends.
That’s where HDMI eARC comes in, like a translator for sound nerds. It ensures crystal-clear, uncompressed audio. This makes your movies and games sound absolutely incredible.
But let’s not forget the convenience crew! Bluetooth and Wi-Fi let you stream music straight from your phone, turning your living room into a personal dance floor.
Imagine being the DJ, spinning tunes and controlling the vibe with a flick of your wrist – pure audio magic!
Appropriate Size
Don’t try to squeeze a giant soundbar into a tiny room – it’ll be like fitting a sumo wrestler into a tutu.
Choose a system that compliments your space and your budget.
Remember, a smaller soundbar with smart tech can punch way above its weight, delivering big sound without taking over your living room.
Bonus Tips for Audio Buffs:
- Room Correction: Imagine a sound wizard who adjusts the audio to fit your room perfectly – that’s what some soundbars do with room correction. No more sonic dead zones, just pure audio bliss wherever you sit.
- Voice Control: Want to change the volume or switch channels without lifting a finger? Look for a soundbar with a built-in voice assistant, your own personal audio genie. Just speak your command, and the sound will obey!
With this guide and a little research, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect DTS Virtual:X system that would please would please your ears.
So, don’t be afraid to explore, experiment and compare.
DTS Virtual: X Soundbar and Receiver Buying Ideas
Now that you’re up to speed with the basics of the DTS Virtual: X technology, here are some buying ideas to unleash the audio beast in your home.
1. Movie Marathon Master (Small Living Room, Budget-Conscious)
Craving cinematic thrills but short on space and cash? The Vizio M-Series M512x soundbar is your budget-friendly champion.
Its compact design won’t overwhelm your living room, while its powerful DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Atmos capabilities pack an immersive punch. Imagine roaring dinosaurs shaking your walls or spaceships zipping overhead, all without bulky rear speakers.
Chromecast and Alexa’s integration lets you control the action with your voice or phone, and the reasonable price tag leaves room for popcorn and extra snacks.
2. Gaming Guru (Medium Room, Moderate Budget):
Level up your gaming experience with the Yamaha RX-V6A receiver.
This mid-range powerhouse delivers 7.2-channel surround sound with dedicated height channels for DTS Virtual: X.
Immerse yourself in the heart of every battle. Hear the roar of engines in racing games, the clang of swords in fantasy worlds, and the chilling whispers in horror titles – all with pinpoint accuracy.
Handy HDMI 2.1 ports keep you future-proof for next-gen consoles. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth let you stream music or podcasts between gaming sessions.
Whether you’re a casual gamer or a competitive esports champion, the RX-V6A is certainly worth investigating.
3. Music Maestro (Open Floor Plan, High Budget):
Transform your home into a concert hall with the Sonos Arc soundbar. This sleek beauty combines Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X for a truly enveloping musical experience.
Imagine rich vocals filling the room, delicate instruments dancing around you, and powerful bass vibrating through your floor.
TruePlay room correction ensures optimal acoustics even in open spaces, while multi-room audio lets you effortlessly move the music from room to room.
And with built-in voice control and seamless integration with your favorite streaming services, the Arc is your personal conductor, ready to orchestrate your sonic journey.
4. Sports Enthusiast (Basement Entertainment Room, Price Flexible):
Transform your basement into the ultimate sports stadium with the Denon AVR-X3800H receiver.
This powerhouse boasts 13 channels of DTS Virtual:X, ensuring every roar of the crowd, crack of the bat, and whistle of the referee reaches your ears with stunning precision.
Imagine feeling the energy of a packed stadium from the comfort of your couch and switching seamlessly between different games with voice control.
IMAX Enhanced processing delivers cinematic clarity to enjoy your favourite sports broadcasts.
Room correction technology, on the other hand, ensures optimal sound distribution even in large spaces.
Whether you’re a football fanatic, a basketball die-hard, or a lover of all things athletic, the AVR-X3800H is your ticket to the front row.
5. Tech Trendsetter (Tech-Savvy, Flexible Budget)
Push the boundaries of audio with the Samsung HW-Q990B soundbar.
This cutting-edge system goes beyond DTS Virtual:X, incorporating Samsung’s Q-Symphony technology for seamless integration with your Samsung TV.
AI sound calibration optimizes the audio for whatever you’re watching, whether it’s a blockbuster movie, a gripping drama, or a pulsating concert.
Control the soundscape with your voice or the SmartThings app, and expand your sonic horizons with the optional wireless surround speakers for true 360° immersion.
This tech-forward soundbar is for those who crave the latest innovations and demand the best possible audio experience.
No matter your budget, space, or listening preferences, there’s a DTS Virtual:X system out there waiting to unleash the audio beast within your home.
With the right system, you can turn your living room into a portal to immersive entertainment, no matter your space or budget. So, unlock the audio beast within and experience the magic of DTS Virtual:X!
Happy listening!
