We are beginning to see discs containing both Dolby Digital and DTS soundtracks making it easy to compare the two. While some people still say that the difference between them is only slight, others feel that the DTS format blows its more compressed rival out of the water.

Videologic have been beavering away on a new piece of hardware for the last few months and it should have just about hit the shelves in limited quantities. The DigiTheatre DTS takes the original DigiTheatre, adds DTS functionality and beefs up every single aspect of the system. While the DigiTheatre is widely regarded as being one of the best choices for those who would like to experience Dolby Digital on a budget, the new DTS version offers an ideal solution for those who'd like to feel the difference that the DTS format can provide.

Let's get the technical bits out of the way first - I feel that these are probably the least importan part of the review! What you get with the DigiTheatre DTS is of course the usual five speakers and a subwoofer. The four surround speakers all have the same dimensions (100x136x79mm) and offer a power output of 25W RMS each. The centre speaker houses the amplifier and DTS/DD decoder. It measures 303x132x152mm and features a total power output of 25W. Finally, the subwoofer features a power output of 50W RMS and measures 350x245x400mm.

There are two digital inputs - one coaxial (IEC958) amd one optical (Toslink). The kit also features an analogue line-in so you can connec the rest of your system and receive either stereo or Pro-Logic sound.

You get all the necessary cabling - although the package does not contain an optical connector so if you need one of these you'll have to buy one from your local home-cinema hardware retailer. You also get a remote control, which thankfully is far superior to the credit card sized one supplied with the original DigiTheatre. In fact, the only thing that isn't quite up to scratch is the manual - mainly because we were spoiled with the manual supplied with the original model.

I don't want to keep comparing the DigiTheatre DTS to its older brother, but it really is unavoidable. I'll try to stop now though by saying that in terms of sound quality this new set-up is a big step towards the standard of high-end equipment.

Setting up

The hardware is extremely easy to set up - just connect the subwoofer to the centre speaker with the supplied serial cable, connect up all of the surround speakers and finally plug it into the mains! You can literally be set up within minutes and that's no exaggeration.

The first thing I tried was just a standard Dolby Digital 5.1 disc. I opted for Star Trek: Insurrection as it makes great use of surround effects during the phaser fights. The separation between channels was spot on and it was easy to pinpoint exactly where the sound was coming from, the most noticeable attribute at this time was the power which sounded far in excess of what I was used to with my standard DigiTheatre. When the Starship Enterprise appeared on screen, the subwoofer sprang into action almost instantly and the rumble really did shake the room.

Next up was The Iron Giant. This film must feature one of the best surround tracks I've heard accompanying animation. I wasn't disappointed and once again the DigiTheatre DTS did an outstanding job. I tried a couple more DD5.1 titles including Das Boot and Contact and all were noticeably better on this system.

Now for the DTS! I selected two movies that I've heard in DD5.1 - Saving Private Ryan and Antz. The most obvious thing about the DTS soundtracks on these discs is that they are louder than their DD counterparts, this isn't where it ends though. Yes Dolby Digital is outstanding, but DTS is better. The definition is clearer, there is more separation and DTS soundtracks seem to provide more depth. The DigiTheatre DTS shows of this sound format well and coped admirably with the opening scenes in Saving Private Ryan.

If you turn up the DD soundtrack to match that of the DTS one the differences are easy to pick out. That said, if you don't get a chance to experience DTS you aren't really going to be missing that much. The step up from Dolby Digital to DTS is nowhere near the magnitude of the step up from Pro-Logic to Dolby Digital. Whichever soundtrack you provide, the DigiTheatre DTS will handle it with style!

The Cons

So far, so good. Its not often I write such glowing reviews and unfortunately this one is not going to last. Yes the DigiTheatre DTS is an excellent piece of kit, but unlike the original budget DigiTheatre the new model is up against a different sort of opponent. It is possible to get hold of DTS compatible decoders for less than £300 now and you can pick up some fairly good speakers for £100.

In fact, you can pick up a separates system with DTS capability for around the same sort of money we're talking about with the DigiTheatre DTS. The other big problem is the fact that the DigiTheatre DTS doesn't offer any upgrade route - once you've got it you're going to find it difficult to improve on what you have when the power limitations of the hardware are taken into account.

If you're looking for a simple all-in-one kit then you're not going to get anything better. If you want more then you would be best recommended to check out the alternatives first.

The only other small problem is that the centre speaker doubles up as the amp and if placed on top of your TV it can look a little out of place. Not a big problem I know but I thought I'd mention it all the same!

Summing Up

Those last few paragraphs may sound a bit harsh. However, don't get me wrong, I really do like the DigiTheatre DTS and I would love one of my own. The system is well put together and everything fits in well with its surroundings.

The drawbacks should be taken into account though and I feel they should be pointed out. While the main selling point of the DigiTheatre was it's bargain price, this time around Videologic have focussed on putting together a truly high-quality system and the higher price tag is justified. This is the best all-in-one surround sound solution you can currently buy and I really do recommend you look at it seriously before making any decisions.

Colin Polonowski

Contact Details

Supplied by: Videologic Price: £399

Pros

All-in-one Dolby Digital/DTS solution Attractive design Good remote control Small speakers Excellent sound No buzz

Cons

Not as competitively priced as earlier model Limited upgradeability Control panel integrated into centre speaker Does not save speaker setup

Ratings

Build quality: 5/5 Excellent in terms of appearance. Sirrocco speakers look the part and everything seems solid. Ease of use: 5/5 Plug in and go! Speaker cables can get in a mess but this is a problem with all surround sound systems. Performance: 4.5/5 Stunning sound from any source. Obviously not as good as high-end separates, but its not at all bad! Value for money: 4/5 Unlike the original DigiTheatre, this isn't a budget option. However this is kit of a far higher quality and as such the price tag is pretty much as expected. Overall: 5/5 What more can I say? If you're looking for the all-in-one surround sound solution, I think you've found it.