What distinguished the initial implementation of the DTS competitor format?
Answer
Using a higher bitrate digital format on a separate CD-ROM synchronized with film.
Digital Theater Systems (DTS) emerged as a key competitor to Dolby formats, particularly focusing on achieving superior fidelity. Initially, DTS distinguished itself by employing a higher bitrate digital audio format compared to the analog limitations of early Dolby Stereo optical tracks. Crucially, this digital information was stored and delivered on a separate physical medium, typically a CD-ROM, which had to be perfectly synchronized via timecode with the running film print at the theater. DTS later integrated this superior digital format directly onto the digital film print itself.

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