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.

What distinguished the initial implementation of the DTS competitor format?
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