Here are three test songs that are available in 3 different surround sound formats. The same mix was used on each song even Dolby Pro Logic II. Each of these files, except the 48kHz AC-3 file, can be burned to a CDr for playback on a home theater system.

What do I do with the file after I download it?

The Other Side - Pro Logic II (WAV file @ 44.1kHz/16-bit Stereo)
The Other Side - Dolby Digital Encoded (5.1 WAV file @ 44.1kHz/16-bit Stereo)
The Other Side - Dolby Digital Encoded (AC-3 5.1 Surround @ 48kHz/16-bit)
The Other Side - DTS (WAV @ 44.1kHz/16-bit Stereo)

Rave Wave - Pro Logic II (WAV file @ 44.1kHz/16-bit Stereo)
Rave Wave - Dolby Digital Encoded (5.1 WAV file @ 44.1kHz/16-bit Stereo)
Rave Wave - Dolby Digital Encoded (AC-3 5.1 Surround @ 48kHz/16-bit)
Rave Wave - DTS (WAV @ 44.1kHz/16-bit Stereo)

Hard Rock - Pro Logic II (WAV file @ 44.1kHz/16-bit Stereo)
Hard Rock - Dolby Digital Encoded (5.1 WAV file @ 44.1kHz/16-bit Stereo)
Hard Rock - Dolby Digital Encoded (AC-3 5.1 Surround @ 48kHz/16-bit)
Hard Rock - DTS (WAV @ 44.1kHz/16-bit Stereo)

These files are 44.1kHz/16-bit stereo wave files that have been encoded with 5 channel Dolby Pro Logic II.

The Other Side - Pro Logic II (WAV file @ 44.1kHz/16-bit Stereo)
Rave Wave - Pro Logic II (WAV file @ 44.1kHz/16-bit Stereo)
Hard Rock - Pro Logic II (WAV file @ 44.1kHz/16-bit Stereo)

You can either playback the file from your computer or simply burn this to a Redbook Audio CD (normal music CD) and play it back on your Pro Logic II system.

Dolby Pro Logic II is an extension of Dolby Pro Logic which adds two full spectrum rear channels. It is a dual use algorithm that allows you to encode 5 channels (L, C, R, Ls, and Rs) in to two channels (Lt and Rt) as well as convert your normal stereo audio (CD Audio for example) in to 5 channel surround. It does this by analyzing the amplitude and phase relationships between the stereo channels and deriving the 3 other channels (Center, Left and Right Surrounds).

These files will play back on the older Pro Logic systems as well. Pro Logic II still has trouble with multiple sound sources panning simultaneously. Its main improvements are sound quality and the ability to pan between the left and right rear channels. If your home theater system supports this newer version then you should be able to hear different sounds located in each of the speakers (L, C, R, Ls, and Rs). Pro Logic II also will convert your stereo files to 5 channel surround but without any directional meaningful cues. It does make them sound larger and wider. On some tracks the stereo width seems to collapse towards the center.

What do I do with the file after I download it?

Below are Dolby Digital AC3 and AC3 Wave Files. The AC3 *.wav files are @44.1k and can be put onto a normal audio cd and played one a home theater system (DVD player/Receiver etc...). The *.ac3 files are 48kHz 384kbps and can be played on your computer. For the most part the quality of sound is about the same as a 128kbps mp3 files. Dolby Digital AC3 Downloads are zipped using WinZip

AC-3 WAV 44.1kHz Samplerate

AC-3 48kHz Samplerate

What do I do with the file after I download it?
You burn it to a CD-R (Redbook Audio) as you would any other audio file. It requires a DTS decoder to listen to it.

This file can be played back on your computer that is equipped with a surround sound card and is capable of playing back files in the *.dts file extention. 44.1kSR.  Many software DVD Players can play this file with no problem.

If you can't download any files then our bandwidth may have been exceeded. You can try again later.

DTS 44.1kHz

The Other Side - DTS (WAV @ 44.1kHz/16-bit Stereo)
Rave Wave - DTS (WAV @ 44.1kHz/16-bit Stereo)
Hard Rock - DTS (WAV @ 44.1kHz/16-bit Stereo)

Ambient Music Songs are below:
DTS WAV @ 44.1k Song 1 (100 MB)
DTS WAV @ 44.1k Song 2 (85 MB)
DTS WAV @ 44.1k Song 3 (52 MB)

These are .wav files and are for burning to a CDR as you would a normal redbook audio cd. 44.1k SR - 3/2 format + LFE

DTS Compact and Padded Download Files

Below are two different types of DTS audio file that are meant to be used for DVD-Video (normal DVDs). The two types of DTS audio file extenisions for DVD-Video: *.cpt (Compact) and *.dts (Padded with '0').

When creating a DVD-Video disk the DVD-Video specification says you must use either Linear PCM (LPCM - *.wav or *.aiff) or Dolby Digital (*.ac3) as the main audio stream. DTS streams are not mandatory mainly because not all dvd-players and recievers don't support the format. Also the format doesn't have any downmixing similar to what Dolby Digital has. Dolby Digital can mix the 5.1 audio channels to an analog or digital stereo output.

You can not use or simply import a DTS WAV file in to a DVD-Video disk and have it sound good anyway. Adobe Premiere supports both the *.dts and *.cpt as do other programs like Scenarist. Some only support *.dts format while others will load a *.cpt file if it's extension is changed to *.dts. You can use a 44.1kHz DTS WAV file in a DVD-Video by simply changing the sample rate in the file header. Adobe Audition can do this as can other audio editors (NOTE: It will playback at the wrong speed). This is more for those who just like to experiment with things.

Hard Rock Song DTS .cpt @ 48kHz (DTS Compact *.cpt)
Hard Rock Song DTS .dts @ 48kHz (DTS Padded *.dts)

The Other Side DTS .cpt @ 48kHz (DTS Compact *.cpt)
The Other Side DTS .dts @ 48kHz (DTS Padded *.dts)

Rave Wave DTS .cpt @ 48kHz (DTS Compact *.cpt)
Rave Wave DTS .dts @ 48kHz (DTS Padded *.dts)

MLP or Meridian Lossless Packing is an audio coding algorithm for data reduction used for DVD-Audio discs. It was originally developed by Meridian Audio and its associates. The process is lossless which means you get back (after data expansion) a bit per bit replica of what you put in (before data reduction). On average it reduces the data by ½ which not only allows more room on the target media but it reduces the amount of information (data) that must be retrieved. After MLP is decoded it is LPCM or Linear PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) like that found in uncompressed WAV and AIFF audio files. Dolby Laboratories owns the trademarks “MLP Lossless”, a trademark may not be used by others without the permission of the trademark owner.

Here are some MLP Specification highlights some of which seem obscure.

The Coding System allows:

· Up to 64 channels
· Flags for speaker feed identification
· Flags for hierarchical feeds (e.g. M&S, Ambisonic B-format and others.)
· Sample Rates from 44.1kHz to 192kHz (Note: 32kHz is NOT allowed)
· Higher rates possible
· Mixed rates possible
· Up to 24 bits Data Precision
· Automatic, or adjustable in 1-bit steps
· Highest sound quality
· Lossless Decoder over different platforms
· Encoder option for economical 2-channel mix-down
· Pre-encode options to noise-shape like Meridian 518.
· Accepts many file formats.
· Bitstream Contains all information for decoder (no side-chain)
· Fixed or variable data rate options
· High error protection
· Error recovery within 2ms
· Cueing within 30ms
· Uses Lossless Matrixing
· Can be used on CD, DVD
· Can be sent on SPDIF/AES,
· Ideal for studio use
· Losslessly cascadable

Other Information

The MLP bitstream can carry additional information along with the audio.

· Content provider information
· Signature fields to validate the copy
· Watermark
· Accuracy warranty

What do I do with the file after I download it? In order to put this on a DVD for DVD-Audio playback you'll need software like Minnetonka's CHROME II

The Other Side - MLP @ 48kHz 5.0 channels

The DTS files above are wav files that have been encoded in DTS. Your CDR Burning program will see them as normal 44.1k 16-bit stereo wav files. It has no idea that the information is DTS and doesn't really care. The only difference between a DTS wav file and a normal audio wav file is that the information is compressed data on the DTS file as opposed to PCM audio data in a normal audio wav file.

The Easiest way to listen to them is to burn the wav file to a CDR and play it in a DTS compatible system. Most Home Theaters support DTS but some do not. Also most DVD Players can read a CD-R but there are some that don't. If your CD/DVD player can't read a CD-R then try a different brand or dye color. Also try burning them to a CD-RW as some DVD Players can read a CD-RW but not CD-Rs - It keeps us on our toes ;^)

So it's real simple - Just burn these files to an Audio CDR and play it in a DTS compatible player.

NOTES: You can not use these files on a DVD-Video (a normal DVD) without having to decode them back to the six 44.1kHz samplerate WAV files, resample the WAV files at 48kHz, then re-encode them at the 48kHz samplerate. You can however purchase an inexpensive DVD-Audio encoder like Minnetonka's Bronze. Of course you'll have to use a DVD-Audio player in order to hear them. This will allow you to put a number of DTS audio files onto a DVD-R. You'll have to use the DVD-Audio players digital output and route to your DTS receiver (this whole thing is simpler than it sounds).

also see: Dolby Digital on a CDR
Using the above Dolby Digital WAV format files
(The *.ac3 files can be played on your computer. AC-3 is the same thing as Dolby Digital)

Some Dolby Digital receivers/decoders appear not to support all sample rates so you might hear hiss (white noise). Also some CD/DVD players won't allow 'compressed' audio out of their S/PDIF ports, you'll either hear a hiss or hear nothing (Mutes).

Step 1: Download at least one of the Dolby Digital AC-3 256 kbps Files here and un-zip it. It will be about 12 times larger when you unzip the file.

Step 2: Hopefully you've made your own audio CDR before. If you don't know how to do this you should read the manual that came with your CD Burner. You can treat the Dolby Digital Wave file as you would any other wave file for burning onto a CDR. The only thing to remember is to not alter anything on the file. That means no Wav Header changes or fades etc... You are dealing with compressed audio data not regular PCM audio.

The "Dolby Digital"(TM) CDR should be playable on most Home Theater systems. This will not work for Dolby Pro Logiconly Dolby Digital receivers (Most Dolby Digital Receivers also play DTS). Each disc can hold up to 74 minutes of 5.l Dolby Digital (AC-3 format) surround audio.

Step 3: Go to the CD-Audio recorder application of your choice and these stereo 44.1k sample rate-16-bit WAV files to create a standard red-book audio CD. I've used Adaptec Easy CD Creator with no problems at all. Make sure you mark this as a DOLBY DIGITAL CD disc that's not for playback in an Audio-CD player, as the digital noise will be at full volume level and speaker damage could result.

Step 4: Take the CD-AC3 disc and play it back in any DVD player that's hooked to a 5.1 Receiver with a Dolby Digital decoder. Start with the volume turned down low in case the receiver decides you're giving it a PCM file and plays the data "as-is" without decoding which could damage your speakers. Select the DVD-Digital input on the Receiver (optical or wired) and it should detect the Dolby Digital data stream and start decoding it into 5.1 surround.

Problem: The only problem I've noticed so far is that in some receivers there can be a single digital "click" that occurs the first time the DVD player is started. It appears to happen while the decoder auto-detects and determines if the data is PCM or AC-3 format.

But be aware that the AC-3 file on a DVD is recorded at 48 kHz. rather than the 44.1 kHz needed for playback from a CD player. And I don't know of any way to convert one from 48 to 44.1 without going through a lengthy decode/sample-rate-convert/encode process which would suffer a lot of fidelity loss.

How To Listen an Dolby Digital Audio CDR

In order to enjoy 5.1 multi-channel surround sound music, you need to have either a Home Theatre system or your computer must be capable of playing back 5.1 content. Playing AC3 and DTS 5.1 surround sound on your personal computer requires some hardware and software in order to hear 5.1 surround sound. Home Theatre systems should, for the most part, be setup already.

If you have a Home Theatre System then make sure that your DVD Player can play your burned audio CDR's. Also make sure that the DVD Player is connected to your Surround receiver via the digital output (TOS link optical or RCA Coaxial). If you don't know what this means you should read the manual that came with your system.

Some people use a CD Player with a digital output and have it connected to a Dolby Digital receiver. Again you need to be sure that your player plays your burned Audio CDRs.

Playing a Dolby Digital 5.1 CD on Audio on your PC - (I'll be adding some for mac soon)

There are two options:

1. Hardware-based system - Sound Card S/PDIF output connected to an external home theatre system
   1. A PC with a DVD ROM player (DVD Movies) or CD Player (DTS or AC3 encoded Audio CD)
   2. A soundcard with digital-out *(S/PDIF)
   3. Any external decoder - Home Theatre System (see your local circuit city)
   4. External Speakers connected to your receiver:)
2. Software-based configuration - 6 channel sound card's analog output connected to amp/speakers
3. A PC with a DVD ROM player (DVD Movies) or CD Player (AC3 or DTS encoded Audio CD)
4. Software based DTS decoder such as WinDVD or Power DVD
5. Multichannel Soundcard with analog outputs
6. External 6-channel powered computer speakers or connect to 6-channel input on audio/video receiver. **5.1 (or Quad) capable speakers - Front Left, Center, Front Right, Left Rear, Right Rear and Sub Woofer

*Sound Cards with a digital S/PDIF (optical or coaxial) output:

NOTES: A desktop PC user will need a soundcard that has a certified digital-out (this is indicated with a DTS Digital Out logo). An example of a certified DTS soundcard is the Creative Labs “Sound Blaster Live!” SB0060. Some docking stations/port replicators for laptops have digital-out already available (sometimes labeled “SPDIF”.) DTS 5.1 music discs playback may not be available via the digital out if the soundcard “up-samples” all data to 48Khz

Creative Labs SB Audigy Platinum
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2
Sound Blaster Audigy Sound Blaster Live! 5.1
Philips 5.1 Channel Sound card
RME-Audio Sound Cards

Multi-Channel Sound Cards with Analog Outputs

Sound Blaster Audigy Sound Blaster Live! 5.1
Philips 5.1 Channel Sound card
Echo Layla24
Echo Gina
Mona

**Most powered computer speakers don't come with a Center speaker. The Center channel is split and equal amounts are added to the Left and Right Front speakers. This is what is meant by Quad.

***Some powered computer speakers don't come with a sub-woofer.