- What is DSD audio? A niche digital music format for audiophiles . . .
With PCM, the original analogue music waveform is described in two parts The first is its amplitude (size) In CD this is represented by 16-bits of digital data, which gives us the ability to define 65,536 different signal levels The original music waveform has to be measured at regular intervals in order for it to be represented properly
- MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC: all the audio file formats explained
WAV and AIFF are arguably the most popular uncompressed audio file formats, both based on PCM (Pulse Code Modulation), which is widely recognised as the most straightforward audio storage mechanism in the digital domain Both WAV and AIFF files use similar technology, but store data in slightly different ways
- What is a DAC? And why do you need one anyway?
It’s a much more niche format, differing from PCM by offering a bit depth of just one, but much higher sampling rates – commonly DSD64 at 2 8MHz and DSD128 at 5 6MHz The arguments as to which encoding system is better continue to rumble on
- Porsche is bringing Dolby Atmos audio to its in-car hi-fis, but there’s . . .
The German automotive giant is completely revising its PCM system (Porsche Communication Management) as part of its model year change And, as part of the update, it’s introducing support for Dolby Atmos audio The rollout does come with a couple of caveats, though It will only be available on 911, Taycan, Panamera and Cayenne
- How to get the best picture and sound from your PlayStation 5
The PS5 family has since grown Last year the standard console was joined by the PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro – as the names suggest, the former is more lithe, while the latter packs more power But whichever PS5 you own, we can help you get the best out of it Are you really making the most of its 4K 120Hz skills? Enjoying the high dynamic range (HDR) to the fullest? And are you reaping the
- MQAs latest audio technology aims to reduce timing . . . - What Hi-Fi?
MQA Labs and Lenbrook have further divulged what Qrono is and how it will be implemented moving forward, announcing two technologies within the line 'Qrono dsd' promises to "set a new standard in DSD-to-PCM converters", whereas 'Qrono d2a' has been designed to "get the best audio performance out of every DAC" According to MQA and Lenbrook, Qrono dsd grants performance enhancement which
- Best budget soundbars 2025: cheap bars, tested by our experts
In PCM, you will hear the audio only in stereo, but sending bitstream means your soundbar will be able to receive those lovely Dolby formats, including Atmos What are the best equaliser setting for a soundbar?
- Best active speakers 2025: our experts pick the top pairs with . . .
Optical and HDMI ARC can both carry stereo PCM (uncompressed) and Dolby DTS 5 1 (compressed), though HDMI e ARC has greater bandwidth and can therefore transmit the next-gen Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound formats This distinction shouldn't make much difference to how you listen to TV via your stereo active speakers, mind you
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