The stereo CD is a 16-bit medium with sampling at 44.1 kHz. Professional audio has been 20- or 24-bit for some time, and there is increasing interest in higher sampling rates both for recording and for delivery into the home. Greater bit depths provide extended dynamic range. Higher sampling rates allow wider frequency response and the use of anti-alias and reconstruction filters with more favorable aural characteristics. DTS has been delivering “better-than-CD quality” throughout its home-audio history. DTS music and video soundtracks are not only discrete multichannel, but up to 24-bit audio. When DVD-video appeared, it became possible to deliver 24-bit, 96 kHz audio into the home, but only in two channels, and with serious limitations on picture. This capability has had little use. DVD-audio allows 96/24 in six channels, but a new player is needed, and only analog outputs are provided, necessitating the use of the D/A converters and analog electronics provided in the player. DTS 96/24 offers the following: Sound quality transparent to the original 96/24 master. Full backward compatibility with all existing decoders. (Existing decoders will output a 48 kHz signal.) No new player required: DTS 96/24 can be carried on DVD-video, or in the video zone of DVD-audio, accessible to all DVD players. 96/24 5.1-channel sound with full-quality full-motion video, for music programs and motion picture soundtracks on DVD-video. 96/24 through the S/P-DIF output. DTS 96/24 allows the use of external, very high quality D/A converters and associated analog electronics chosen by the user.