DVD-Audio 1.0 Spec Published

The DVD Forum announced on February 9 that it has approved version 1.0 of the DVD-Audio specification, and that copies of the published format book will be available by early spring of 1999.The new spec includes a modification to the initial draft that provides for the addition of DolbyÆ Digital (stereo) as a ""mandatory"" alternative to Linear PCM in the discís video zone (to bring that portion in line with the DVD-Video spec). Version 1.1 will state the specifications for optional 5.1-channel audio formats such as DTSÆ Digital Surround. Interestingly, DTS has argued to the DVD Forum that version 1.0 should provide for backwards compatibility with the installed base of DVD players and include DTS Digital Surround (DTS Digital Out) capability as a playback requirement of DVD-Audio players. Recognizing the benefit, the DVD Forum went ahead and provided for backwards compatibility but, unfortunately limited the mandatory player requirement to Dolby Digital , which has mono and stereo capability as well as 5.1-channel. DTS Digital Surround is a 5.1 format. Thus, it appears that politics has prevailed over consumer interests.