TrueHD is a new audio format from our good friends at Dolby Labs. TrueHD allows for outstanding audio on the Toshiba HD-DVD player. Firmware version 2.0 for the Toshiba HD-DVD player enabled TrueHD for 5.1 (previous support was 2 channel only). The end result is a cleaner crisper sound at all frequencies and the ability to hear the more subtle sound effects in movies due to the fact that the audio is “bit for bit” identical to the original master and is also “lossless”. Via TrueHD your rear surround speakers are also much busier. TrueHD is ONLY supported via HDMI and Analog 5.1. Optical or SPDIF (Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS ONLY) cannot support TrueHD. If you are lacking a receiver with HDMI support or Analog 5.1 (6 channels via RCA inputs: Center, Sub, FL, FR, RL, RR), I believe it is time for you to upgrade.

When using the 5.1 analog route, I strongly suggest purchasing some good “gold plated RCA to RCA Audio Cables”. Considering that you are using TrueHD for the best in home theater audio, please “DO NOT” GO cheap on cables (you can thank me later).

In my BATMAN BEGINS HD-DVD review, I mentioned that I would not review TrueHD until I had a receiver with HDMI as my High-End Rotel Receiver (purchase only a few years ago) required a DB25 to Analog RCA’s to support 5.1 Analog input. I had trouble finding the cable (which led to my comments), but I found and purchased the cable from Onkyo at Shop Onkyo (since Rotel no longer carries the cable). The cable from Onkyo has 8 RCA plugs of various colors that match Onkyo receivers. After a call to Onkyo to figure out what color is what, I was on my way. Before watching a movie using TrueHD you should head to the HD-DVD player Setup Menu > Audio > 5.1, then adjust the db level (if needed – default is good) and the distance (in feet) from your viewing location in your room to your speakers (you can set each speaker individually).

After watching BATMAN BEGINS several times using DTS (which provides great audio), TrueHD was AMAZING. The improvement in audio is noticeable from the beginning of the movie when Young Bruce falls and is attacked in the bats cove and also when Bruce fights in the prison kicking butt until the guards lock him up to protect the other prisoners (love that scene). Center channel audio is so much cleaner and crisper that it is hard to believe. Dialog and Center Channel Effects are sharp with a loudness not present in DD, DD+, or DTS. Even whispers can clearly be heard without struggling or having to increase the volume. Bass is much deeper and longer lasting (I just LOVE bass) which forced me to adjust the gain on my subwoofer a bit as I had adjusted it to a higher level when using DTS.

One scene where TrueHD shines in BATMAN BEGINS is when Bruce and Henri are sparring on the frozen lake in the early scenes of the movie. You can hear the constant cracking and creaking of the ICE through out the scene. And when Henri tells Bruce, “you haven’t beaten me, you sacrificed sure footing for a killing stroke”, you can hear the ICE giving way beneath Bruce’s feet before Henri strikes the ice causing Bruce to fall into the ice cold lake water. I just love listening to the sound in that scene over and over.

In general, TrueHD provides a outstanding audio experience that will make any audiophile cry with tears of “joy” (I did, but don’t tell anyone, shhh).

The entire movie is absolutely astounding with TrueHD audio. It is hard to believe that TrueHD exceeds Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS. I never imagined anything could trump those formats. Thanks to Dolby for enhancing home theater audio for the NEXT GENERATION of HOME ENTERTAINMENT!

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Editor - www.hidef.com

"True adaptability involves changing ones self to meet ones environment, not changing ones environment to meet ones needs" - Species8472

No TrueHD for me, but if i win the HD-DVD add on I can enjoy true 6.1 Dolby Digital =P

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Entertainment Setup
Westinghouse 47" 1080p Monitor
HD-DVD Add-On (Thanks HiDef.com)
Onkyo 6.1 Suround Sound System


Video Game Setup
Xbox 360 Premium
2 Wireless Controllers
Xbox 360 Wireless A/G Adapter

The TrueHD on this disc makes me wish every HD-DVD had TrueHD. The audio is stunning!!!!

Same here... MI3 has no TrueHD which disappointed me greatly... WB has been about the only supporter to far...

Later..

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Editor - www.hidef.com

"True adaptability involves changing ones self to meet ones environment, not changing ones environment to meet ones needs" - Species8472

MI3 would have been awsome with True HD too.

Is there any sort of list that shows which movies will be coming out with this feature?

Also, just how many recievers out there are even capable of playing this?

I am work on a list of current supporting and upcoming titles, no problem..

As for receivers that support, it comes down to two things:

1. 5.1 analog inputs on receivers (this depends on a HD-DVD player with analog output)

OR

2. HDMI inputs and switching

Nothing more is needed...

Later..

__________________
Editor - www.hidef.com

"True adaptability involves changing ones self to meet ones environment, not changing ones environment to meet ones needs" - Species8472

I cant wait to see the list man

Ah this is one one of the things i have been looking forward to on the HD DVDs, a list would be of great help

I thought i would make a start, here are all the current titles i found

Training Day
The Perfect Storm
The Phantom of the Opera
V for Vendetta
End of Days
Batman Begins
Superman Returns
Million Dollar Baby
Miami Vice
Lady in the Water
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - music only