Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Doing a research paper on DTS...need opinions

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Posted by Aaron Garman (Member # 1653) on 11-17-2003, 06:49 PM:

Hello all. In one of my classes, organizational communication, we have to do a research project on a particular company. Essentially, we have to study the communication within the organization. We will have to discuss things such as how management talks with staff, do they hold meetings, what they wear,etc. Also, I think it'd be interesting to find out how good they communicate with customers or colleuges. So, what I'm asking, is if anyone on the board who has dealt with DTS (the company I ahve chosen) would be willing give a quote on their communication. I'm sure there are many of you on here that have dealt with them (I know I have) and have a good or interesting quote to add to this project. If you quote, make sure to list your name, what you do (theatre manager, technician, etc.) so that I can give the quote credibility, and the quote you want to use. Thanks for all the help everyone. I figured on this forum, filled with so many professionals, it would be a good place to find out how DTS is really communicating with clients on the front lines. Thanks!

AJG

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 11-17-2003, 07:19 PM:

Well DTS likes to keep things private. They would rather discuss a problem via e-mail rather than here in the forum where all can see and benefit.

As to how they treat each other internally, I hear it is with whips and chains. It is run by a domanatrix who tortures her subjects with hot candle wax if they misbehave or if the profits dip. Management does not talk to staff. Instead they use morse code. Everyone at DTS loves Cheetos. That's all I really know.

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 11-17-2003, 07:22 PM:

Lick My Boots! Mr. Slave!

Ummmmm... sorry... it was from a movie I once saw...OK OK, so I have seen it 22 times! JEEZE!

Aaron: While I have mostly dealt with the "upper-management" types, engineering, and software "writers"...I have always found them to be very friendly and helpful and very nice people.

Can't say the same for the Tech Support "lady" in reference to being "knowledgeable". And, sorry to say that tech support DOES indeed tend to sweep DTS problems under the carpet and communicate in private. That is NO help to us ALL. [Mad]

>>> Phil

Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 11-17-2003, 07:32 PM:

Aaron, I would suggest that you contact someone like David Woodworth in DTS' Cinema Marketing Department about your paper. He might be able to get some information to you about some of the things DTS does in their daily operations. It would seem more credible for your term paper to have some sources from DTS rather than just our accounts alone.

I can say they certainly like theaters helping promote the format and run contests with prizes like home theater systems for theater managers and/or staffers who win.

Posted by Jack Ondracek (Member # 1466) on 11-17-2003, 11:54 PM:

The DTS system hasn't been all that hard to maintain... to this point. The drives aren't difficult to replace. I've had to change out a power supply on a 6D, but that was no biggie, considering the ancestry of these things. Quite a bit of information about their stuff has been posted here... some of it very useful. However, the tech support person has been fairly silent of late, so information about their new product has filtered into this forum a bit more slowly.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 11-18-2003, 12:43 AM:

I've had great luck with DTS till lately. The players are just as reliable as they have always been however they have pretty much refused to sell board level parts like they used to. Heck, a couple of years back I was even able to get the schematics for the output stages on the audio board to repair a unit that was in a fire.... DTS said the unit could not be repaired but its been back in action in an Iowa Theatre now for several years. Of course they'll gladly sell you an entire board for hundreds of dollars even if all that's wrong is a 10 cent part. Today for instance I repaired a Time Code Reader that had a shorted LED driver transistor. The green time code LED was always on. That would have been an expensive, very unnecessary, repair/exchange for our customer. The transistor cost .25 cents!

With the exception of EPROMs most board level parts are pretty easy to obtain, even the DC to DC convertor that fails once in a while on the Audio board is not really a problem and we even stock them.

Mark @ CLACO

Posted by Chris Hipp (Member # 1788) on 11-18-2003, 01:06 AM:

The usual response from DTS support is "move the CDs to a different drive and see if the problem follows. It does? OK, send it in for repair"

Posted by Pravin Ratnam (Member # 1417) on 11-18-2003, 01:09 AM:

Can DTS be used in foreign countries to alternate dubbed and non dubbed versions of the same movie by just switching the CDs?

Posted by Aaron Garman (Member # 1653) on 11-18-2003, 01:26 AM:

quote:
Aaron, I would suggest that you contact someone like David Woodworth in DTS' Cinema Marketing Department about your paper. He might be able to get some information to you about some of the things DTS does in their daily operations. It would seem more credible for your term paper to have some sources from DTS rather than just our accounts alone.

Oh I'm way ahead of you. I've been talking with a lady in PR and she is sending me a press kit. In addition, I'm going to interview her via email this week. The only reason I posted this thread is so that I can get a "3rd" party perspective of DTS. It is not going to be the entire basis of my project, rather a section of it. By the way, is Karen Hultgren still lurking around these forums? Thanks for all the help guys.

AJG

Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 11-18-2003, 01:39 AM:

quote:
Can DTS be used in foreign countries to alternate dubbed and non dubbed versions of the same movie by just switching the CDs?

Yes.

I have had nothing but very good experiences with dts. I visited them recently. All the people there were very friendly and not at all secretive, but on the contrary took time for all my questions and showed me around everywhere.

quote:
do they hold meetings, what they wear

I guess they hold meetings like every company. They all wore normal clothes. What did you expect, that they wear dts shirts and basecaps all the time?
They have nice office buildings and the athmosphere there is very relaxed.

Posted by Tom Doyle (Member # 1474) on 11-25-2003, 09:26 PM:

quote:
With the exception of EPROMs most board level parts are pretty easy to obtain

You know, I looked on the techcenter website and I can't seem to find any of the EPROM images. I don't need any right now, but you'd think these would come in handy occasionally. Why don't we have them on film-tech? The DS3 disc image is available, I can't help but think DTS would probably also allow hosting of the most common firmware versions.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 11-26-2003, 02:00 AM:

Dts has given us the ok for the setup discs, but firmware??? Cd burners are incredibly common and easy to use, but how many people can really burn an eprom? I think that sort of thing is best left up to calling the dts tech hotline and requesting one.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 11-29-2003, 08:06 AM:

DTS firmware EPROMs are supplied free of charge anyway. So why on earth would you want to burn your own?
Mark

Posted by Tom Doyle (Member # 1474) on 12-04-2003, 04:11 AM:

I've had very little experience with DTS, so I haven't seen any DTS units completely die on me (yet). However, I know that EPROMs can fail because I've seen it occasionally in video game and pinball PCBs. Whenever I get a dead boardset, after checking for obvious causes, I then verify that the EPROMs are holding the program properly. That's why the images are useful. I hadn't known that DTS ships replacements for free.

I'd be surprised if there were absolutely no techs here that owned EPROM programmers. However, you're right, it would be unnecessary to host the images. I hadn't thought about it, but any tech with a programmer must already have the images on file.

Posted by Kamakshipalya Dhananjay (Member # 1391) on 12-08-2003, 12:50 AM:

I always wonder why some members in this forum dont appreciate dts as much as people with similar profile in INDIA do.

DTS is the leading digital sound provider in INDIA for films and the reputation they have here is nothing short of legendary. The people who represent DTS here have a solid reputation with the theatre people for their understanding of the technology and for their familiarity with the system. And failures of discs or DTS units is definitely not a routine or regular occurence here.

The reliability of the DTS network (unit, readers and others) in the projector rooms in most theatres in INDIA is simply unprecedented.

Very often, it has been found here that the problem inside a projector room is rarely that of DTS but of other components like the amplifiers or the speakers that are wired to it.

The reputation of DTS for post production works is simply termed here as "first rate".

As to people that make up DTS, they are remarkable. Whether I see them as remarkable while some dont ? Most people I know share my opinion on it - the people who make up DTS here and the people at DTS, UK that supervise Indian operations are immensely talented and remarkable people.

Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 12-08-2003, 02:21 AM:

I don`t understand either why some people here don`t like DTS. I have worked extensively with all three systems, and I like all of them. It is no secret here that I used to be an SDDS fan, but that doesn`t matter anymore as the system is riding into its sunset. I like Dolby and DTS equally well, both formats have their pluses and minuses, but if installed and maintained properly, neither of them will give you more trouble than the other.
And, if there were no technical problems at all, where would be the fun in working with them?

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 12-08-2003, 04:01 AM:

quote:
DTS is the leading digital sound provider in INDIA for films...

Are there a lot of "foreign" films shown in India? Perhaps contributing to the popularity of DTS there may be the language issue. A great plus for the DTS system is the ability to easily "convert" a film to any language all from the same print.

BTW: The same applies for HA "captions" such as the "Rear Window" system.

I totally agree with Michael concerning the technology and the people at DTS. I have worked with many of them over the years and find (most) of them to be extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and willing to help.

My experience with them goes back more than 10 years to the days working with the original principals and inventor before it was called DTS….Back then, the startup was called Nu Optics. For the most part, I sincerely think that same inspiration, perspiration, and integrity still exists today.

>>> Phil

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 12-08-2003, 04:25 AM:

quote:
Michael Shaffer wrote:
I like Dolby and DTS equally well, both formats have their pluses and minuses, but if installed and maintained properly, neither of them will give you more trouble than the other.

Tell that to the piles and piles of useless CD-ROM drives currently making a dent in landfills. DTS utilizes moving parts. Moving parts wear out.

Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 12-08-2003, 09:38 AM:

CD rom issues....big deal. Non moving parts like LED, power supply and circuit card problems all have their problems during their service life...nothing is perfect and maintaining something as neccessary for creating income should be part of the business plan [Razz]

Get rid of those mechanical projectors....too many moving parts [Wink]

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 12-08-2003, 10:18 AM:

You are missing the point big time, Richard. When it comes to a digital format, which one is most likely to break down due to wear and tear? CD-ROM drives are a big deal. That's one more thing to break down. And they have broken down a lot. Many shows did not play in digital because only one drive (or none) worked on a unit and no other digital sound format was available as back up. And let's not forget all of those old DTS discs also filling up landfills. Is DTS actively attempting any kind of recycling program with these? Is it even possible?

DTS is a good system, but I don't think it is "fantabulous" or anything.

Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 12-08-2003, 10:43 AM:

Joe, in the more than 300+ units I have sold we had issues with 10% regarding drives over their service life or a need to upgrade....other issues such as cards and power supplies have been more of an issue; same with Dolby and SDDS. The only 100% strike out I have had where SDDS systems....of which I only sold 5 systems and all eventually where pulled. Every product has a weak point or unique issue.
DTS disks ( what maybe 2 million in circulation ) is a drop compared to CD / DVD / CVD product.....A 747 airplane while in the air is discharging 15 semi-tractor truck level of pollution into the atmosphere [Razz]

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 12-08-2003, 10:54 AM:

What is CVD?

Anyway I agree that DTS CD's are a drop in the bucket compared to the amount of music CD's and DVDs sold. But people generally tend to keep those products, whereas DTS CDs have a very finite useful life. Thanks to your statements, I see no reason why I should not litter. After all, if a 747 airplane while in the air is discharging 15 semi-tractor truck level of pollution into the atmosphere, my litter would be just a drop in the bucket. [Smile]

Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 12-08-2003, 11:13 AM:

CVD are video disks popular in Asia which have VHS quality and can be handled by the same hardware that produces CD's. As for 747's we should of had Mach 2 - 3 transports with less pollution by now...as for litter I am one of thoses guys who empties trash from my pockets at the end of the day if I can't find a place to safely dispose of the refuse.....less CD Roms with the new DTS XD-10 + interlocking capability....but we are back to that "moving part" ( hard drive ) issue [Roll Eyes]

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 12-08-2003, 11:43 AM:

Oh you mean VCD's (and S-VCD's). I agree about the super-sonic transportation statement.

Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 12-08-2003, 06:54 PM:

...and don't forget all of those trailer subscription discs: A new edition issued every week!

...and don't forget the issue of needing to have discs in the first place.

Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 12-08-2003, 07:34 PM:

Maybe DTS has a hex on the Bahamas [Wink]

There are probably more plastic loops from six pack beer packages fouling the waters compared to DTS disks in the ocean...more beer than DTS consumers [beer]

Posted by Daryl C. W. O'Shea (Member # 1303) on 12-08-2003, 07:36 PM:

Well then that's that. DTS and people who drink beer from cans are evil.

Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 12-08-2003, 07:56 PM:

YES....don't recycle those disks....they will end up on beer cans and the reefs will be polluted......Long day [Big Grin]

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 12-08-2003, 08:04 PM:

ANYONE who drinks beer from a can, is a loser!

>>> Phil

Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 12-08-2003, 08:14 PM:

Agreed [beer]

how can you play "spin the can"

Posted by Paul Mayer (Member # 355) on 12-08-2003, 11:17 PM:

For Joe, there are VCDs and there are CVDs. [Cool]

Click here for the quick illumination.

Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 12-08-2003, 11:28 PM:

What about people who drink beer from cans...with straws ?

Is beer ever served on ice ?

...but, you know, do our digital preference(s) and/or our opinion of DTS have any bearing on this research paper?

I thought the paper was intended to be about how DTS communicates. Whether or not people are in love with the company and/or its product(s) seems irrelevant.

What say we get an update on the paper? Hmmmm?

Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 12-09-2003, 07:43 AM:

Back on topic...........regarding communication and support issues with DTS, they have been excellent. About five years ago we had a problem with a batch of units at a foreign location. DTS sent a technican with our staff and checked each location; this took many field days at great cost. The end result was an upgrade and modification which has benefited many new end users. The company sends out technical bulletins on a fairly regular basis which is mostly technical and less of a promo or press release.

Posted by Dennis M Dow Jr (Member # 1970) on 12-09-2003, 05:47 PM:

I have been running DTS units going on 5 yrs now.... all we have done was get an upgrade done 4yrs ago and have had no problems with them.

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 12-09-2003, 06:04 PM:

DTS has been always helpfull to my customers

Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 12-10-2003, 01:13 AM:

I say this while knocking on wood. The Carmike 8 here in town has two DTS-6 machines that are 9 years old and have never had any problems at all. OTOH, a couple of the newer DTS-6D machines have had a couple drives fail. Could it be that old addage "they don't make 'em like they used too?"

IMHO, DTS should have set up the machines so one could replace a bad CD-ROM drive more easily (and less expensively).

Posted by Daryl C. W. O'Shea (Member # 1303) on 12-10-2003, 02:14 AM:

Replacing a CD-ROM drive in a DTS player is easier and faster than replacing a CD-ROM drive in a desktop computer. With the flavour of the month being IDE it's now about as cheap as it can get too.