Can DTS 5.1 sound be down-mixed into Dolby 5.1 Virtual?

[Osman]

Hello everyone!

I received a soundbase and soundbar as gifts recently. I don't want them to go to waste, and I already have a 5.1 surround setup. I have my PlayStation 4 set to DTS (bitstream) audio with optical input to the receiver (no HDMI input on receiver). The soundbase and soundbar say they use Dolby Virtual Surround, which, from the little I know, is not true 5.1 surround. Is it possible to have all connected and output at their full potential (receiver = 5.1, soundbase and soundbar = virtual 5.1)? I am connecting all at once with a splitter from the PS4 to each piece of hardware, as my TV does not have an optical audio output.

I hope it's not a stupid question, I've yet to master the ways of Audio...

Any knowledge is much-appreciated, thank you in advance!

 

[BMXTRIX]

Not sure of the exact make/model of what you own for your surround bar, but your quality will be limited on the input side to what is supported by the sound bar. The highest common format between systems is what must be used. So, you may need to play with the PS4 audio settings to get the audio right.

Audio is always a very tricky subject with multiple audio systems and a shared source because of the very weak support by manufacturers for stereo and surround mixes to coexist within sources. The PS4 being an excellent example. I would think your audio in the good surround area may take a hit, and may be reduced to stereo output if the surround bar doesn't support any of the better surround audio formats.

 

[Osman]

Thank you for the response!

I changed the surround sound options on the PS4 back to Dolby, and everything is operating perfectly. I had set it to DTS later on due to reading reviews that DTS sounds better overall, but Dolby has better surround effects. Now that I've switched back to Dolby, I realize I'd rather have better surround to know where enemies are hiding as opposed to "punchier" sound-effects.

Thanks again BMX!