DTS identifies a family of audio technologies and formats rather than one universal playback arrangement. Different variants and equipment have different compatibility requirements. A television, player or receiver may decode, pass through or reject a particular track depending on its implementation, selected output and the complete supported connection path used for sound.
A practical example
A media file can offer a DTS track alongside another audio format. One television may play the alternative track through its own speakers while a compatible receiver handles the DTS track in a different equipment arrangement using the same source file.
A common misunderstanding
Do not assume that a receiver's DTS support means every television app can send every DTS format to it. The source application and intermediate connection path also matter.
Related terms
Stable technical definition. Editorial approach