The next generation of video games are wowing gamers with high-definition graphics and gameplay that pushes the boundaries of what the new systems have to offer. A new technology now promises to bring game audio to the next level as well. At this year’s Game Developers Conference, DTS plans to educate developers on its DTS Neural Surround Sound technology that enables games to present real-time 7.1 soundtracks on the Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and via PC.

“Our goal is to give developers the audio tools to help them create gaming experiences more immersive than ever before. With our DTS Neural Surround technology, games will deliver true 360 degree gaming for the first time ever. The potential here for what sound does in a game is almost limitless,” said Mark Tuffy, director of business development of interactive media at DTS.

By using existing technology built into the systems, DTS Neural Surround is able to convert the 5.1 signal into a true 7.1 surround experience. Whether the signal is digital or analog, DTS Neural Surround is able to convert the sound into 7.1 channel surround sound. Unfortunately, not a lot of technical details are available. Based on the claims of DTS, the Neural Surround should provide  lossless quality like audio in video games.

“Prototype” on Microsoft Xbox 360 will be the first title released using DTS Neural Surround, but according to DTS, games using the DTS Neural Surround technology are currently under development for all platforms. 

“You’ve come to expect this level of sound quality with your Blu-Ray movies, why not games? With DTS Neural Surround Audio, you’ll experience the game’s audio exactly the way the designers intend. When a rocket flies over your head and explodes over your left shoulder, or a ten foot tall Demon with a chainsaw creeps up just behind your back… you’ll hear it exactly like that — in incredible, location specific detail,” said Mr. Tuffy, who, prior to DTS, was director of games at THX.

Tags: DTS, Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft, Wii, Xbox, Playstation