DTS, Inc. announced with a press release that PS4 owners have something extra to look forward to from their new console in terms of audio fidelity, as the PS4 is the very first consumer electronics device in the world to include the new and shiny DTS-HD Master Audio|7.1 decoder.

The new decoder allows the delivery of 7.1 audio data at the enormous bit rate of 512 Kb per seconds, which basically means that streamed audio will be as near as possible to lossless, provided that the user has a high-bandwidth internet connection.

DTS Executive Vice President and COO Brian Towne accompanied the press release with a statement:

Today, there are more than a couple of ways for consumers to access and enjoy entertainment content. Millions of consumers rely on their gaming consoles to serve as their hub for accessing digital content services, holding the expectation that these devices will deliver the same quality video and audio experience that they receive when gaming or watching Blu-ray discs. By featuring DTS' new DTS-HD Master Audio|7.1 technology, PS4 owners will be able to enjoy the same high-definition 7.1 surround sound experience received on Blu-ray from streaming and VOD services.

Below you can find an official description of the feature:

DTS-HD Master Audio|7.1 is the latest delivery profile under the DTS-HD technology portfolio of advanced audio solutions for next-generation content. Designed to deliver the highest quality surround sound experience possible from both physical and digital media,this new decoder supports streamed and downloaded content featuring DTS-HD-encoded audio tracks, as well as optical disc media with soundtracks produced in all DTS formats including DTS-HD Master Audio.

Looks like audiophiles will finally be able to enjoy the sound of streamed content without cringing too much, and the PS4 will be the first device to provide that kind of quality. Not too shabby for a 400 bucks gaming console.