The DTS-HD Audio format consists of a single data stream that carries both core and extension data. A single data stream has many advantages:

1. The first and most important advantage is backwards compatibility with existing DTS decoders. All decoders make use of the core, while advanced decoders make use of extension data, which is simply ignored by decoders that cannot use it.
2. A second advantage is that the encoding workflow is simplified because only one encoding pass is required to generate both core and lossless extensions, saving time and expense during the encoding process.
3. A third advantage is that the size of the core + extension data is smaller than the combination of a standalone core decoder and standalone bit-for-bit identical audio track. Content creators can encode a lossless data stream and a backward compatible core making a very efficient use of space on the disc.
4. A fourth advantage is that the DTS core itself is capable of very high performance in comparison with competing coding systems.