|   DD and DTS decoding: receiver or dvd player? | tsmith
Aug 14, 2001 6:45 AM | | Hey all,
I've got a Denon AVR-2801 with DD and DTS decoding. Is there anything I need on a dvd player to take advantage of this? (I'm guessing that I don't need the DD and DTS decoders on the player then). I suspect that I'll need to use the digital audio out to my receiver, but then that brings up another question. What's the difference between PCM and Bitstream? I recently demoed a Panasonic DVD-CV51. In the DD option menu, I could set it to PCM or Bitstream. For Dolby Surround, it only had one of those (I don't remember which) or OFF. Can someone explain this to me?
I'm just getting into the digital realm, so I don't know much yet.
Thanks for your help,
Tyler |
| re: DD and DTS decoding: receiver or dvd player? | Keith from Canada
Aug 14, 2001 6:56 AM | | Look at it this way, should you spend the extra $'s to have 2 decoders? I think that one is enough since the decoder in the DVD players will perform the same function as the ones that you have in the receiver. Besides, with the decoders in the receiver, you have more control over various settings (e.g. bass management). In short, you should NOT get a DVD player with any decoders.
PCM vs. Bitstream -- You forgot one important element about PCM which is the "stereo" that follows. PCM is a stereo format that allows the DVD player to pass two channel audio through to the reciever digitally (you might find some good 2-channel music DVD's that sound fantastic in PCM). Setting the DVD player to Bitstream tells the DVD player to send all 5.1 (or 6.1) channels to the receiver for decoding. Given your receiver, you'll want to set both DD and DTS to bitstream right away (NOTE: the factory settings on most DVD players have the DTS set to OFF. You'll have to fix that in the menu before you can use DTS).
Panasonic does make one of the better 'lower-end' DVD players and I think that it's a good bet for you. Unless you have an HD big-screen, there's no need to get into a progressive-scan model (more expensive).
Good Luck and I hope I helped! |
| my system is only 2 channel for the time being... | tsmith
Aug 14, 2001 7:21 AM | | Thanks Keith,
So I don't *need* the decoders in the player, but if they are there they'll be bypassed by using the digital outs, correct? Also, is there a difference between the 2 main channels of pcm and bitstream (whether or not it's audible is another question), or are the two digitally the same?
feeling a little less confused,
Tyler |
| my system is only 2 channel for the time being... | Keith from Canada
Aug 14, 2001 8:24 AM | | Hey Tyler.
You are correct, you don't need the decoders in the player and, since a player with decoders is more expensive, it's a waste of $'s. Yes, the decoders in a player would be bypassed by using the digital out. If you set the player to bitstream, your receiver will try to play the movie in 5.1 unless you specify otherwise in the menu of the DVD that you're playing. If you only have 2 channels right now, leave the DVD player set on PCM for the time being and then run out (don't walk, RUN) and purchase yourself a MATCHING center speaker and some decent rear speakers and move into the world of digital surround (NOTE: you can skimp on the rear speakers until your budget allows you more room BUT, DO NOT skimp on the center speaker...make sure it's a solid match for your mains...if it's not, you'll have trouble with the dialog in movies...98% of which comes from the center speaker).
Once again, Good Luck and remember to have fun...that's what it's all about!!! |
| my system is only 2 channel for the time being... | slinger
Aug 14, 2001 9:46 AM | | Keith from Canada .. you wouldn't happen to be from either London or Camridge, Ontario and have a brother named Rob by any chance ..? Just curious. |
| my system is only 2 channel for the time being... | Keith from Canada
Aug 14, 2001 9:55 AM | | Nope. I'm from Ottawa and have a sister named Barb if that's any consilation... |
| my system is only 2 channel for the time being... | slinger
Aug 14, 2001 4:22 PM | | lol.
that's cool. i have a cousin from up that way that's into HT, although there's probably more than a dozen Keith's from Canada. can't hurt to check. thx for the reply.
... <> |
| Center / surrounds... | tsmith
Aug 14, 2001 10:02 AM | | Ok, so I finally feel like I'm getting a handle on this stuff. Now if I could only see (hear?) it in action!
I actually did buy a matching center (JBL N-Center) a few weeks ago, but the video shielding was pretty bad. I exchanged it for another one which was even worse. I gave up for the time being on that speaker and just kept the cash.
The odd thing was that both speakers only distorted one corner of the tv, regardless of where I placed the speaker. I don't know if that means that the tv had some lack of shielding or what, but I wasn't gonna try my third speaker in 3 days. I just got a new tv (well, new to me), so I could try another N-Center. While I did have it though, I really loved the 3-channel processing from the Denon. The center is next on my list.
Tyler |
| Center / surrounds... | igor
Aug 14, 2001 12:40 PM | | Tyler,
I have the JBL S center, and for me it works great. Many people feel it is much better than the N center, and not much more $. I bought mine for $150 from J&R Music World. And I have it right on top of my Panasonic TV, and have never had a problem with distortion, or anything. Seems the shielding works just fine. A pretty powerful speaker too, and it is very crisp--great for HT dialogue. Certainly worth a look, IMO. |
| re: DD and DTS decoding: receiver or dvd player? | slinger
Aug 14, 2001 9:44 AM | | Tyler,
Keep in mind, you won't necessarily need a DVD player that does the decoding, since the Denon will already do this. These players that decode will cost much more. You will only need a player that passes the signal on to the receiver. So, when considering what to buy, just look for the player to be "DTS compatible" and/or "DD5.1 compatible". In essence, that is all that's needed to take advantage of having a receiver that decodes DTS and DD5.1 signals and most all DVD players will have these options available anyway.
Regards, <> |
| |
