ac-3 decoder Onkyo (1 Viewer)

[Charlie]

I am trying to upgrade my Onkyo TX-SV828THX receiver to process Dolby Digital 5.1. My manual says that this unit has a DB-25 connector for a decoder. My local dealer says it can't be done and wants to sell me a new Integra for $1400!

Are these decoders obsolete? Isn't ac-3 the same thing as 5.1? TIA, Charlie

 

[ChrisWiggles]

AC-3 is another name for Dolby Digital. It sounds like it has some proprietary input for 5.1 analog signals from an outboard decoder, as explained in this specs I just pulled up with google:

"For upgrading, there's an AC-3 ready DB-25 input for connection to the ED-901 AC-3 decoder. "

http://home.insightbb.com/~r.whalen/828.html

I'm guessing you need to find just such a matching decoder. I've not seen any other outboard processors with this connection method, so I dunno how likely it is you'll be able to find such a thing.

You may be better off in terms of features and such upgrading to a new receiver. You don't, of course, have to spend 1400 bucks on one, but 600-700 bucks will get you a fine receiver that will be much more feature full than your old PL one, but also give similar performance, IMO.