5.1 stand alone decoders (1 Viewer)

[Michael Rogers]

My DVD set up since the late 90's made use of a DVD player with a built in 5.1 decoder and a receiver which had a 5.1 input (but no decoder). Since it is possible, this Christmas I will finally get an HDTV I am looking towards getting an up converting DVD player or Blu-ray player in the future (I already have a more recent DVD player that will be more desirable for HDTV use due to the 480p progressive capability). Since it is hard to find units with built in 5.1 decoders of this type and since my receiver has some good life left in it I want to be aware of where to find a good, inexpensive 5.1 decoder which will take optical or coaxial to decode the 5.1 channels to input to the reciever.

I have looked on the web and have found units going for $50 but usually, they where in sale threads that were way out of date and I can't seem to find a dealer that has a simple 5.1 decoder for Dolby Digital and hopefully, also DTS.

 

[Alfonso_M]

Try to find the old Technics SH-AC500D with three digital inputs, this one decodes DTS too, (but it wont decode the newest advanced Blu ray disc audio codecs of course).

But if planning to move to Blu Ray and keeping your old receiver your best bet is to look into a Blu player with internal decoding and analog outs just like your old DVD player.

I'm keeping an eye on the panasonic BD55 myself, but you can find other brands out there as well...

Here's some info on this player on the Hi-Def area .

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/...-features.html

 

[Michael Rogers]

Thanks for the info

 

[Philip Hamm]

Yeah, there are still a lot of players with decoders built in. Look for SACD or DVD-Audio compatible or "universal" players. An external decoder would be a better plan though, because it will give you 5.1 sound from Hi-Def sources. Whether you use an over-the-air antenna, cable (using either a box or the decoder built in to your new TV), or sattelite, all HD sources have the capability for great 5.1 sound.

Check ebay for used decoders, the particular Technics unit described above would be best becuase I think it has DTS and that may be nice to have if you have some dvds with DTS (though I haven't noticed any new DVDs coming with DTS sound for a while).

 

[Alfonso_M]

Philip is right, an external decoder will give you more choices, but you won't be able to listen to the new and latest Blu Ray audio tracks, I know many disagree with me here, but that's not a big loss anyways, I've got a bunch of obsolete HD-DVD movies I enjoy just fine with just the regular DD-5.1 ...

I still own an SH-AC500D sound processor, they do decode DTS and they produce top notch audio, I still have it connected to my PC and an early "digital ready" JVC receiver, but I haven't used it in a while now.