Optical vs Digital audio output. (1 Viewer)

[ChuckSolo]

I don't think that the 6 analog channels have anything to do with DD. The 6 channel out is basically there to take advantage of SACD/DVD-Audio discs. No DD decoder necessary for those if played in 5.1 channels.

 

[John S]

While tru ChuckSolo, I have never seen one with 6 analog outs that did not have a DD decoder. I know a fair amount of people using them this way that had older nicer Pro-logic AVR's that offered the 6 channel input.

 

[John Garcia]

Every player I've ever owned had m/c outputs, and back in 97 there were no DVD-A or SACD players on the market. 100% of the players that I've seen that do DVD-A and/or SACD also have built in DD/DTS decoding as well.

As JohnS notes, m/c outputs and built in decoders were originally included on players because when DVD was released, most receivers did not have built in decoding (or digital connections in most cases). While the receiver manufacturers were working on the next generation with digital connections and built in decoders, that particular generation of Digital "Ready" receivers added m/c inputs to utilize the signal from a player with built in decoder.

 

[ChuckSolo]

Both you Johns are absolutely right, I only meant to point out that since the 6 channel outputs are analog, they really don't interact with the DD or DTS decoders.:b

 

[John Garcia]

?? If you use the internal DD/DTS decoding of the player, the only way it can be passed to the receiver is via analog. Analog is a decoded signal that basically only needs to be amplified; a receiver essentially becomes a preamp (more or less volume control) and amp. It is assumed with a multichannel input that bass management has already taken place at the source.

The digital connections pass a signal that still needs to be decoded by the receiver/processor.

 

[Ted Lee]

i think chuck means the decoders on the receiver...

 

[ScottCHI]

i decode everything at my m/c player. the only thing my receiver decodes is my cable television audio.

 

[John Garcia]

OK, I see now.

 

[ChuckSolo]

Yes, I meant the decoders on the receiver. Sorry for the confusion.