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Help in plain English, anyone?

post #1 of 9
11/16/02 at 9:58pm
Thread Starter 
I need some help. I bought a DVD player way back in 1998, and it's nothing special (though it cost me 400 bucks back then).

I've got 5.1 surround sound, but I was wondering:

1) What are the differences and advantages of:
a) Dolby 6.1
b) DTS
c) EX

and

2) What would I need to take advantage of these set-ups?

Assume I'm an idiot, and preach it to me with that in mind.

Thanks in advance,

Galt
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post #2 of 9
11/17/02 at 2:18am
Quote:
John Galt:

1) What are the differences and advantages of:
a) Dolby 6.1
b) DTS
c) EX
EX? Never heard of it...but, the actual audible difference is the bass level, and resonance of sound. The sounds are sharper, more punchy, and are EASY to pinpoint in the room, no matter where they are in the soundfield. Much improved over plain old 5.1.

Quote:
and

2) What would I need to take advantage of these set-ups?
Buy a new Receiver. Sony makes quality low-end systems, but if you're wanting quality, go Pioneer Elite. Make sure your DVD player can output DTS, and use a fibre optic cable if you have that capability.
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post #3 of 9
11/17/02 at 3:08am
If EX is what I think it is, it simulates surround sound with two speakers.
If it's not what I think it is, then it doesn't.
That wasn't very helpful, was it?
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post #4 of 9
11/17/02 at 4:20am
There isn't a Dolby 6.1, it's Dolby 5.1 EX. The EX stands for EXtended surround. In this format, there are one or two extra rear speakers directly behind you to go along with the two rear speakers on the side. The two extra rear channels are not a seperate discrete channel. DTS ES is a 6.1 format and has a seperate discrete rear channel that goes directly behind you. DTS is not as compressed as Dolby Digital and has a cleaner sound with tighter bass. To take advantage of these formats, you need a DVD player that outputs DTS. It should have a DTS symbol on it if it does. Then your receiver will need to be able to decode DTS ES and Dolby Digital 5.1 EX.
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post #5 of 9
11/17/02 at 4:22am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the replies so far.

So, in your opinion, what's the best? DTS?

And how do you know if your receiver can decode it? Does it have a little symbol on it as well?

Galt
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post #6 of 9
11/17/02 at 4:34am
Yes, your receiver should have a DTS symbol on it if it decodes DTS. It depends on the DVD what sounds best. Dolby Digital 5.1 on Star Wars Episode 1 and 2 will sound better than some DTS tracks. For the most part, DTS sounds better. My new favorite track is The Lord of the Rings extended edition DTS. I thought the first disk in DD 5.1 was great, but the DTS is incredible.
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post #7 of 9
11/17/02 at 4:39am
Thread Starter 
Yeah, it's mostly because of FOTR:EE that I'm asking these questions. I'm borrowing a friend's copy tomorrow.

Just checked my gear.

My DVD player has the DTS symbol on it, but my receiver does not.

It's a Kenwood AV Receiver VR-208, if that means anything. I bought it in 1998 at the same time I bought my player.

I take it that means that it can't decode the DTS signal?

If that's the case, if I select the DTS sound option off a DVD's menu, what kind of output will I get through my receiver?

Galt
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post #8 of 9
11/17/02 at 4:48am
With no DTS decoder in your receiver, you will get no sound at all. Go and buy yourself a new receiver. In my opinion, it is well worth it for that extra audio purity.
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post #9 of 9
11/17/02 at 5:26am


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