Video Asylum

Not necessarily our experience

203.21.249.64

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Video Asylum ] [ FAQ ]

(i)

In Reply to: I always prefer the sound of LD over DVD posted by Michael on January 02, 2001 at 12:36:40:

I find the software varies as much for video & audio in LD & DVD as it does for audio only vinyl or CD. Generally DVD gives us a better picture but that is frequently due to component video output from DVD vs S video for LD.
As for the sound, software aside, the processor can make a dramatic difference. Sadly however, it does not matter how good the processor is if the initial audio engineering is not up to scratch and this is often the case, particularly with digitally encoded LDs done in the early 1990s.
We looked at "The Matrix" on DVD last night. Apart from awesome graphics the DD sound on this is absolutely stunning. Pity about the confused mumbo jumbo "plot" though! But why spoil good imaging and sound with a reasonable story?
John

Follow Ups:

Have to agree and disagree Michael 15:01:40 01/02/01 (2)
John,
Yes the quality of the software is important but, in my experience, I find that when I have directly compared the DVD and LD version of the same movie, I find that the DVD sounds compressed and lacking when compared to the LD version. Some examples include, Star Trek: First Contact, Last of the Mohicans (DD) and The Matrix.
Yes, DVD will lend itself to having a better picture but its unfortunate that the sound quality is not better sounding then LD, IMO.
- Interesting. I wonder if .... John C. - Aussie 15:07:53 01/04/01 (1)
  ... the processing of the DVD sound is the reason for the differences you noted. Please do not be offended by this comment as, if I have located your system correctly, it is very high end. Interestingly we share similar front ends - you have a Pioneer Elite, we have a Theta Data III (dressed up Pioneer Elite) and we both have Toshiba DVD players.
  We just saw "The Matrix" (sound via a Meridian 861 which I understand was used in making this movie) a couple of nights ago on DVD and did not detect the deficiencies in sound you refer to.
  However I have not heard the comparible LD and even if I had it the comparison would not be valid as the AC3 RF demodulator we use is a cheaper Yamaha. Prior to the 861 I had bad aural experiences with Dolby Digital sound.
  We have a few operatic DVDs and the sound from them seems ok.
  I note in your system comments you are building a custom house. We have done that & I'd be interested in comparing notes off line if you care to email me.
  Regards
  John
  - Re: Interesting. I wonder if .... Michael 13:14:09 01/05/01 (0)
    > > Please do not be offended by this comment as, if I have located your system correctly, it is very high end. Interestingly we share similar front ends - you have a Pioneer Elite, we have a Theta Data III (dressed up Pioneer Elite) and we both have Toshiba DVD players. < <
    None taken on my part. As always, I appreciate discussing things like this with others.
    > > We just saw "The Matrix" (sound via a Meridian 861 which I understand was used in making this movie) a couple of nights ago on DVD and did not detect the deficiencies in sound you refer to. < <
    On its own merits, I also find "The Matrix" an excellent sounding movie on DVD. It's just more everything sounding on LD.
    > > However I have not heard the comparible LD and even if I had it the comparison would not be valid as the AC3 RF demodulator we use is a cheaper Yamaha. Prior to the 861 I had bad aural experiences with Dolby Digital sound. < <
    The RF demodulator, in my Proceed AVP, was built by MSB for Madrigal and it does an excellent job. I also have the same Yamaha RF demodular that you do which I used to use before I got the Proceed AVP.
    Out of curiosity, have you compared the DTS DVD and DTS LD version of "Eagles: Hell Freezes Over"? The funny thing is, I actually like both the video and sound quality on the LD version over the DVD version.
    I have been enjoying the LD format so much that I try to find movies on LD whenever I can, even if I have already purchased that same movie on DVD.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

VH Audio

You can not post to an archived thread.