Video Asylum

Question on my HT DVD system in stereo, not surround sound.

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Andy Black

I am a 2 channel purist, and am happy enough with my DVD/Digital projection system hooked up to my 2 Martin Logan Monoliths. The sound is unreal, even if just coming from the front. My question is this- on many DVD menus, there is an option of a user selectable Dolby 2.0 or stereo audio mode, or 5.1 surround. On some other DVD's, there is not. On those that don't have a user selectable 2 channel audio mode, the sound is automatically 5.1 surround. As a 2 channel user in this case, am I getting ALL the audio information encoded on that DVD thru my stereo setup (does the DVD player do this automatically?), or are some audio cues/sounds missed/vanished entirely because I don't have a 5 or 6 speaker setup? This has always been confusing to myself, and many others that only use 2 channel HT.

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Re: Question on my HT DVD system in stereo, not surround sound. Dantheman 23:10:24 05/02/01 (0)
Some DVD's ask you to choose what audio format you would like to use, others do not. However, DVD players ALWAYS output 2 channel uncompressed PCM sound from their RCA audio outs. That sound is the same 2 channel sound that would be offered on the VHS version of the film or concert but of higher quality audio ( 48/16 bit or higher), and is therefore totally compatable with two channel stereo or pro-logic surround.
You may not be getting ..... John C. - Aussie 18:24:12 04/19/01 (2)
..... "all" of the sound, but you are getting the main signals from my understanding. "All" would have to be the whole 5 or 6 channels and a 2 channel player does not mix the multi channels down to two unless the processor is specifically designed to do this. Some do, some don't so I guess there is no clear cut answer to your question.
I appreciate your pride in being a 2CH purist and was one myself for years, stubbornly refusing to believe the centre channel was all that important. However I suggest you look again at what the full 5.1 or 7.1 offers. My interest is in music as much as video and am wrapped in the latest offerings. Email me off board if you are interested in what we have - a 7.1 all electrostatic (on the top end) system.
John
- Coming from a former 2 channel purist.... Dan g. 12:44:41 04/23/01 (1)
  I woudl really like to understand the arguments for the use of a center channel, as compared to using a stereo pair with a "phantom" center.
  I am a HT believer, and use subs and rear speakers, but still have not heard a cc that was worth the effort or money.
  Without fail, I have found CC to narrow the sound field, by receiving too large a portion of the front sound information.
  How can anyone manufacturer expect a center to adequately handle a majority of the sound information, while it normally has half (if that) as many drivers as the main stereo pair?
  DG
  - Re: Coming from a former 2 channel purist.... chris 22:00:18 04/29/01 (0)
    I personally am an HT kinda guy and feel that the center is crucial in any high end system. As for the amount of drivers and the quality of speakers in a center, you can get some pretty awesome speakers. If you want the dynamic sound that is demanded from DVD's and A/V formats then you must get speakers accordingly.
    There are plenty of high end centers out there if you want to spend the money and have the room for them..... You guys being 2 channel purists, I take it that you have some really high end equipment so the prices shouldn't be anything you are not used to. The size shouldn't be a problem either considering most purists have some pretty substantial sized fronts.

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