Getting my receiver to decode sound in DTS/DD help please

[nitsuj3580]

OK, for whatever reason, none of my dvds play in DTS or DD surround sound, only Pro Logic according to my receiver (Sony STR-DE575)

My dvd player audio outputs are hooked into the DVD audio inputs on the receiver and I just thought that if the dvd supported DTS or DD, it would send the signal to the receiver

One of my friends mentioned it might be due to the fact that I don't have digital coaxial cables with the RCA ends, I have analog cables instead.

Or maybe do I have to set up something on my receiver? I just thought the receiver was smart enough to decode in whatever signal came ? Does anyone have a similar model receiver?

Thanks! I really want to hear Dolby Digital and DTS through my speakers and here the difference from Pro Logic.

 

[N8Magic]

You MUST use either a digital optical or coaxial cable to connect your DVD player to your receiver.

The 2 composite cables won't cut it i'm afraid.

 

[DaveJ]

In addition to needing a cable to a digital input, check your DVD player's setup menu and make sure the audio output is set to RAW or SPDIF mode rather than analog... That should get DD and DTS working...

Dave

 

[nitsuj3580]

cool, yah, I think I need to get a digital coax cable. it's an orange colored connection on the dvd player and the receiver after reading the manuals again so I think that'll do it.

I also use my dvd player to play mp3s. Do they play in Dolby digital? or would i have to keep the composites plugged in to play the mp3s? Can both be plugged in at the same time? (the composites like the red and white plugins) and then the digital coaxial cable

 

[DaveJ]

No, if you set the output to RAW mode your receiver should autodetect the signal, so there's no need to hook up the analog cables...

Dave

 

[nitsuj3580]

ah, ok, good deal. thanks for the quick replies guys just ordered a digital coax cable (Acoustic Research brand) for instore pickup at my local best buy tomorrow

 

[psteng19]

Hey, I was about to post the exact same question.

I have a Sony STR-DE485 and I also could only get ProLogic.

I remember reading that as long as it was coaxial 75 ohm, it would work, but it hasn't for me.

How much did that cable run ya?

 

[nitsuj3580]

I got the acoustic research brand 12 feet for like $14.99 at Best Buy.

We'll see what happens. Want to hear that sweet sound

 

[DaveJ]

Psteng: That's odd... My Laserdisc player's digital out is hooked up using the cheap "video" cables that you get with a DVD player or VCR (the cables are *really* thin) and the digital sound works great....

Dave

 

[psteng19]

Originally posted by: DaveJ
Psteng: That's odd... My Laserdisc player's digital out is hooked up using the cheap "video" cables that you get with a DVD player or VCR (the cables are *really* thin) and the digital sound works great....

Dave

Are you talking about the RCA composite cables (red, yellow, white).
I don't think I'm even using one of those, but I am getting sound. Just not DD, DTS.

Gonna try one of those if you say it works.

 

[DaveJ]

Psteng: Yeah, I'm using just the standard yellow video cables, nothing special.... I doubt they're even 75 ohm impedance given their cheapness, but they work fine...

Dave

 

[GoSharks]

actually composite video cables should be 75ohm, and should work for digital coax

 

[nitsuj3580]

UPDATE: went to best buy, got my digital coaxial cable, set the dvd to SPDIF/RAW and everything works great! Nice dolby digital surround sound! Thanks guys!