I have a question about DVD tech stuff....

[CheapJabroni]

Hey there techies,

I'm planning on purchasing a DVD system but I'm totally new to this field. I was thinking about purchasing a real system rather than a computer version but I think the concepts are the same. Can someone be kind enough to tell me what a Dolby Digital recorder, a DTS recorder, a DTS decoder are? The affordable one I"m looking at lacks all of them =P Also does anyone know of a good DVD at an affordable price? I really appreciate any help, thanks alot guys.

 

[LordQria]

Dolby Digital and DTS are different methods used to take 5.1 channel soundtracks and compress them into a digital stream that can fit in the space of the dvd. DD uses a slightly lower bit rate then DTS, and on some movies there is a difference in sound quailty. However, most dvd decoders on the market support DD. Most of these encoders are going to be for professional use and the price will reflect that.

 

[mastertech01]

I would highly recommend you do a simple web search on the subjects and read on them indepth...you could hardly understand the technologies from a few paragraphs written here. High Fi equipment including DVD is a far reaching technology as wide ranged in quality and cost as computers are. Unless you consider yourself an audio phile ..one who nit pics every nuance of every aspect of audio, willing to spend unlimited funds to achieve the absolute in audio perfection, you would likely not see much difference between Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Digital, DTS, THX, etc. But by all means research the web, the resources are unlimited and you will within a few months be able to make the choices you need to make if it all really matters greatly to you. An audio system is many subsystems, like computers and it takes a lot of research to narrow down what you really need. Otherwise a typical home theatre setup with modest features is really all that is necessary to enjoy your movies.

 

[CheapJabroni]

Hey, thanks alot guys. One question though, what's the differenc between and DTS decoder and being DTS compatable? This is the player i've been looking at, cheapest one I can find, maybe you can help me. Thanks alot, this is greatly appreciated. =)

 

[mastertech01]

Im not sure Im quite understanding your question but I think it is saying that if you have a Digital DTS decoder in your home theatre system that the DVD player is capable of reading the DTS encoding on the DVD..hope that gets you the answer you are looking for.

 

[CheapJabroni]

hahah, wooops, forgot to add the link in my last question sorry about that, its at http://www.bestbuy.com/detail.asp?e=11000433&m=1&cat=32&scat=244

Anyhow, thanks =P sorry about that

 

[Changlinn]

it used to be that dvd on computer was cheaper, but now woith dvd's getting so cheap for tv, and having surround out, it is a hard choice(well not for me, living in australai and our selection being so sucky... ) I'd say if you can get it go for a surround sound dvd tv package...

 

[Rob G.]

"Unless you consider yourself an audio phile ..one who nit pics every nuance of every aspect of audio, willing to spend unlimited funds to achieve the absolute in audio perfection, you would likely not see much difference between Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Digital, DTS, THX, etc. "

I think that's a little too generalised. There is a huge difference between ProLogic and the 5.1 systems like Dolby Digital and DTS. ProLogic is a matrix surround decoding system used in home, comparable to Dolby Stereo in theatres. It takes a two-channel signal and extrapolates the centre and surround channels. Surround channels are mono and limited frequency and channel separation is often vague.

5.1 uses 5 independent signals, one for each speaker (left, centre, right, left surround, right surround) but these carry a full range signal with far more accurate channel separation. There is an additional channel (the '.1') that is normally used for LFE (low frequency effects) to power a subwoofer which can provide +10db of deep bass for extra impact.

THX is not a sound format. When applied to hardware, it is a series of (high) peformance and design standards. THX certified software (DVD and LaserDisc) is intended to provide an optimum method of transferring film to a home viewing medium.

THX processors/amps/receivers use a THX 'mode' to realign high frequencies and 'decorrelate' surround channels, with the intent of creating a more theatre-like reproduction.

"DD uses a slightly lower bit rate then DTS"

Both DD and DTS can use variable bit-rates. Dolby Digital is usually at 384kbps but is now often used at the higher rate of 448 (sorry, can't remember the exact numbers off the top of my head). DTS is usually over 1500kbps but since the Saving Private Ryan DVD was released last year, many studios have opted for the lower 768kbps rate to save space.


Rob Gillespie
www.hometheaterforum.com

 

[Grminalac]

Ok jabroni to answer your question, the difference between a piece of equipment that is dolby digital/DTS ready/compatible and one that just says dolby digital/DTS is that the ready/compatible needs an separate decoder to provide the enhanced sound, if you had a reciever and a DVD player that were both digital compatible you would need to purchase a separate decoder box otherwise you would only recieve dolby pro logic surround sound (same as a stereo VCR). So make sure when you make your purchase buy one component with the decoding built in. I reccomend buying a reciever with decoding built in because not only will it provide great sound for the dvd it will also decode HDTV as well as movies encoded in DD from home satellite which should be available very soon, if not now for a high price.
On the otherhand, absolutely nothing can match the beauty and clarity you will find with a computer DVD system. You see, even the best dvd standalone players change the pure digital video signal into a analog signal for playback on a T.V. this results in only slightly better picture than a good VCR. You guys can argue with me but everybody knows the resolution of TV sucks anyways; unless of course you have an HDTV but that would mean you blew over 3 grand. Computer DVD players keep the signal pure from the player though the decoder card (or software decoder) straight to the monitor giving you the best picture you have ever seen. Of course if your monitor is smaller than 19 inch and you have crappy speakers this might not be a viable option.

 

[Grminalac]

I was shocked yesterday when i went to walmart and saw they had a cheap-ass 125 dollar decoder equipped dvd player. you might want to look into it. Buying a more expensive player won't give you a better picture for the most part, just more nifty options like zoom and stuff like that. you might want to look into this one i'm sure its available at every god-forsaken walmart on the planet. then again if you don't like it return it walmart will take back anything.