What's the diff btw the digital and analog out on the SB live value?

[kaymin]

OK, i've read all the other posts on SB live and i'm still not sure what the difference is between the digital out and the analag out (i think sb live value has 2 analag outs? not sure)? Which one sounds better?

Also, can anyone help me out by explaining to me what exactly is 5.1? how is that different from 4.0?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Avalanche007]

The Digital out will only work for Digital speakers that have a Dolby Digital decoder chip built into the speaker system (or if you hook it up to a stereo system with this encoding). I you have such speakers, this would sound better by far as it is much more crisp and clear. The 5.1 audio is the reference to this Dolby digital system where it consists of two front speakers, two rear speakers, and a sub(this encoding is specialized for 5 speakers). The 4 audio is the use of the other two out puts, two rear, and two front. The primary difference is that it isnt specialized for the sub, with 4. it is just putting out bass.

 

[Thyme]

The analog ports, front and rear, only provide 4 channels. The digital Provides 6 channels, as does SPDIF.

5.1 is 5 Speakers and one Subwoofer and you should use digital. 4.0 is 4 speakers and it would not really matter.

 

[Viper GTS]

Digital = Audio composed of 1's and 0's, like on a CD
Analog = Audio composed of a frequency and amplitude, like on a tape

Digital is better for a number of reasons:

1) The less time a signal spends in analog form the less chance it will be affected by interference.
2) Digital signals are relatively unaffected by electrical interference, especially optical which is 100% unaffected.
3) Digital allows all the surround info to be sent directly to your receiver & decoded there.

While I'm not an expert on it, AFAIK the difference between 5.1 & 4.1/4.0 would be:

5.1 = Five discreet channels + sub (front l/r, rear l/r, front center, sub)
4.0 = Four discreet channels (front l/r, rear l/r) - Center channel is created virtually by sending the data to both front speakers.
4.1 = Four discreet channels + sub (front l/r, rear l/r, sub) - Center channel is created virtually by sending the data to both front speakers.

Viper GTS <- Probably going to make an idiot out of himself with his limited knowledge.

 

[Viper GTS]

Or by double posting.



Viper GTS

 

[kaymin]

Ohhhh...i see now. Great explanations. Thank you so much.

 

[kaymin]

double and triple post, sorry

 

[kaymin]

Ohhhh...i see now. Great explanations. Thank you so much.