HD-A2 using optical audio vs. analog 5.1..

[Brahmzy]

Hi guys...first post. I cannot believe I've never seen this site before.

Anyway, I am convinced(or misled :)) that HD-DVD is the way to go and I'm going to get an HD-A2.

Question: Is there anything wrong with using the HD-A2's digital optical output to my DENON 3802 reciever? I do not have HDMI switching and won't for a while (I'll prolly get the 3806/7). I mean, I've been reading a bunch of threads saying how bad Tosh screwed the pooch on the HD-A2 by not putting in the 5.1 analog outputs like the HD-XA2 has. Will I still get DD5.1 sound? Will it sound as good as my DENON DVD-2800's digital optical 5.1 output? I guess I don't understand the problem. I know I won't get TrueHD, but I'll get at least DD5.1, right?

Is it something to do with compression? Isn't digital always better than analog?

Sorry for the n00b questions - I'm still trying to figure out HD-DVD, DDTrueHD, HDMI 1.3 and everything else without wasting my money.

[bfdtv]

Will I still get DD5.1 sound?You'll get DTS 5.1 (or 6.1, depending on the title) @ 1.5Mbps.

Every HD-DVD in existance uses at least Dolby Digital Plus @ 640 Kbps, and many titles use Dolby Digital Plus @ 1.5 Mbps or TrueHD @ 1.5-3.0 Mbps. Through optical output on the A2, you will get this audio run through a DTS 1.5 Mbps transcoder. The sound won't be as good as the output through HDMI, but it is still an upgrade over the Dolby Digital 5.1 you get on DVD.

[For comparison, DVD uses Dolby Digital @ 448 Kbps.]

Denon is expected to announce / demo a number of its next-generation receivers (like the 3607) at CES in January.

[mkellypc]

I've been a little confused on this as well. Whtat are the most preferred outputs for best surround sound? My receiver has Tos. and digital coax as was as 6 channel direct. I have a 6.1 speaker setup. I have the A1 so what would be the better methd of hook-up. If I use the 6channel direct (5.1) won't I lose the benefit of the rear channels as is DDex or DTS6.1 as thu tos.? I have read thru many, many of these posts....and the more confused I get!!! Would the A2 be a mistake for me audio wise and if so why. This is where I get lost. Thanks in advance!!

Matt

[VTGOLFER]

HDMI then Optical then coax are your best digital connection path.

[Bill Mac]

HDMI then Optical then coax are your best digital connection path.

I do not think the A2 has a coaxial output. Optical, HDMI and R&L RCA are the audio outputs.

Bill

[mkellypc]

Why would one want L & R RCA ?

[DigVid]

Why would one want L & R RCA ?
Well, to plug into ones analog monitor; while the digital outs can go into ones receiver for ones projector. That's what I do anyway... :)

[mkellypc]

Ah, ok fair enough.

I still don't understand why people say they will be losing out with the A2 as far as audio goes. Doesn't it have opt. out?

[DigVid]

Based on the pic I have seen. The A2 has 1-Optical digital out, 1-HDMI A/V 1.2a out for HD digital audio, no coax digital out (and the analog R&L RCA). Some may need the coax for their system configurations. It is more ususal than not that these players have included coax outs, so it's not an unreasonable gripe.

The A2 lacks 5.1 analog outs, so one must have a receiver with HDMI A/V vers. 1.1 (or above) to fully realize the true potential of the "uncompressed" audio from Dolby and DTS. However, the sound IS much improved even through the optical digital out (as mentioned earlier)

I will be happy to use my optical digital inputs with my forthcoming A2 until I upgrade later.

Once again that's just my take...

[Hoof]

Ah, ok fair enough.

I still don't understand why people say they will be losing out with the A2 as far as audio goes. Doesn't it have opt. out?
I just think it means less audio options since it doesnt have any analogs outputs. So if you want TrueHD the only way to get it is through HDMI.

[Hoof]

Based on the pic I have seen. The A2 has 1-Optical digital out, 1-HDMI A/V 1.2a out for HD digital audio, no coax digital out (and the analog R&L RCA). Some may need the coax for their system configurations. It is more ususal than not that these players have included coax outs, so it's not an unreasonable gripe.

The A2 lacks 5.1 analog outs, so one must have a receiver with HDMI A/V vers. 1.1 (or above) to fully realize the true potential of the "uncompressed" audio from Dolby and DTS. However, the sound IS much improved even through the optical digital out (as mentioned earlier)

I will be happy to use my optical digital inputs with my forthcoming A2 until I upgrade later.

Once again that's just my take...
Another newb question.... so since it only has 1 HDMI out doesnt that mean you have to run the cable to your reciever and then run another HDMI connection from your reciever to your tv? Wont you loose PQ if you do this on most recievers?

[DigVid]

I would go to the receiver (say a Harman Kardon AVR 645 for instance) than run two HDMI video sources from the receiver. Good HDMI cables (such as ones from monoprice) will get you past most problems. Also, if you can avoid HMDI to DVI connections you will save yourself a lot of headaches (from what I've read). HDMI to HDMI is the safe route.

There should be no discernable loss of quality with digital connects if proper care is used. Oh, and keep your fingers crossed... ;)

[Hoof]

I would go to the receiver (say a Harman Kardon AVR 645 for instance) than run two HDMI video sources from the receiver. Good HDMI cables (such as ones from monoprice) will get you past most problems. Also, if you can avoid HMDI to DVI connections you will save yourself a lot of headaches (from what I've read). HDMI to HDMI is the safe route.

There should be no discernable loss of quality with digital connects if proper care is used. Oh, and keep your fingers crossed... ;)
Hehe thats exactly the reciever im thinking of upgrading to from my h/k 635. So I guess it should work fine thanks.

[oliverjg]

Ah, ok fair enough.

I still don't understand why people say they will be losing out with the A2 as far as audio goes. Doesn't it have opt. out?

optical can't carry all the data that is available with trueHD.

but, on my setup i can't seem to really take full advantage of a1 analog outputs. my receiver has a lot of options on the digital side but basically passes the analog through. so, i can't calibrate the a1 analog output levels on the receiver side.

the a1 allows you to reduce the ouput levels for calibration (which must be done because the sub output is low relative to the others). so, on my setup i end up having to increase the volume level on the receiver to a point where i can get an unacceptable background hiss.

for now i am using optical. i get the best overall results very easily going that route. i plan to invest in a good recevier that fully supports hdmi audio at some time in the future.

[JOHNnDENVER]

Another newb question.... so since it only has 1 HDMI out doesnt that mean you have to run the cable to your reciever and then run another HDMI connection from your reciever to your tv? Wont you loose PQ if you do this on most recievers?


It is a digital domain, there should be zero picture degrading going on at all. Really even with component video where there could be a loss this was mostly a non issue with the vast majority of AVR's that do / did component video switching.

[DigVid]

It is a digital domain, there should be zero picture degrading going on at all. Really even with component video where there could be a loss this was mostly a non issue with the vast majority of AVR's that do / did component video switching.
To clarify, and in addition to what I said in my post, the digital domain is "lossless"; however, a bad cable can still instill picture actifacts. So, just make sure your cables are adequate. I have had exellent experience with cost-effective (but high-quality) Monoprice cables...

[bfdtv]

Another newb question.... so since it only has 1 HDMI out doesnt that mean you have to run the cable to your reciever and then run another HDMI connection from your reciever to your tv? Wont you loose PQ if you do this on most recievers?Many of the "upscaling" receivers do degrade SD signals, because the video circuitry they use costs about as much as a lunch for two at Burger King. However, with the exception of the 5200ES from Sony, receivers don't do any processing on 720p or 1080i HD signals; they just pass the digital video signal through unmodified.

Video processing for HD signals is costly -- i.e. the really inexpensive chips won't do it -- which is why you don't see that capability on most <$1500 receivers.

[Brahmzy]

Great thread - thanks for the quick answers guys.

My wife's not gonna like the fact I need the 3807. I just bought a Sammy 61" DLP 1080P and built a serious gaming computer. Doh.

It's all just never enough is it? :)

[VTGOLFER]

I do not think the A2 has a coaxial output. Optical, HDMI and R&L RCA are the audio outputs.

Bill

Your right but I thought he was asking what are the best digital outputs. I know everyone has HDMI first but at this time I have not chosen to go that route and use optical or coax until the standards are set in stone for all divises from TV's, Sources and AVR and Pre/Pros. When they are standarized I will be the first in line to pick up a new Pre/Pro with HDMI 1.3 or whatever it is at that time.

[jayselle]

Having only optical out irritates me. Is it really that big of a deal to include digital coax? Everything is switching to optical only now it seems yet receivers still have equal numbers of both.

My Pioneer 1015 has two optical inputs and two digital coax inputs. The Xbox 360 and PS3 only have optical out. Thank goodness my DVR has digital coax and optical out.

What do I do besides buy an HDMI switching receiver? Are these converters any good at converting optical to digital coax?

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10423&cs_id=1042302&p_id=2948&seq=1&format=2&style=

[LCD1080]

Optical out only is fine. 99% of the public is happy with DTS 5.1. I'm one of them.

[gwsat]

I agree that this has been an excellent thread. I am now encouraged to believe that an optical audio connection between an HD-A1 or HD-A2 and my HT receiver would satisfy my audio needs quite nicely. I have a nearly three year old Yamaha RX-V2400 receiver that don’t know nassing ‘bout no steenkin’ HDMI. :)

[jayselle]

Optical out only is fine. 99% of the public is happy with DTS 5.1. I'm one of them.

What if you have PS3, Xbox 360, DVR, and a BD player? Digital coax and optical both transport the same bitstream. 99% of all receivers have an equal amount of optical and coax. If all the devices start using optical only that causes a problem with not enough inputs.

[LCD1080]

What if you have PS3, Xbox 360, DVR, and a BD player?People who have all 4 of those devices make up a tiny part of the overall market. They have my sympathies.

[zork52]

Count me in as "confused" with optical only or analog inputs and the calibration thingie.

I have already calibrated my sound system for my my using a sound level meter and the B+K On Screen Program.

Are you guys saying if I spring for the XA2 for the sake of analog that I must do a SEPARATE calibration for the player itself???

I'm still on the fence about which one to get. I"ve PM'd a few guys and got some opinions, but you all know how this stuff is. Paper or Plastic...............

ARE the analogs really THAT much better to your ears??

I have a good sound system so if that's all it takes...............

[homerx]

Well I have
Sevral items with optical out. I use a mecanical optical selector. Radio shack sells 4x1 selectors I paid like 50 2 years ago, I imagine they are cheeper now.

But I've got
HDDVD
DVD recorder
Xbxox 360
Dvd player
Xbox
But my amp has like 5 optical and 3 coxial digital

[homerx]

Well I have
Sevral items with optical out. I use a mecanical optical selector. Radio shack sells 4x1 selectors I paid like 50 2 years ago, I imagine they are cheeper now.

But I've got
HDDVD dvd in
DVD recorder analong in for now
Xbxox 360 selector dtv in
Dvd player dvr in via coaxial
Xbox- selector dtv in
Sat box-sat in
But my amp has like 5 optical and 3 coxial digital

[rwestley]

Monoprice sells a 3x1 optical selector for under $8

[HPforMe]

Count me in as "confused" with optical only or analog inputs and the calibration thingie.

I have already calibrated my sound system for my my using a sound level meter and the B+K On Screen Program.

Are you guys saying if I spring for the XA2 for the sake of analog that I must do a SEPARATE calibration for the player itself???

I'm still on the fence about which one to get. I"ve PM'd a few guys and got some opinions, but you all know how this stuff is. Paper or Plastic...............

ARE the analogs really THAT much better to your ears??

I have a good sound system so if that's all it takes...............

Yes the analog is better because you're getting DD+ or TrueHD lossless. I don't know if Tosh has improved the calibration process on the XA2 because the A1 just wasn't good in that way. For example, the db level only went up to 0. This was completely inadequate for sbw level as it had to be pumped up to 10 dbs (THX recommended through analog output). I used a THX disk as well to help with crossover and balance.

The difference is noticeable on big sound disks such as Batman Begins. Since I have both the optical and analog hooked up to my Yamaha RX-V550 I have the luxury of immediately changing by a click of my audio remote the inputs from DTS (converted DD+ or TrueHD tracks through optical) to DD+/TrueHD analog. There is clear and unequivocal difference - clarity, cleaner sound, wider sound fied. Those more subtle sounds are brought to the fore and have depth and clarity.

Your receiver should have the capability to callibrate the multi ch input of analog as well to avoid the Tosh calibration limitations (although who knows if the XA2 has fixed this).

[zork52]

HP,

So I gather you switch back and forth depending if the disc has the TrueHD and DD+ encoding or just the standard DD and DTS?

My B+K is a pre/proc. I guess I would have that same option using the 2 methods of connection somehow...........I"ll have to check that out.

I would still think if I've calibrated my system already I should just be able to connect it up and go, except have to turn up the volume for movies???

Or is it that the player is like the processor all unto itself and "doesn't care" what my pre/proc has the speaker levels ( including sub ) calibrated at?

[HPforMe]

HP,

So I gather you switch back and forth depending if the disc has the TrueHD and DD+ encoding or just the standard DD and DTS?

My B+K is a pre/proc. I guess I would have that same option using the 2 methods of connection somehow...........I"ll have to check that out.

I would still think if I've calibrated my system already I should just be able to connect it up and go, except have to turn up the volume for movies???

Or is it that the player is like the processor all unto itself and "doesn't care" what my pre/proc has the speaker levels ( including sub ) calibrated at?

I switch back and forth just to listen and appreciate the qualitative difference between the two. My regular listening though is always with the analogs - DD+/TrueHD. Of course as you know the optical will only pass a DTS signal doesn't matter if the track is in DD.

Since I don't have a pre/proc I can only tell you what I do and once calibrated that's it. Through analogs I calibrated with the separate multi ch input levels on my Yamaha receiver. The analog processing of the receiver allows, speaker size, bass cross-over, speaker db level including sbwf level. All these are available on the A1 but are limited and not well implemented as noted various places on this site. That means my Yamaha receiver overrides these adjustments.

On the optical side, since the A1/A2 passes a DTS signal through that input and since it's on the digital input side I can apply whatever processing available to the DTS such EX/ES processing to make use of my center rear speaker, etc.. None of these adjustments effect the analog levels through multi ch input..

[jayselle]

Monoprice sells a 3x1 optical selector for under $8

Thanks. So now I need a HDMI selector and optical selector. I will have to write an instruction manual for my wife. To watch HD-DVD you need to select optical input B then select input A for HDMI then set the receiver to VIDEO1. Hmm. I guess the only real solution is a HDMI receiver; but wait all the decent prices only have 2 in and 1 out. To be realistic it needs to have 4 in and 1 out, however, those will set me back $1500.

[oliverjg]

Thanks. So now I need a HDMI selector and optical selector. I will have to write an instruction manual for my wife. To watch HD-DVD you need to select optical input B then select input A for HDMI then set the receiver to VIDEO1. Hmm. I guess the only real solution is a HDMI receiver; but wait all the decent prices only have 2 in and 1 out. To be realistic it needs to have 4 in and 1 out, however, those will set me back $1500.

this is why i made plans to update speakers/receiver in 2008/9. just making due with older stuff now which still looks/sounds better then it ever did with dvd.

i would actually like a receiver with hdmi 4 in / 2 out.

[Spur]

Great thread

I am debating picking up an A1 or A2. In my rush to purchase a receiver, I picked up a Pio 1016 4 months ago. At the time I thought it would pass True HD via HDMI. I even got 3 confirming emails from a CSR at Pio.

What is confusing is reading posts that say you need HDMI ver 1.1 or 1.2a or no 1.3 to get True HD. After a new plasma, new speakers, new receiver, new basement, new baby, another new recover isn’t going to happen this year.

I like the look and reported load times of the A2 and since reports are it up converts just as well as the A1 I may go pick it up and upgrade the receiver in a year. There is just the nagging feeling of missing out on the DD+/TrueHD.

[bfdtv]

Thanks. So now I need a HDMI selector and optical selector. I will have to write an instruction manual for my wife. To watch HD-DVD you need to select optical input B then select input A for HDMI then set the receiver to VIDEO1. Hmm. I guess the only real solution is a HDMI receiver; but wait all the decent prices only have 2 in and 1 out. To be realistic it needs to have 4 in and 1 out, however, those will set me back $1500.You should seriously consider the purchase of a Logitech Harmony remote. That thing saves marriages.

The Logitech Harmony remotes perform all these functions automatically with one button press. Keep an eye on Fatwallet (http://www.fatwallet.com/c/18/) for deals on the Harmony 880 -- they've gone for $50 to $105.

[oliverjg]

Great thread

I am debating picking up an A1 or A2. In my rush to purchase a receiver, I picked up a Pio 1016 4 months ago. At the time I thought it would pass True HD via HDMI. I even got 3 confirming emails from a CSR at Pio.
...
I like the look and reported load times of the A2 and since reports are it up converts just as well as the A1 I may go pick it up and upgrade the receiver in a year. There is just the nagging feeling of missing out on the DD+/TrueHD.

when i picked up my a1 the a2 specs were arlready out and i bought the a1 for the analog outs. IMHO you need a very high quality analog receiver/amp and high quality speaker setup to fully use the analog outs for trueHD.

there are only a handful of titles with trueHD. so, other then experimenting with it, i don't use the analog outs anymore because i get better overall results with optical.

if they raise the output level of the sub on the a1 in firmware 2.?, i might switch to usning analog. i don't mind tinkering so the a1 is just fine for me. anybody else i know would probably like the a2/optical and not really miss trueHD over analog. i can hear the difference but need better equipement in speakers and receiver to use it.

[jayselle]

You should seriously consider the purchase of a Logitech Harmony remote. That thing saves marriages.

The Logitech Harmony remotes perform all these functions automatically with one button press. Keep an eye on Fatwallet (http://www.fatwallet.com/c/18/) for deals on the Harmony 880 -- they've gone for $50 to $105.

The PS3 in it's infinite wisdom uses only bluetooth. Hopefully logitech will release a model with IR and bluetooth.

[bqmeister]

Posted from another thread but seems more relevant here:

I've got a high end $3000 receiver. I won't be upgrading anytime soon. My receiver does NOT have HDMI, so if I get the A1, I would use 5.1 analog inputs.
If I get the A2, I'm 'stuck' with optical.

Is the sound really that much of a difference with the optical versus 5.1 analog?

I want the A2, but not if the sound difference is going to be that dramatic.

Seems like I wouldn't be too disappointed with with optical for now. Zero plans to upgrade my receiver anytime in the near future.

[web]

Posted from another thread but seems more relevant here:

I've got a high end $3000 receiver. I won't be upgrading anytime soon. My receiver does NOT have HDMI, so if I get the A1, I would use 5.1 analog inputs.
If I get the A2, I'm 'stuck' with optical.

Is the sound really that much of a difference with the optical versus 5.1 analog?

I want the A2, but not if the sound difference is going to be that dramatic.

Seems like I wouldn't be too disappointed with with optical for now. Zero plans to upgrade my receiver anytime in the near future.
My experience with optical/coax versus analog 5.1 using the XA1 is that the analog 5.1 is 'clearly' better :p. More realistic soundstage, better clarity in sound, better defined surround actitivty, etc. No problem with low-end response after I dialed in the sound levels with AVIA and a SPL meter.

I split the input to the surrounds so that both the surrounds and rears in my speaker configuration would be active when using 5.1 analog from the XA1. After calibrating the sound level for that setup, the sound quality is pretty amazing. And that is comparing the analog 5.1 to optical/coax that has been dialed in with HK's EZSet/EQ, which is a great tool, and also running the sound thru Logic 7 for the full 7.1 'treatment'.

The optical/coax connection definitely sounds good, but when comparing the two on each new disk, I always end up with the 5.1 analog connection.

web

[bqmeister]

So should I get the hd-a1 with the current problems, get the a2 without the analog outs, or wait for a gen3 player?

-bq

[Bing]

Why does the A2 output in DTS via optical anyway? I know that DD+ and TrueHD downconversion is necessary for optical or coaxial transmission, but why DTS and not DD?

[WirelessGuru]

The difference is noticeable on big sound disks such as Batman Begins. Since I have both the optical and analog hooked up to my Yamaha RX-V550 I have the luxury of immediately changing by a click of my audio remote the inputs from DTS (converted DD+ or TrueHD tracks through optical) to DD+/TrueHD analog. There is clear and unequivocal difference - clarity, cleaner sound, wider sound fied. Those more subtle sounds are brought to the fore and have depth and clarity.My experience exactly. I question those who are saying that the DTS bitstream is "just as good" or "all you need". I am very happy I have the XA1 with analog outs so I can experience the upgraded sound quality these lossless tracks exhibit.

[Trackman]

My experience exactly. I question those who are saying that the DTS bitstream is "just as good" or "all you need". I am very happy I have the XA1 with analog outs so I can experience the upgraded sound quality these lossless tracks exhibit.


It depends on one's setup - HTIB in a room with lousy acoustics isn't going to benefit much from lossless codecs v. 1.5 DTS. On the other hand, $10k worth of compnents in a dedicated HT room will definitely benefit from True-HD, DTS-HD or uncompressed LPCM. For those in between, whether the difference is worthwhile will vary with taste and hassle factor. Some will prefer the slightly better sound, others will want to keep the 6.1 or 7.1 processing via digital.

[Buttabean]

ok so im still confused. i bought a a-2 and using hdmi to my yamaha rv-x4600 receiver now would a a-1 with analog out sound better? im kinda confused on what i should have it set too. its set on pcm but what about the other settings?

[Ian_Currie]

Be careful about going the optical route - the first generation of Toshiba players produced an audio delay caused by the Toshiba converting the source audio to DTS on the fly, resulting in soundtracks being out-of-synch.

Hopefully they've done something to address this in the 2nd generation players.

[WirelessGuru]

ok so im still confused. i bought a a-2 and using hdmi to my yamaha rv-x4600 receiver now would a a-1 with analog out sound better? im kinda confused on what i should have it set too. its set on pcm but what about the other settings?
If your receiver supports HDMI, then PCM over HDMi is the way to go. The analog outs are for anyone who wishes to hear the lossless formats and doesn't have an HDMI receiver. The optical and coaxal digital connections will downsample the lossless formats to a DTS bitstream.

[jedimastergrant]

I am having problems with my xa1 and the analog output. I hooked it up like shown in the manual with 3 separate analog rca cables to my reciever. But there is an echo sound in hd dvd's. I don't hear the echo when playing cd's though. There is also a slight but very annoying audio delay that creates lip synch problems. The last problem is the volume level on hd dvd's has to be cranked for appropriate sound levels. Is it possible this creates the echo sound? I don't know what is going on. The echo is not severe and my wife does not notice much.

Maybe I just need to know how to tweak my reciever, or maybe there is an adjustment on my xa1. I have not updated the firmware for the xa1 either so maybe I could try that too.

Any suggestions?

btw I currently do not have a tv to test out any theories you may have immediately, but I will try next week when I take delivery of the Pio 5070. cant wait!

[Buttabean]

If your receiver supports HDMI, then PCM over HDMi is the way to go. The analog outs are for anyone who wishes to hear the lossless formats and doesn't have an HDMI receiver. The optical and coaxal digital connections will downsample the lossless formats to a DTS bitstream.

ah good to know. what are the advantages you think will see having 1.2a over a 1.1 hdmi receiver?

[Bulldog3777]

Monoprice sells a 3x1 optical selector for under $8

I have this one and it works great.

[silvers]

Can someone could confirm if the Denon AVr 3802 will work with A-2 through Optical connection .

[hiimLowell]

As stated previously in this thread's second post: DVD opitcal = 448 kbps / HD DVD optical = 1.5 mbps / HD DVD hdmi = up to 3.0 mbps

So what's the "mbps" for the 5.1 analog if it was on the hd-a2? same as hdmi?

[bobgpsr]

Approx $19 from Parts Express:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&User_ID=8240003&St=2911&St2=-74132016&St3=76336791&DS_ID=3&Product_ID=16151&DID=7
The Dayton Audio digital converter is the ideal problem solver when your equipment does not have the input or output you need. It will convert an optical signal (Toslink) to a digital signal (coaxial). 6VDC power supply is included.
http://www.partsexpress.com/images/180-961m.jpg

[kenny1]

My experience with optical/coax versus analog 5.1 using the XA1 is that the analog 5.1 is 'clearly' better :p. More realistic soundstage, better clarity in sound, better defined surround actitivty, etc. No problem with low-end response after I dialed in the sound levels with AVIA and a SPL meter.

I split the input to the surrounds so that both the surrounds and rears in my speaker configuration would be active when using 5.1 analog from the XA1. After calibrating the sound level for that setup, the sound quality is pretty amazing. And that is comparing the analog 5.1 to optical/coax that has been dialed in with HK's EZSet/EQ, which is a great tool, and also running the sound thru Logic 7 for the full 7.1 'treatment'.

The optical/coax connection definitely sounds good, but when comparing the two on each new disk, I always end up with the 5.1 analog connection.

web

Do you mean that you physically split the two analog signals from the HD-XA2 that are surrounds and feed them into your 7.1 analog ins on your receiver?

[piturra]

I agree that this has been an excellent thread. I am now encouraged to believe that an optical audio connection between an HD-A1 or HD-A2 and my HT receiver would satisfy my audio needs quite nicely. I have a nearly three year old Yamaha RX-V2400 receiver that don’t know nassing ‘bout no steenkin’ HDMI. :)

FYI: Toshiba HD-A1: If you want to experience TrueHD (studio-master-quality sound) with your Yamaha RX-V2400, ... then you should use the HD-A1 6CH Analog OUTput to your RX-V2400 MULTI 6CH INPUT.

I did that with my Yahama RX-V1300 and the following HD DVD's in my library (requires TrueHD Menu selection) just sounds dynamic & glorious :) ;) :rolleyes: :D ...

1) "Batman Begins"
2) "Happy Feet"
3) "Superman Returns"
4) "The Phantom of the Opera"
5) "Posideon"
6) "The World's Fastest Indian"

All other HD DVD sound formats like DD+, etc., automatically plays thru via HD-A1 6CH Analog OUTputs.

Toshiba HD-A2:
To experience TrueHD with the newer HD DVD player HD-A2, ... you would need to upgrade your AV Receiver w/HDMI Inputs.

Phil

[Rice Rocket]

Why does the A2 output in DTS via optical anyway? I know that DD+ and TrueHD downconversion is necessary for optical or coaxial transmission, but why DTS and not DD?

Simple--backwards compatibility and horsepower needed for DD vs. DTS encoding.

1. Processors and receivers that are DTS-capable will accept a DTS bitstream up to 1.5Mbps, whereas only up to 640kbps for DD.

2. The computing horsepower and DD encoding process for a 448/640kpbs DD bitstream is more complex than that for a 1.5Mbps DTS bitstream. So some cost is saved.

3. Some would argue (including myself) that a 1.5Mbps DTS sounds better than 448kbps DD.

Thank both Dolby and DTS for allowing this to happen. Without agreement from both parties, this transcoding would not have happened. This, IMHO, is by far the most logical way to ensure maximum backward compatibility, while maximizing sound quality for these transcoded stream.

I would encourage you to experiment in your setup between the transcoded DTS SPDIF output and 5.1 analog bypass (assuming your player also has 5.1 analog output). I would say that in most setups, the differences will by anything but starck. But I'd guess that in almost every case, a transcoded TrueHD track will sound noticably better than any standard DD and/or DTS track from a regular DVD.

[vw195]

I have a question in a similiar vein. I have a Sony DE-825 receiver. It does not have DTS. I was counting on running optical out for DD. So, I am going to lose my surround sound because I upgraded?!? ? I know I need to upgrade my receiver, but other things take precedence :(