Quote:
Originally Posted by
PeterTheGeek 
On the sound front, I thought this was an interesting feature. So I hooked up my Goodmind DTA1000 to my Dolby Pro Logic II enable receiver and it when into 5.1 mode. I have no idea how this works with analog cables and I took a quick look at Dolby's web page but I have no more information at this time.
There have been units approved with audio coax digital out. So the comments that digital sound is not allowed is false, it wasn't explicitly forbidden it the guidelines only digital and high resolution video was. The
Philco TB150HH9 is one example of a unit with audio coax digital out. I think there is one or two others was well.
Peter,
I think you are mistaken or misunderstood what I was saying on a couple of points, which I will try to respectfully clarify.
When you feed L/R RCA type outputs to your Dolby Pro-Logic II receiver, the receiver will
matrix the L/R sound into the surround your receiver can decode. This is different than the discrete 5.1 (or 7.1) Dolby Digital sound you can receive on a HD broadcast (or from a DVD), this is AC-3 surround, not Pro-Logic (I or II). There are distinct differences, which I won't go into detail here, but it cannot be transmitted over a RCA L/R feed to be decoded by the receiver, it has to be sent via an optical (toslink) or digital coax to the receiver as a digital stream, where it is decoded into discrete channel outputs (not matrixed). DPLII may send steering info to the receiver via phasing to help it to send sound to the intended center or surrounds, but it is not discrete surround.
The CECB box is capable of receiving an AC-3 audio signal from the HD digital transmission, but it is converted in the box to L/R stereo outputs to send to the TV or your amp.
If you look at the reference to the Philco unit, look at the section on Audio Outputs, it states "RCA Stereo Left/Right". An RCA cable is coaxial by design, but it is not a discrete output as I explained in the above paragraph. It does not state there is a coaxial digital audio output, and there is reason for that.
If you look at the DOC NTIA docket on CECB requirements
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/frn...nalRule_2e.htm, it states:
"60. Manufacturers may provide output for the main channel audio service and associated audio services on the RF Type F connector by using either of the following two methods. NTIA will permit manufacturers to follow current industry practice regarding RF outputs for audio/video equipment which provides a mono RF output which is switchable between a station's main channel audio and other associated audio services. In this instance, consumers could use a button on the converter box remote control to select the RF output for a station's monaural main channel audio or toggle through a station's visually impaired (VI) or other associated audio services. NTIA will also permit manufacturers to provide BTSC Multichannel Television Sound (stereo audio) in the RF output. The BTSC stereo audio signal and included SAP carrier will provide stereo main channel or visually impaired or other associated audio service to the television receiver as selected by the consumer.
Consumers will also have the option of receiving stereo audio through the converter box's left/right audio outputs (RCA connectors). " (My bolding of text).
also:
"26. The Act defines the term digital-to-analog converter box (a CECB) as
a stand-alone device that does not contain features or functions except those necessary to enable a consumer to convert any channel broadcast in the digital television service into a format that the consumer can display on television receivers designed to receive and display signals only in the analog television service, but may also include a remote control device.[ 57 ] NTIA's Final Rule adopts technical specifications and features required for a CECB to qualify for the Coupon Program. Manufacturers are free to market converter boxes which do not comply with the requirements of the Final Rule,
although such devices would not be eligible for the Coupon Program. " (Again, my bolding).
What this means to me is if a box is to be CECB eligible, it cannot have a digital audio out other than L/R stereo, as stated above, else, it will not qualify for the CECB program. Which is why it is said the Channel Master CM-7000 had to remove the digital audio out, and why the Philco or Apex or other CECB box should also not have that feature.
The Tivax T-1 or the Samsung HD Receiver have that feature, but they are not CECB boxes.
If it in fact a converter does, it would appear to be in violation of the NTIA ruling standard.
If you can in fact prove me wrong by giving me documented examples, I would be grateful, as I would buy that box with my coupon in a second!
