Any Non-Premium Stations with DD 5.1?

[RichLux]

I know DirecTV broadcasts a number of Premium stations (HBO, Showtime, etc.) in Dolby Digital, but I was wondering if any other channels use it. I'm debating on whether to spend the extra $$ for a reciever with DD, but since I'm not gonna get any premium stations, I'm not sure it's worth it.

Rich

[scooper]

Pay Per View (some). Otherwise - - neither DBS prvider does.

[Ralph Cramden]

If you have CBS HD it is 5.1 Dolby Digital now. :)

[lastmanstanding]

Everytime I try to save money by buying a lesser piece of gear because I don't need the feature right now, within a year, I regret it.

Dolby Digital wasn't a lot more the last time I shopped, and even entry level gear also throws in DTS these days.

Are you considering adding a DVD player at some point?

Also, in a year or two, who knows what channels will be sending DD. A bunch of the UPI and WB shows already have DD encoding.

Happy hunting.

[RichLux]

I know.... I already have a full Home Theater setup w/DVD player etc. and I totally agree with you. I just wanted to know what to expect if I got the Reciever with DD. I was kinda hoping that I'd hear DD sound on all my prime time TV shows that I watch :-) It's good to know that at least a few stations (UPI and WB) broadcast some DD. Is it safe to assume that if the station broadcasts in DD, DirecTV will send it to us? I ask because Comcast does NOT, it sends only stereo regardless of the source). I'm leaning towards the Hughes HDVR2. I hear Tivo is awesome!

Thanks.

[RAD]

You might want to consider a receiver that also receives over the air digital signals. ABC does a number of their prime time shows in DD5.1, CBS is working on it. Some FOX sports events are supposed to be in DD5.1 (but my local station doesn't have a 5.1 encoder so all we get is DD2.0). While you might not have a HDTV monitor/set, you'd still be able to view the programming on a standard TV, and then you'd be ready for when you decide to upgrade.

[RichLux]

That confirms what I thought... that the networks are broadcasting in DD5.1 for alot of prime time programming. This must mean that that DirecTV does NOT send those DD5.1 broadcasts.... bummer :-( I'm currently looking at getting a DirecTV/Tivo reviever (probably a Hughes HDVR2) and I'd rather not have to switch between multiple receivers, so I guess I'll just live without the extra DD5.1 programming for now.

[scooper]

You're not going to get DD5.1 from your local channels via D* or E*in any event, any time soon. If you REALLY want your network shows in DD, get a ATSC receiver and watch the HDTV versions from OTA.

That being said - the PCM that my satellite receiver / A/V receiver drop down to is , IMHO, better than the equivalent analog outputs from the satellite receiver / going through the TV to the receiver..

[RichLux]

Originally posted by scooper
That being said - the PCM that my satellite receiver / A/V receiver drop down to is , IMHO, better than the equivalent analog outputs from the satellite receiver / going through the TV to the receiver..

Well, I think I'll give up on getting DD on my local stations, but I'm not sure I understand what you're saying above...

Rich

[DBSPaul]

Running a digital output directly from the satellite receiver (and using the digital-analog converters in his A/V receiver) is better than using the (usually much cheaper) DACs in the satellite receiver and routing the analog audio out from the satellite receiver to the TV, and then into the A/V receiver.

At least that's the theory of it. Unless it's a really cheap A/V receiver, the DACs are going to be of higher quality and there is less analog travel in the path. The longer the signal stays digital the less chance of noise, distortion, crosstalk, etc. creeping is.

[RichLux]

Got it! That makes sense and I'm sure the DACs in my Denon receiver are much better than those in the satellite receiver, but I still doubt whether my ears could really distinguish the difference :-)

[scooper]

If you can tell the difference between 128KBps MP3's and 160 KBps MP3's (like I can), you can tell the difference. The digital has a wider dynamic range, and the Dolby Prologic sounds cleaner.

[lastmanstanding]

RichLux,

Which Denon are you running?

[RichLux]

AVR-2801 (last years version of the 2802)

[geneb11]

I would put your money down on a DD5.1 receiver. On my pioneer when I switch the signal select I can hear a big difference between the analog hookup and the optical. The optical is louder and clearer.

[RichLux]

Originally posted by geneb11
I would put your money down on a DD5.1 receiver. On my pioneer when I switch the signal select I can hear a big difference between the analog hookup and the optical. The optical is louder and clearer.

My AVR-2801 IS DD5.1

[lastmanstanding]

RichLux,

Denon makes great gear. I recently installed a 4802 in a six channel configuration. Even when playing back simple stereo, the imaging is great.

Receivers have come a very long way.

I used to run all tubes, and you know, I actually enjoy this Denon just as much. I am getting soft in my old age, I guess.