I was thinking about getting a Dolby Digital capable Satellite receiver. My question to everyone that already has one - is it worth it?

What can you use the digital output for? Only pay-per-view and premium channels that are in Dolby Digital? Or can you use the digital output all of the time, just getting 2 Channel stereo on normal channels?

I just need to know if I can use the digital output of the receiver all of the time, or only on movies that support it.

Thanks,
Bryan

You can use it all the time.

I have access to all the DirecTV channels and so far, all I have seen is Starz broadcasting in Dolby Digital. Some of the PPV stuff is in DD as well.

You can use it for everything not just DD. I notive that my Denon AVR3300 defaults to Pro-logic for most everything. I usually process this to 5 channel stereo since I don't like the emphesis on the center channel you seem to get with pro-logic. Once you hit a DD signal it comes up in DD.

HBO has a full time dolby Digital channel on 509 as well.

OK thanks - so it is my understanding then that the digital output is active on all channels, and therefore outputs a digital signal. Isn't that still DD 2.0, or is it PCM? That is what I meant by Dolby Digital - not necessarily 5.1, but at least a 2.0 signal.

Thanks!

Bryan

If your going Dolby Digital, make sure you check out DTS too. Far superior!

The HBO channel 509 channel that Joec mentions is a HDTV channel, and you'll need an HD capable receiver to get it, and an oval dish since it comes from the other bird.

John,

Unfortunately satellite doesn't offer DTS and this is a discussion concerning a satellite receiver.

Bryan,

Yes, you are correct, the Digital output is active on all channels, ie. you don't have to hook up analog RCA cables to get sound, only the Toslink optical needs to be connected.

The few Dolby Digital channels do NOT always broadcast in DD5.1, sometimes they are DD2.0. The sound on all other channels (including the music ones)is PCM.

randy

Randy,

Thanks! That is exactly what I was looking for - sometimes I am not sure if people read the questions before answering!

Thanks again.

Bryan

Bryan,

Something you should definitely consider if your looking for a Dolby Digital Satelite Receiver are the combination DirecTV/TiVo units. For a little more money you can enjoy true digital recording & DD5.1. You literally can't tell the difference between live TV and recordings, it's that good.

Alone had I bought a plain DD Satelite Receiver I don't think I'd say it was worth it for the benefit of receiving DD5.1 signals. It's nice having it but as others have said there really isn't that much being broadcast.

The digital output on these units support whatever is being broadcast, and yes it's always active no matter what the signal is.

I own the Philips model DSR6000 and can't say enough good things about it, definitely one of my better investments. Sony has a comparable unit, model SAT-T60. Both units are basically identical as far as features go, and can be had nowadays for around $300.

Ralph,

Thanks - I would really love to get one of those, but I am turned off by the $10 a month fee that I have to pay on top of my regular DirecTV service. I know it isn't much, but it just still bugs me that they nickel and dime you time death.

Thanks for the info on the Philips model - I will take a look at it. I am not a big Sony fan, but I am a Philips fan!

Bryan

I've had a DD sat receiver since '98 and I don't understand why after 3 years there is no more DD programing. They even took off the DD Demo channel. At that rate it will take decades to get more HI-Def programing. Sorry I'm just pisted off at DirecTV. Maybe I'll switch back to cable. No -wait -What am I saying??
-Dan

This message was edited by danr1707 on 09/05/01 23:23.00.