DVD player with built-in 5.1 output - how does this work?
 

I'm looking to get 5.1 sound without having to spend nearly $300 for a receiver. This player caught my eye:

http://www.daytek.ca/dv5601.html

And features these specs:


AUDIO & VIDEO OUTPUT

# 1 x 5.1 Ch. Audio
# 1 x Coaxial Digital Audio Output
# 1 x HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)
# 1 x S-Video
# 1 x Composite Video Output (AV)
# 1 x Component Video Output (Y-Cb-Cr)

Would I still need a 5.1 receiver to use this, or could I use my already existing stereos with aux inputs?

This player also features built-in Dolby and DTS decoders, so that isn't the issue...or is it?

Could I use a player like this to get surround on the cheap?

If you have 5 amp channels already, you can get 5.1 a DVDp that decodes (like the one you linked) and just use the 5.1 channel output. But you really need a preamp or receiver for a volume control, straight amps won't cut it, neither will a stereo receiver since that is only 2 channels. I suppose 3 stereo receivers would work, but it would be a pain to raise the volume.

Volume would be an issue, but since I like adjusting the different channel levels (I have 5.1 audio on my PC, and prefer more aggressive rear surrounds) I'm sure I could work out some sort of method.

I'm glad to know that it's possible to avoid the cost of an actual receiver.

Sorry, but you will need either a receiver, an integrated amp (kind of like a receiver without the AM/FM tuner) or separate amp/preamp, which likely to cost more than a decent entry-level receiver.

The DVD player you linked to only has line-level outputs. They will have to be amplified in some way.

But if I connect standard stereo systems to it (with AUX input jacks)
I could amplify them that way - as I said, I like the idea of controlling the channel volume (front only or rear only) on their own, as I sometimes prefer to hear them above or below their default levels depending on what I'm listening to. Sure it's more volume dial turning, but that's fine by me, as I would only have to buy the player itself.

You realize you could probably walk to BestBuy, plunk down $100 and get a receiver that allows you to control the volume on the rears right? I keep mine at +1.5dB due to their size and location.

Also if you're buying a new receiver, they all decode DD and dts so you can probably save a few bucks buying a cheaper DVD player that just passes the signal along through a TosLink optical connector. You can buy one of those off eBay for around $3 shipped and then you won't have to worry about 6 cables between your DVD player and your receiver(s).

In Canada, the cheapest receivers I've seen (at least in stores near me) are between $299 - $499, with used receivers around $150 - $200, and most of those used ones I've seen don't even work properly.

The player I linked is an upconverting DVD player for $100, but there's also a normal progressive one similar, for only $50.

Surround on the cheap.

I could just continue using the 5.1 on my PC, but this player would be for the living room, and not used as often as the PC.

Didn't realize you were in Canada. I checked the BestBuy.ca site and the prices there seemed to be a lot higher. You can get a 5.1 receiver in the US at BB for $150 cheapest at BB.ca was $299CDN.

I'm not sure if crutchfield will sell to canada, but you could get something like this:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-rl78xhs...0&I=158STDG500
which should work out to about $200CDN

Then there's this which only decodes DD and not dts, but I'm not sure if you really care all that much:
http://www.buy.com/prod/Sherwood_RD_...201936994.html

Thanks for the links. I'm hoping to get a 26" HDTV next month, so I could take advantage of my computer's audio with the wider, larger screen. 26" being the biggest I may be able to afford without going to a crappy brand, so getting an actual receiver will have to wait a while.

Thanks to different media players and audio codecs, I enjoy DTS on my PC. A lot. Sometimes too much.