I currently own a Sharp DV560-H DVD player, connected to the Dolby Digital 5.1 processor built into the TV, and use the 5 speakers supplied with the TV as the source for my DD5.1 O/p for my set-up.
While this works fine, I was considering buying some external speaker equipment (such as the VideoLogic DTSTheatre) and using this in place….
My queries were:

i) My Player does not have DTS out, would I be able to pass the signal (via an optical cable) to the DTS receiver in the DTSTheatre, let that decode it and thus gain true DTS sound; or would I require a new DVD player with DTS output?
ii) Even If I were not able to get DTS sound by adding a VideoLogic DTSTheatre to the above set-up, would I notice a big difference in the sound quality by using external specialist sound hardware such as the VL DTSTheatre?
iii) Is the VideoLogic DTSTheatre as good as I have heard? Are there any (similar priced) system to better this?


Any advice would be appreciated

Thanks in advance


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Welshlad

[This message has been edited by Welshlad (edited May 20, 2000).]

If your player has no dts output you cannot pass the signal. As far as a big difference
in sound, it depends on your equipment and
ears. Lower end equipment will not have much
improvement. Better systems do offer more
range and sonic improvements. I personally
do not think much of add-on units. they
usually don't improve on your original system. It is better to upgrade to what you
want.

Welshlad let me start by stating that I am not familiar with the VideoLogic DTSTheatre. After reading your post I looked at their web page and I think I've seen this system at least once. However, I question whether this is the way to go if your primary interest is dts.

First, you need a player that will pass the dts signal. It doesn't sound like your current player can do this. Generally speaking you need a player with a dts logo. Almost all players now have dts so it shouldn't be a problem.

The problem I foresee with your proposed setup is its lack of full range. To truly enjoy the benefits of dts you need decent quality full range speakers all around and a good solid amp. I personally believe that most of the debate over dts stems from people not hearing dts on a proper setup. Unless your system is on the higher end of the scale, there will usually not be much difference between DD and dts, IMHO of course.

From what little I know about the VideoLogic system, I do not believe that your money would be well spent (if you're primarily interested in dts). Don't get me wrong, it will likely do a better job than your current system on both DD and dts. However, I'd suggest that you save your money for real separates in the future. Set your money aside, skip a few pre-orders of movies you don't really want and in a few months you'll likely be on your way to a better system. A general rule, its not best to buy these all-in-one packages. You usually can get a better system for about the same money by getting separates.

I probably sound elitist, but the truth is that dts only truly works with a high quality system. Now if you're just looking for something better than your current system, then this system might do the trick. I suggest holding on to your money. It is not like you don't already have 5.1 capacity, you just need a more capable system. Rather than buying a marginally better system, save up for a substantially better system.

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Dave
My DVD List

Cheers Guys - Time to raid the piggy bank then huh? http://talk.dvdtalk.com/ubb/smile.gif