I've searched through topics, couldn't find the answer so here it goes...

I'm about to buy my first DVD player and wondered if I could take advantage of all the inputs on my "classic" Pro-Logic receiver (Pioneer VSX-9700S), and use my Infinity RS Subwoofer's line level input as well -- all by simply choosing a DVD player with a decoder and discrete audio outputs (such as a Sharp DV-750U). Seemed like I could have "5.1" without buying a new receiver? I do know Pro-Logic surround channel is mono, while "new stuff" is stereo -- will this cause any problems? The receiver does have 2 (1 left and 1 right) inputs for the surround channel. Is my thinking on this flawed in many ways?

If my setup won't work for some reason, any opinion on that Sharp DVD player? I'm not ready to spend on a new receiver just yet so I would settle for a good DVD player instead I also considered Sony's S560, S360, and JVC's XV-525BK.

quote:<HR>all by simply choosing a DVD player with a decoder and discrete audio outputs (such as a Sharp DV-750U). Seemed like I could have "5.1" without buying a new receiver?<HR>

To use the DD decoder in the DVD player, you must have a Dolby Digital READY reciever with 6ch. Inputs. If i were you, get one without an Internal Decoder, with DD/DTS output. Then get a cheap DD/DTS reciever (Cheapest one with DTS i could find is Kenwood VR407 $243 @onecall.com, I think sony's STR-DE445 has a DTS decoder, but i dunno if its cheaper, DD only are much cheaper... Take a look at the Kenwoods, they are quality recievers at great prices). Players with Internal Decoders do not give as good quality as Recievers with DD/DTS decoders. And in the long run, even if you have an internal decoder, you still have to get a reciever, or buy 3 stereo amplifiers... Go with a cheap DVD player with at least DD and if you want DTS output, then get one with DTS out as well. I strongly advise not to get a DVD player with a built in decoder, you get not-as-good sound, and if you add up all the components together, they are about the same price, Mildly Expensive DVD with Decoders, and a cheap Reciever, or a Cheap DVD without decoder and a more expensive Reciever.

quote:<HR>I do know Pro-Logic surround channel is mono, while "new stuff" is stereo -- will this cause any problems?<HR>

I think you are misunderstood. Dolby Pro-logic is in a MATRIXED Stereo form, they go into the reciever/processor using two cables, a red and a white. The processor reads the information of the audio, and processes it accordingly:[list]

If the same audio goes to both mains at the same time, then it is sent to the center channel.

If the same audio is 180 degrees out of phase, then it goes to the rear surrounds

The remaining information goes to the Main speakers.

The "new" stuff, i am assuming you mean Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS is a digital signal, compressed so they can fit through a simple Video/Optical cable. This gives 6 Discrete channels, all of which are different. The reciever takes the compressed information from the DVD player and uncompresses it, then plays out each channel's signal according to which channel they are supposed to go to. Each channel is a DISTINCT channel, they are different.

quote:<HR>The receiver does have 2 (1 left and 1 right) inputs for the surround channel.<HR>

The two inputs are the stereo inputs that go to your Dolby Pro-Logic Reciever/Processor, before it is examined, stripped and sent to the speakers.


You can play Dolby Pro-logic from any DVD, using its Red and White Analogue 2Channel outputs.

Sharp DVD players IMO are low end, along with RCA, ProScan, Raite, and APEX, unless you are very broke, then i advise you stay away from these players. Take a look at the Toshiba SD1200, its a great player for a very low price, about $200. Go to http://www.dealtime.com and search for that model, it will list only the best price for the player all over the internet.

I think if you study alot, you can get a Dolby Digital system for less than $500, or even $450 (assuming you have all the speakers). I would get a DD/DTS dvd player without decoders, then live with Dolby Pro-Logic for a few months, save some money, then get a cheap DD/DTS reciever, again, i highly recommend the Kenwood VR407.

PS - Welcome to the Forum and to the world of Digital Home Theater, this Hobby is Highly Addictive, and can easily empty your wallet!

[This message has been edited by electronix_kid (edited August 13, 2000).]

If I understand correctly, your receiver has 5 inputs for C,R,L,RS, and LS. Yes, a DVD player with Dolby Digital decoding built in can be connected to the receiver and you will get DD sound (and stereo surrounds). Your active sub can be connected directly to the sub output on the DVD player. This is a good alternative to purchasing a new receiver.

Thanks for the info, and yes DigIt you are correct. My receiver has 5 inputs, and I wanted to use my external sub input for #6. The Pioneer receiver uses those U shaped connectors on its rear panel for connecting outputs to inputs, so I have access to all amplifier channels. All Dolby processing would be done by the DVD player, and my receiver acting as a 5 channel amp now.

I just wasn't 100% sure if ALL the processing was completed when it left the DVD player, as well as the surround stereo issue.

I kinda got the feel that Sharp player was low end and maybe a bit dated, but I can get it for $219.

[This message has been edited by JMcD (edited August 14, 2000).]