dbax791

I need to get a new DVD player - mine is like 5-8 years old. My current model has 5.1 output and plugs directly into the 5.1 inputs in my receiver.

When I went to Best Buy today, they only had one model with 5.1 direct outputs. Is this a trend or do I need to go to a higher end store?

InfiniteNothing

Look harder for the digital audio output?

zippyjuan

I bet it has an optical digital output. The 5.1 is more often found on players that play DVD Audio. The digital output sends the full audio signal to the reciever to decode and since many recievers do not decode DVD Audio (at least they haven't for a while- maybe they do now) the player decodes that and you need the 5.1 output for that. You can also let your player decode other signals (like from a movie or CD) and send that signal via either the digital output or the 5.1 connectors. Of course if your reciever does not have an optical input you have to use the analog connectors.

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DarkFury

Pretty much if 5.1 audio is what you want... then like the others have been suggesting, what is your main "audio reciever" like? Does it have 5.1 capabilities? If so, then you really don't need 5.1 outputs on the back of the DVD as you would use the Digital Optical or Coaxial outs from the DVD to send 5.1 information to the reciever which would then transmit the proper sounds to the intended speaker.

Putting the 5.1 outputs on the DVD probably adds some cost to the unit, and since many folks already have 5.1 capabilities already on their receivers, then there really isn't much of a demand for DVD players with their own 5.1 outputs.

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ribitch

Look for a DVD-Audio or SACD capable dvd player. These players require the 5.1 analog outputs

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dbax791

Thanks DF - I think that's the answer I'm looking for.

Please keep in mind you are talking with a home electronics moron.

So if I understand you correctly, even though my current DVD player decodes the 5.1 and sends it thru 6 output jacks to 6 input jacks on my receiver, what it is doing is bypassing my receivers decoder? But what you are saying it doesn't make a difference because I can use a new DVD's audio out and let my receiver do the decoding?

My receiver has Dolby and DTS and SACD (whatever the heck that is) and 5.1 out jacks.

DarkFury

Bingo mang... you got it.

All you need is a Optical cable or a Coaxial cable from your DVD player to your Dolby/DTS receiver and you are set for some 5.1 audio lovin'... The 5.1 channels on the DVD were for receivers that can't decode 5.1 audio (many cases much older recievers)

As a matter of fact, the only analog outs I use on my DVD player are just the stereo left/rights... just in case I want to play a normal CD on my DVD player to the stereo.

dbax791

Thanks! OK, it is making sense now.

Yeah, my DVD player came over on the Mayflower.