Question about AC-3

[sidekick]

My Coolsat 5000 arrived today via SatelliteAV and I have a question about the AC-3 audio requirements. Do I have to do anything special to the receiver to obtain audio for the PBS stations on AMC3. What kind of tuner is needed? and can anyone recommend one that won't break the bank? I have an older Onkyo tuner that I believe is quartz and works fine for my everyday needs. If I get a new receiver it will be used only to get the TV audio. Thanks !!!

 

[Mr Tony]

nothing different on the Coolsat. Just hook up a cable

Does the Onkyo do Dolby Digital (not pro-logic)? That's all you need is something to do Dolby Digital

 

[voomvoom]

If your Onkyo tuner has a coaxual SPDIF, you could use something like this:
http://www.cablestogo.com/product_list.asp?cat_id=3103
4th item down (#40019) and convert it from optical (Toslink) to coaxual. 2nd item does it the opposite way. I use these and they work good.
But, you could probably find something cheaper?

Al

 

[Mr Tony]

Al
The 5000 has both coaxial & Toslink outputs

 

[voomvoom]

Yep, that's right Tony. You caught me napping again.

Al

Edit: I even looked to be sure, before I wrote the previous post. Guess I'm blind too. Went back and looked again after you corrected me. And, you're right as usual.

 

[Mr Tony]

eh, no worries

I knew it had a coax (rca) output for AC3 because thats what I'm using for PBS

 

[TiminMb]

Are there other names for AC-3? I never see this term mentioned in advertisements for home theature systems.

 

[BKP]

You should be able to buy a pretty inexpensive (black plastic) new / newer receiver with Dolby Digital and Surround Sound.. Check around locally..

 

[PSB]

"Are there other names for AC-3?"
YES Dolby Digital, or AC-3

 

[BKP]

I hadn't heard of AC-3 audio until researching FTA.. Then again, I'm mostly into analog audio and haven't really made the cross over to digital, yet.. My TV is still hooked into my 2 channel stereo amp.. Old habits die hard I guess..

 

[sidekick]

Thanks for all the information guys. I'm pretty sure the Onkyo has dolby digital.

 

[Tron]

Are there other names for AC-3? I never see this term mentioned in advertisements for home theature systems.

All you ever wanted to know about AC-3 (but were afraid to ask )

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC-3

 

[smata67]

Cheap DD Receiver

In case you don't have DD, here is a decent Onkyo for around $100 shipped. You can sometimes get the similar model TX-SR303 (but less watts, 65 vs 100) from the shoponkyo.com website if you join clubonkyo for $80 shipped. Refurbed Onkyo receivers are hard to beat for value.

http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=ONKHTR330S

 

[sidekick]

This may really be a stupid question, but here goes - Can I use a dvd recorder with dolby digital to decode the signal?

 

[voomvoom]

I don't see why not, you could even record what you're watching, if you so desired. Assuming your tv will accept and play the dolby digital from the DVD player.

Al

 

[sidekick]

I'll give it a shot ..... thanks!!!!

 

[scottc98]

This may really be a stupid question, but here goes - Can I use a dvd recorder with dolby digital to decode the signal?

Does the DVD recorder have a AC-3 input?

 

[sidekick]

Does it have to have a special input? Or does it just have to be able to decode it? It's a Toshiba dvd recorder with Dolby Digital and DTS.

 

[Mr Tony]

That might be output only

I have a couple DVD recorders that are output only like that

 

[sidekick]

Thanks for the info everyone. I'll let you know if it works.