Need help with Doby 5.1 (Vanity)

04-11-05 | Me

[dc27]

I have a older Sony STR-SE501 receiver. It is an older unit to say the least. I have my dish network DVR system and a Sony DVD/VHS hooked up to it via optical cables for audio.

When I order movies from dish network that transmit the 5.1 audio, the receiver indicates that it is receiving in the 5.1 mode. It also allows me to choose the cinema audio and shows all 5 speakers on the display.

When I watch movies on the DVD player, the receiver doesn't show that it is decoding the 5.1 audio and only the front/center speakers are on the display. The DVD menu shows that it is 5.1 audio. I tried to swap the inputs and it still doesn't work.

Do I need to buy a DVD player that has the 5.1 output and connect to my receiver via the 5.1 inputs? Or do I need a DVD player with the Dolby decoding? I can't figure out why I can't get my receiver to see the 5.1 audio.

Much thanks

[dc27]

Cool movie. I wish I could listen to it in 5.1

[Varda]

I was thinking the same sort of thing. I have a 6.1 system and the DVD will play it only if it is set to bitstream in the setup menu.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

I had a Sony that I was very pleased with but just for laughs and very innocently with no intention of buying....ya right...I went onto eBay and after about an hour, found a Yamaha R-V902 that had seen limited use and was in mint condition. It had been newly listed with a "Buy it Now" of only $189.00 !!. This unit sells (or, sold) new for over $500. Plus the guy was only 1/2 an hour away from me so I saved 40 bucks on shipping.
I grabbed it and I can't tell you how happy I've been with it. It is a monster. Hooked up to my Infinity Qa fronts, Bose satellites in the rear, an Advent subwoofer and a very nice homemade center channel, I've never had to turn the volume up even half way to get every window in the house rattling. Even my wife had to admit is was money well spent.

So...very quietly, very innocently, just for giggles...start shopping. You just never know...

[Varda]

sorry about the double post, my computer has the collywobbles tonight.

[scott says]

I have the Yamaha DSP A1, my next amp will be a Mc Intosh.
I was going to say the same thing Interceptpoint said, it sounds like your dvd player is not set up to play in 5.1.

[rs79bm]

If your receiver is set to Dolby 5.1, then it is either:

a) your DVD player's main menu settings need to be set to Dolby 5.1

b) your DVD movie needs to be set to Dolby 5.1, via the movie's menu settings.

[toast]

The DVD player has to be set to bitstream output.

I watched movies on 2 channels for a year before I figured out my DVD wasn't set-up right. 5.1 makes a huge difference. Didn't know movies were meant to rumble.

Rent "The Grudge" for full effect.

[AAABEST]

I believe you need the optical cable in order to have surround. If you just use the RCA cable you'll only get stereo.

Also for high end video, you should use the RGB (red, green, blue DVD type) digital cables or at the very least an S-Video cable. Don't use the yellow RCA cable or the RG-6 (cablevision type) for a high-end signal.

[redhead]

Oops. Wrong Doby...

[connectthedots]

That is what I told my wife. Time to upgrade.

The receiver or the wife? ;-)

[evilC]

Here are things to try:

1) Connect your DVD "Digital Out" or "Dolby Digital Out" to the "Digital In" on your receiver.

2) On your DVD player's setup menu, set the output option to "bitstream" or "Dolby digital". This tells the player to pass the Dolby Digital bitstream to your receiver for decoding. Your problem could be that the DVD is currently set to output audio via the RCA jacks, or the digital output is set to "PCM" (CD like digital stereo).

3) Tell the receiver to use the digital input for the DVD. It may currently be set to use the analog (RCA jacks, stereo) inputs.

[mitchbert]

Take a close look at the Pioneer Elite VSX-56TXi.

It's a freak. Nothing anywhere near it's price comes close to it in terms of sound, flexibilty and build quality. Especially sound and build quality.

Really, if you're a gear head this thing deserves attention, if for nothing else but just interest.

[dc27]

Thanks to all for your help. I didn't have it set to 5.1 on the DVD player menu. It works now.

Now I just need to learn to spell check before I post

[Varda]

Yup, Bitstream decodes Dolby digital and DTS on my DVD player, PCM only produces 2 channel stereo. I just bought "Independence Day", it has some good thundering effects. I'll have to try "Grudge" too.

[scott says]

Pioneer makes really good products. I have the DVL 919 a cd/dvd/laserdisc player, and the PDR 04 cd recorder. I have their top of the line 6 x 9 car audio speakers, there are good but don't compare to the front Mc Intosh speakers that I have in my truck.

[FreedomFarmer]

"I can play tamborine, too."

[Revelation 911]

Need Help with Dobi 5.1

lets help Dobi, help himself