formats

Dolby pro logic was the first 5 speaker Surround sound.
It was conceived to try and recreate the sound and ambience of a theatre from just 2 channels of information using 5 speakers. The centre speaker for Dialogue, the front L/R for effects and the rear (Mono, bass limited) speakers delayed effects. The sound was often of a mixed bag, sometimes it was very impressive and other times a bit dissappointing. DPL was always intended for movie use as the sound was very biased towards the centre channel and for music created a very poor soundstage.

Dolby pro logic 2 was developed in 2000 and comes in 2 flavours, Music and Movie. In actual fact both are very similar with the music option giving the listener an element of control over how the surround will sound. DPL2 is similar to the original format in that it uses only 2 channels of information to create a 5 speaker surround sound but where it differs is that the rear speakers are full range and are also stereo. Effects placement is greatly improved and you really do get the wrap around effect that the original so sorely missed. DPL2 is also exceptional with music soundtracks where it can offer a believable soundstage without sounding too over blown and central. The main use for this format is with sattellite tv and ordinary analogue broadcasts as these are unable to transmit (at the moment) Digital surround sound.

The official standard sound format for DVD offering True discrete 5.1 surround sound. Basically all channels Front L/R, Centre, Rear L/R are encoded on the disc and are decoded by the Dolby Digital Decoder. Effects placement is fantastic and detail is exceptional. If you have never heard this format seek a demonstration, to hear is to want. Nearly all films made in the past 10 years are Dolby Digital and with the advent of DVD this has been brought to the masses. Ac3 is just another name for the same format. By the way the .1 = the Subwoofer channel

The original contender for the official standard for DVD but pipped to the post by the guys at Dolby Labs. Technically no better or worse than DD and in many ways very hard to tell the difference. The Original Jerry Maguire DVD from columbia had both formats on and I really can't hear the difference. This format is just about dead now as Philips couldn't get the encoders ready in time but some DVD players still play it.

DTS is an uncompressed sound format that has found it hard to get mass market. The sound is subject to a lot of controversy as some prefer it to Dolby Digital although both sound formats sound distinctly different there is still no evidence that one sounds better than the other. DTS is only available on a small minority of DVD discs but the range is expanding fast. DTS is also a 5.1 system offering discrete surround sound

One of very few truly upgradeable surround sound decoders available. TagMclaren AV32REX.
Just plug in the Serial link and download the latest update from the website.