I don't know if this is the right place for this or not, but if it isn't please don't kill me. I recently bought a dvd player, but it doesn't include a dolby digital decoder. So i need speakers with a built in dolby 5.1 decoder, but i can't find any anywhere. And i live in the UK. Does anyone know any sites which have home cinema speaker systems without a dvd player and with a built in dolby 5.1 decoder becuase it's driving me nuts. Thanks
Speakers won't have a 5.1 DD decoder. They just play what has already been decoded. If your dvd player doesn't have a decoder, then your receiver has to have one. Or if you have a pre/pro setup, your processor will have one. You can buy very cheap 5.1 receivers now. They usually have some good refurbed units at: http://www.overstock.com Good luck!
most all receivers now a days come with a DD decoder, as well as many other options included. it all comes down to how much money you are willing to spend. i just bought this one this past sunday, http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/receivers/RXV1500.htm but i got it on close out price... search around, do price comparisons to what you are willing to spend and the options you want, don't settle, research till you find what you want.
Lestat11, Assuming you would like to keep thing simple, AND cheap then you are thinking along the right lines. You are looking for an "all in one" system (but not those that include the DVD player) check out Argos. The decoder and amp will be built into the subwoofer which has inputs from your DVD player (& other analogue sources) and outputs to the 5 satellite speakers. Importan>>>> make sure the unit has a digtal input. there are two types, Co-axial and fibre optical, does not matter which except it would make sense to have the same type as the digital output on your DVD player. You will need the digital lead to connect dvd player to surround system. (Maplins electronics) I would also advise you choose a system that can produce Dolby pro-logic II also, because this makes a very clever dynamic surround sound out of plain old stereo transmissions from your T.V. hence if the unit you buy also has Left & Right RCA inputs you could connect your TV aux outputs to it aswell. Regarding true digital surround remember you must have the digital lead connection between dvd and surround unit. Some enthusiasts might slate me for advising you to buy an all in one system rather than seperates but it sounds like you're a beginner and it is a good place to start and see if you want to ugrade in a few years. Look at it this way, How popular are all in one stereo units for most peoples household uses compared to those that buy a seperate tuner, cassette deck, cd player, amp, speakers, record deck etc. You can please some of the people all of the time but not all of the people , some of the time.
