This is probably a dumb question but in order to achieve [bold]true[/bold] surround sound from your home theatre system is it necessary to use a coaxial or digital audio output from your dvd player or can it send all the channels through the left and right rca audio cables? I don't have a surround sound system but a friend bought a dolby 5.1 reciever and is going to buy a dvd player and wants true surround sound.
To get the best sound out of your dvd movies you will need a digital cable(coax or optic). You can still achieve 5.1 souround sound through analog left and right rca cables, but you need a dolby prologic II signal and a receiver that can decode it. But if you want discrete 5.1(or 6.1) sound, then you a digital cable.(needed for DTS as well) Not to confuse you, but you can also get 5.1 sound through 6 analog outputs from a DVD audio and/or SACD capable dvd player(for audioDVDs, audioDTSdvds and SACDs). You will need a receiver with 5.1 analog inputs though. To get the best sound out of your audio DVDs you will need these analog cables because the bandwidth of this signal can not be sent through on optic or coax cable.(you can still listen to these dvds with the digital cable, but you can only listen to the inferior track of the dvd)
Thanks wolfniggr, I was fairly sure that digital coaxial or optical output from the dvd player was required for true surround sound. Just wanted to be certain I was giving my buddy correct information. Thanks again.
good to see you in here mort.... i have been in here for some time now. but wolfniggr is correct.. your rca cables only send an analog signal, where as they coaxial and optical send a digital signal. you should see the amount of wires and cables behind my set up (although very organized and seperated) you'd swear i have miles and miles of cables there. almost looks like the local electric company has been back there... if your buddy needs anymore advice or has questions, feel free to post up..... h/t seems to be my calling !!
