maybe a silly question

what exaclty is the multi ch input and what do you use it for?

To use the multi-channel inputs, your dvd player needs to have the multi-channel outputs. You use them when you want the dvd player to do the processing of the DD or DTS signals in movies. Since most receivers have better DACs than the dvd players, most folks use the digital output and input for movies and redbook cds.
Now to listen to the High Resolution 5.1 surround music tracks on sacd's and dvd-a's, you MUST use the multi-channel outputs and inputs, unless you have the very high end Denon that uses Denon-Link, or one of the other high end conponents that uses firewire.
I hope this helps..........

what does the multi ch out put look like? standard rca. are they mostly on higher end dvd players

Normal multi ch output are coaxial and optical output, almost all dvd player come with either one or both of these output...

oh i see.. well i have my DVD player hooked up through the optical input on my reciever... but my reciever has a button on the front that says mulit ch input.. this i am assume is something i can ellect to use the other digital inputs?

To use the multi channel switch on your receiver then these hookups below must be on your dvd player, and must be hooked up to your receiver.

The second picture is just showing some other hookups, but they are digital and not multi channel analog outs. As poster above said, to use SACD and DVD-A you will need to hook these up from your dvd player. (meaning the multi channel 5.1 and not optical or coaxial digital)

Here are some better pictures.

First picture shows the multi 5.1 analog outs and the mixed 2 analog outs. Neither is needed for regular movies. But the 5.1 will be needed for SACD and DVD-A (dvd audio discs)(not movies, and this include DD, DTS, THX, etc..)

Second picture (all pictures can be clicked on) Shows the other connections including Optical out for audio (its being used) also component out Red Green Blue (for video not audio) also coaxial audio out (for audio its orange rca) as well as vga out (for video)(its being used) Next is S-Video (5 pin round connector, well 4 pins and one plastic pin) and though it has a decent video signal, it is not the best. And last composite video, it is yellow and is the worst video signal that can be used. (try to avoid using this)

Last picture shows HDMI out, which can be converted to DVI if needed. However DVI carries no audio signals just video. But the HDMI carries both.

Hope this helps to identify the different plugs.

ok i think i am understanding it... so if i have my dvd hooked up through the optical plug i really dont have to worry about multi ch?

Sounds Good said:

ok i think i am understanding it... so if i have my dvd hooked up through the optical plug i really dont have to worry about multi ch?

Click to expand...

Correct, unless you buy a SACD or DVD-A (which to my knowledge are all music audio discs)(not movies)

Correct, unless your DVD player also does SACD, in which case you need to use the analog multi-channel inputs for SACD. Everything else can be sent over the digital optical.

Since most receivers have better DACs than the dvd players, most folks use the digital output and input for movies and redbook cds.

Click to expand...

That depends on whether or not you bought el-cheapo DVD player or not. Many players actually have better DACs than the receiver, however the receiver almost always has better bass management, so you are still better off with a digital connection for movies. For CDs, analog may be better (depending on the player), and for DVD-A and SACD you normally need to use the multichannel analog connections as noted.

First picture shows the multi 5.1 analog outs and the mixed 2 analog outs. Neither is needed for regular movies. But the 5.1 will be needed for SACD and DVD-A (dvd audio discs)(not movies, and this include DD, DTS, THX, etc..)

Click to expand...

While true that the 5.1 analog outs are not NEEDED for movies, they certainly CAN be used with movies. Although the digital outs are usually better.

That depends on whether or not you bought el-cheapo DVD player or not. Many players actually have better DACs than the receiver, however the receiver almost always has better bass management, so you are still better off with a digital connection for movies. For CDs, analog may be better (depending on the player), and for DVD-A and SACD you normally need to use the multichannel analog connections as noted.

Click to expand...

I would certainly hope a $3000 dvd player would have better DACs than the average receiver. They are usually connected to $4000-$6000 receivers though, which should have just as good or better DACs.

Yep. Previously, all my players had better DACs than my receiver, but with my current receiver they are actually pretty decent in stereo. The 8300 uses a cascading DAC setup for stereo (ADDC), and it's not bad at all.

As I have been ranting on other threads, my DVD A's sound better with Dolby Digital than analog. Try both. I like DD better. Fills the room better, better bass management and you can use room EQ, unlike with the analog way. AND you save a couple hundred on cables.

I have tried the DD on dvd-a discs, through the digital output, and I personally prefer the High Resolution 5.1 tracks through the analog outputs. To me, with my equipment, the analog on dvd-a has a better soundstage and overall better presence. The mix is better too, with the ever so slight, subtle differences............
Can't account for tastes, huh?

Johnny Canuck said:

As I have been ranting on other threads, my DVD A's sound better with Dolby Digital than analog. Try both. I like DD better. Fills the room better, better bass management and you can use room EQ, unlike with the analog way. AND you save a couple hundred on cables.

Click to expand...

It really depends on the recording/mix and how well you setup your gear can be a fairly large factor as well. I've heard a few DVD-As that sound little better than the redbook CD, and then there are those where there is no comparison at all, with the DVD-A hands down sounding better. Linkin Park Reanimation is a good example of an excellently mastered DVD-A; there is no question that the DVD-A multichannel is much better sounding than the DD. Then there is Three Doors Down's previous album, I forget what it's called, but while the DVD-A sounds good, it isn't a stunning improvement over the redbook. Same with the Police 25th anniversary best of SACD. It sounds almost exactly like the CD to me. I don't know how many titles you've compared, but you have to try out some that are considered to be good and then get back to me

One more thing:

not enough titles to warrant the expense for DVD A and SACD.

I heard the other day 50-60% of all new titles will be on Dualdisc. You don't need analog connectors for this.

So Dualdisc will be DD or DTS then?

Hey Johnny Canuck, what does the beside the Panasonic F85 mean?

Dual Disc contain DVD-A tracks as well, that will follow the same requirements for analog. Along with those tracks though, as is already the case with most DVD-As, there is a DD or DTS track present that you can play back via digital, it just isn't the hires track. Dual Discs are also thicker than standard DVDs and CDs and can may not work in all players. I found this out the hard way...

Dualdiscs are played like a regular CD, in dolby digital..not in 5.1 analog. You won't get any sound if you go to external..One side is the regular CD, other side is sometimes 5.1, or a higher rez mix like AC/DCBack In Black has. I spoke to a guy at HMV and he said 50-60% of new titles are going to be in Dualdisc. This format is going to kill DVD A and SACD. I am not saying it's better, but most consumers don't care like we do.

I like Dualdiscs. I bought a few now. Offspring greatest hits sounds great in 5.1. As good as Offspring's records can sound. Much better than the 2channel mix. Nine Inch Nail's new album sounds amazing.

P.S. The next to my Panasonic F85 was put there because in an earlier thread, I got flamed for having a Panny DVD player. I bought a Pioneer 578a and this Panny smoked it in everyway so I took the Pioneer back. I am sure it's not a Denon 3910, but I have had no complaints. It is loaded in features and top notch quality..I forgot the was there and removed it now.