Absolute begginer

[Lista]

Here goes..

I have an extremely low end home theater. Actually, I don't think it can even be called home theater, rather a set of speakers ( 5.1 ). Now, I connected them, correctly, into my previously owned, again, low end DVD player.

If I reproduce, let's say, an original DVD movie, my sound works OK. But if, on the other hand, try to reproduce MP3, only the two front speakers work ( essentially stereo sound ).

And after Googling a little bit, I came to conclusion that this happens due to the fact that my DVD player doesn't have a decoded built in. It this presumption correct? And if so, why does the movie sound right?

Any advice, just as an useful link will be much appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Rob Babcock]

MP3 is only a stereo format; two speakers is the correct number. In order to hear your MP3s thru all five speakers you'll need to apply a DSP, like 5CH Stereo or Dolby PLII. What brand and type of gear do you have? Perhaps we can help you ascertain whether what you want to do is possible with your current equipment.

 

[Lista]

Thanks for your prompt reply. I'll do a small research based on your answer.

My DVD is Quadro brand, and I can't find anything about in on the net, whereas the speakers are these:

http://www.vivax.com/default.aspx?tabid=800&newsType=ArticleView&articleId=352

 

[flyv65]

I've seen setups like this before: my MIL has a Samsung DVD player that acts as her reccy as well. It will just depend (as Rob has said), on the gear you've got...

 

[Lista]

Great, we've gotten to the bottom of it: The gear is in question!
One thing though, what's gear?

I hope you don't mind me being a little sarcastic, but I'm lost!

And I'll use this thread for one more question, if you folks don't mind: Is it possible to have a switch of some sort ( similar to the one when you have two computers on one monitor, and you choose which one will use the screen ), that will allow me to use these speakers with both my DVD and computer sound card?

Thanks a bunch!

 

[flyv65]

Gear is your DVD player/amplier/processor combo, the "Quadro". I did a quick search for Quadro DVD players but couldn't find an owner manual online so it looks like you'll be reading your own hard copy of the manual to find out whether or not you have the option of using something like Dolby PLII x.

As far as your second question...I couldn't begin to guess about a speaker A/B box for 5 channel music: sounds kinda "iffy", ya know? But then again, I'm not the sharpest tack in the box when it comes to computers and media servers, etc.

Bryan...let us know how it goes...

 

[Seth=L]

two words....Radio Shack. they will have an a/b speaker switcher that you can switch between two pair of speakers.

If you have any cash to spare, I recommend making an investment in mid-fi sound system. If you don't have cash.....well then save some up.