Do I need a new system?/

[Unregistered]

I am new to HT I have a 12 year old dolby prologic surround system. Is there such a noticeable difference in digital 5.1 (or higher) that I need to invest in a whole new setup? It seems I get pretty good surround sound now. Thanks

 

[markw]

Welcome to the 21st Century.

DPL is nice. I use it with mu VHS tapes and it really does quite a nice job. Iron Giant is one of my favorite VHS DPL showcases.

But, simply put, DD/DTS is a revelation. Yes, it's worth it. Trust me, you'll see what I mean.

...and you don't have to give up DPL. In fact, you'll probably wind up with their next generation DPL, DPL2 or DPL2x. ...best of both worlds.

 

[Rob Babcock]

If you have very many DVDs, you'll probably find DD & DTS to be a fantastic improvement. And PL2 is much better than the original Dolby Pro Logic. You won't need to spend big bucks to get a decent receiver, either. There are nice entry level models for $200 or so, and you can get something really nice for around $500. A new receiver will have a lot of very convenient features too, like a remote that can control your whole system, plus video switching and a plethora of digital inputs (for a one-wire connection of CD players, DVD players, cable box, Playstation 2 & Xbox). The audio/video switching is particularly nice.

 

[Rip Van Woofer]

What they said. But, since when does "need" have anything to do with new gear?

 

[goodman]

Going from PL to DD makes a big difference, but I don't think you necessarily need to buy a new receiver to get DD. If you buy a new DVD player with a DD processor built-in, when connected with 6 ananlog outs to your old receiver, your new DVD player will provide the processing to DD and your old receiver will play it. Am I right on that guys?

 

[markw]

In theory, true, but...

...not all DPL receivers were "obsolesense proof" in that they made provisions for external 5.1 decoders. I've got one myself, which I picked up for a steal in '97/98 as the brandy new DD (DTS, while promised, was still at least a year over the horizon) receivers were just hitting the market.

Remember, DPL was around for a few years before DD/DTS was even a blip on the horizon. DD/DTS didn't really have any market untiil the late 90's.

Going from PL to DD makes a big difference, but I don't think you necessarily need to buy a new receiver to get DD. If you buy a new DVD player with a DD processor built-in, when connected with 6 ananlog outs to your old receiver, your new DVD player will provide the processing to DD and your old receiver will play it. Am I right on that guys?