Question about PCM

[Skav]

Really simple one.

Can it be decoded by Pro-logic 2?

I was convinced it couldn't but noticed there was information in my surround speakers after listening to dvd material encoded in stereo PCM.

I always was convinced that pro-logic 2 could only decode dolby material ie dolby stereo.

Does anyone recommend to decode PCM with pro-logic 2 or listen to it in it's natural state?

Thanks.

 

[MDS]

ProLogic II will work on any 2 channel source - either analog or digital. A regular 2 channel PCM source, such as a CD, is not 'surround encoded' and PLII will synthesize the center and surrounds - that is why it is a 'matrix decoder'. If the source has been surround encoded using Dolby Surround then there will be cues in the bitstream and the decoder will use them to place the surround info where it was intended. Older 2 channel analog recordings that were encoded with dolby surround will also be decoded properly by PLII.

Whether you want to listen to 2 channel PCM in stereo or use a matrix decoder to turn it into 5.1 is personal preference. I tend to use PLII Music for everything.

 

[Skav]

Thank you for the advice. Makes much sense.

I also tend to use Music mode but I listen to a lot of concert dvd's, and this one in particular is encoded in PCM stereo so I will try out Panorama.

I don't think much of the Movie mode though with prologic 2 as a lot of the sound seems centre focused.