weak surround sound

[FNG212]

I just checked my equipment to investigate why I am getting such weak surround sound during movies and I noticed that the only audio-out options are red/white-R/L RCA outputs or "digital coax" which looks like a single RCA connection (colored black). It does not have optical out so I'm wondering if it's outputting only 2 channels of audio and the receiver is making up the difference. The only "digital coax-in" on the receiver is labeled "CD".

Panasonic DVP-3140/37 -- http://www.retrevo.com/search?q=Philips+DVP3140/37&rt=sp
Yamaha HTR-5550

Thoughts?

 

[markw]

Are you sure you don't have a "digital coaxial" input on that receiver? I'd be very surprised if you didn't.

Use the "digital out" RCA output on the DVD player, set it to output in "PCM", connect it to a "digital coaxial" input on your receiver, and configure it to use that input for your audio.

That should get you Dolby Digital 5.1 at least.

If you're using the red/white output you're definitely only getting two channels and if you're lucky, you might get some fake surround using DPL.


In any case, most movies don't make much use of the surround channels. They are used mainly for special effects, ambiance, etc, and it' not unusual to not hear them for long periods of time.

 

[Rickster71]

The receiver provides 3 optical and 1 coaxial digital input.
No optical on the player, coax only, will have to use that.

 

[FNG212]

Rickster:

The only digital coax input I can find is labeled "CD" -- Will that matter?

I re-read the manual and it seems to assume the DVD player will have optical-out for audio, since mine doesn't I'm assuming I'm screwed.

 

[markw]

I'm not Rickster, but I'll jump in here.

Perhaps it could stand for "Coaxial Digital"?

What does the manuals say on this matter?

I'm pretty sure that between the two manuals you posted, all your questions will be answered.

In fact, from the links you posted, I'm sure they are.

Try to read them before asking here.

 

[FNG212]

I have read both manuals. It simply refers to it as "CD". The pictures drawn indicate CD player. As far as I can tell it will not accept from DVD player, I was just hoping someone smarter than me here had run into this before or knew a work-around.

 

[FNG212]

Nevermind.

Thread can die.

 

[TLS Guy]

I have read both manuals. It simply refers to it as "CD". The pictures drawn indicate CD player. As far as I can tell it will not accept from DVD player, I was just hoping someone smarter than me here had run into this before or knew a work-around.

It may say CD, but it will handle the PCM audio from a DVD player just as well. Ignore the fact that it is labeled CD, that matters not one wit. Far Eastern equipment manuals are largely dumb and misleading. I hate Far Eastern equipment and for ever regret its dominance. There really was a better time and I remember it well.