Why the push for 7.1 capable receivers??

[3db]

interesting similar point of view

This is my guess: I think the current DVD format is perhaps a limitation to a true discrete 7.1 format, because of the extra information required for the 2 additional channels (plus a whole new algorithm). The current DVD's already have a number of audio setup options encoded to them, like the basic stereo surround, 5.1 Dolby Surround, and DTS. Now, if a true discrete 7.1 surround encoding is added to the DVD, in additional to the space required for the video, where does the other lesser surround modes end up? They'll be squeezed out of the DVD. Companies are not going to release DVD's with just a 7.1 surround option, because they'll lose money due to the lack of sales; the whole thing is business driven and tailored to the masses. Most homes cannot accomodate a 7.1 setup. The current 7.1 receivers was a marketing gimmick to generate more sales by their respective makers, and obviously was not supported by Dolby Laboratories or the movie companies that released the DVD's. Maker A released the first 7.1 receiver because it thought this would put it at an advantage sales wise, then every maker from B to Z followed suit.




The added capacity of the blue ray laser DVD's will make a true 7.1 discrete surround mode possible, because they can also accomodate the other surround formats on the same disc, along with other possible video enhancements. I think 9.1 is a stretch, although your input is enlightening. Blue ray will make 7.1 fly, rather than make it obsolete. My 98 cents worth.

Ohmage.

So you really think its just a matter of current dvd format limitaitions that is preventing 7.1. They already have 6.1, You don't think they could "cram" in the last channel. I would definately give up on the two channel versions being a DVD manufacturer as more people can now more easily enter the surround sound realm than ever before.

Perhaps ..Like you say, I think that most people's listening environment cannot even support 7.1 ( ie rooms are just too small to effectively take advantage of this ) so maybe 9.1 is a stretch. Either way, I think that blue ray and the other technology out there will come out . What I'd like to know is this.. out of all the 7.1 maufacturers' out there, how many have invested in the blue-ray and competing techconologies.

The other thing I just thought of is this...Why are manufactures getting THX certification on their 7.1 revceivers when 7.1 isn't officially endorced by THX? Ooops..forgot.. the money scam thing again.. I still find all of this ironic ..

 

[Ohmage]

So you really think its just a matter of current dvd format limitaitions that is preventing 7.1. They already have 6.1, You don't think they could "cram" in the last channel. I would definately give up on the two channel versions being a DVD manufacturer as more people can now more easily enter the surround sound realm than ever before.

Perhaps ..Like you say, I think that most people's listening environment cannot even support 7.1 ( ie rooms are just too small to effectively take advantage of this ) so maybe 9.1 is a stretch. Either way, I think that blue ray and the other technology out there will come out . What I'd like to know is this.. out of all the 7.1 maufacturers' out there, how many have invested in the blue-ray and competing techconologies.

The other thing I just thought of is this...Why are manufactures getting THX certification on their 7.1 revceivers when 7.1 isn't officially endorced by THX? Ooops..forgot.. the money scam thing again.. I still find all of this ironic ..

The only 6.1 DVD I own is the Lord of the Rings extended DVD set. And with all that extra footage and multiple commentaries, the movie needed to be broken into 2 separate disc - I could live with that, because it is an awesome movie. However, I don't want to be switching discs or flipping sides with every DVD movie, thus I do think the additional space required for a purely discrete 7.1 format poses a constraint on current DVD's. Also, for a discrete 7.1 format to be possible, you would need the cooperation of the movie makers and the sound engineers, etc.. You would either have to record more sound during filming, or create more sound during the editing process. The logistics is just too demanding. Everything is more expensive, and then you try to slap it on a DVD format that is not so accomodating.

You'll be surprised, a great 2.1 stereo/sub setup is better than an average 5.1 setup, and you'll only need two front speakers and a sub, and without the wire pulling. By the way, just a thought: ever noticed that you don't see any wires in those magazine advertisements for surround sound systems? You could easily get that clean look with a 2.1 setup. Aesthetics is more important than a full-featured surround setup in some households.

I've recently read an audio/video magazine showcasing a number of companies at CES 2005 with Blue Ray disc players; there were around 10 models, and if my memory serves me correctly, all of them were major players like Sony and Pioneer. Samsung and JVC were also among them. I think these technologies will fly in the future, especially when you consider the general improvement in the resolution of televisions. When DVD first came out, televisions in those days were the bottlenecks in terms of the ability to replicate the resolution of DVD's. Eventually, current DVD's will be the bottleneck for tomorrow's televisions (if not already).

George Lucas is a money making machine, he's gone from a great filmmaker to a great moneymaker. That's all I have to say about the whole THX business. "Scam" is such a harsh word: money makes the world-go-round, and I want these companies to make money, because it is good for consumers like you and me. The last thing I want is for companies to go out of business, thereby reducing competition and choices. Choice is good. It's about buyer awareness, that's all.

Ohmage.