2. home-theater
  3. 977610570

Are dolby digital and AC-3 the same?

I'm a bit confused by these 2 terms. I've heard about a difference in bit rates, but that's about all. I currently own a Harman Kardon AVR55 reciever, that does AC-3 decoding, and I would like to use it in my home theater setup. I would like to use the money saved to go out and get 2 additional amps for my system, since the receiver has pre-outs. Also, do most DVD movies come with DD and DTS, or just one of the 2?
julpay09f4

Showing 3 responses by avguygeorge

avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
As it was explained to me DD uses about 11/1 and DTS uses about 4/1 -compressions.
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
Julpay: Nope! There are 2 kinds of dts as well. Ac3 "was" or refers to the Lazer disc"type" of dd.That is why a modulator is needed to decode them.(or transfer the signal). The first DTS for lazer discs also works with the audio only cds in DTS. The DTS on dvds is diferent. I had to sent mt DTS processor in for a chip update when I got a DTS dvd player. If you don't have a LD player;no need to concern yourself on the DD/ AC3 issue. As far as dvds go; Most all are in DD. For most all that have both (few) you have a menu choice.There is the "Hell Freezes Over" in DTS/with no DD option,and probably others.
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
A bit more light to help confuse.Did you know the AC-3 from the LD transport can not be carried by a Illuminatins D-60? It requires a video cable.I also had the same Pioneer AC-3processor. I sold mine to get Lazer DTS capability,before DVD came out.Kthresh said nothing that contradicted anything I said. You may have percieved it that way ,I didn't.On my present processor setup,I have the DD/DTS, input on one coax with signal recognition. Then I have the AC3 from the LD as a seprate coax input. Now the point I missed, is the question I don't know the ans to. As in, will your piece do DD,from a dvd player? Well, If it doesn't MSB,or others can do a chip upgrade cheap,I would guess.
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