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Pioneer DV 47-A DVD-A output analogue only

I just bought the new Pioneer DV47-A multichannel SACD and DVD-A player. It looks great and sounds wonderful, but when I output through the digital output to my Meridian 568 processor/preamp, DTS and AC-3 are not available on DVD-A. The player automatically recognizes the disc as DVD-A and outputs only through the analog outputs, per Pioneer technical help this morning. Of course DVD video discs output fine for both AC-3 and DTS. I knew that SACD only output through analog out but didn't realize DVD-A did too. The real frustration is that I can play DVD-A discs in my traditional DVD player and enjoy DTS or AC-3 multichannel decoding from my Meridian (albeit at lower resolution) , but there is no selection available to read the DVD-A as DVD-V from the 47-A. Since my Meridian doesn't have multichannel analogue input (it's supposed to be the processor) this unit's multichannel capabilites are only useful with pre-amps/receivers with analog multichannel input capabilites. I do have a Yamaha receiver that I can use for this but it adds another component in the chain, which may decrease the resolution gain of DVD-A or SACD.
gjames
unsound
7,315 posts
 
This is why these formats are not taking the market by storm. Despite a theoretical advantage, they can't get it to work. Finally an affordable all in one machine, and it still full of glitches. Why can't we have a compatible cutting edge format that works with the cutting edge technology of uncompromised digital room correction/equalization/amplification/cross-overs and yes recording?
kr4ef94
208 posts
 
Yup. As of today, there is no digital output of DVD-A or SACD sources (aside from the proprietary Meridian and Accuphase arrangements) from any player. Somebody should have told you.
msnloeth
57 posts
 
Check Tweakaudio.com I think Ric wrote a few paragraphs on this subject. I don't think DVD-A or SACD players yet output a digital signal to match their analog output. I think the ones that do output a digital signal put out a lower resolution signal the same as a redbook CD player.
wdarwin
17 posts
 
The recording industry does not want an audio multi-channel digital output which would allow recording. I went through all this recently when I was considering this unit. I would have to buy a new processor with multi-channel analog inputs plus all of the necessary interconnects, in addition to the cost of the Pioneer DV-47A.

Best to wait and see if one of these formats prevails and more software comes on the market to justify any additional investment in this area.
flex
292 posts
 
The DTS and AC3 data on the DVD disc are formatted under the DVD-Video spec, while MLP (and most hi-rez LPCM) are formatted under the DVD-Audio spec. Both specs (DVD-A and DVD-V) can be included on the same side of a DVD disc. If the Pioneer declares the entire disc to be DVD-A and won't play DTS or AC3 (which are 44.1/48 khz formats) on the digital outputs, this is a choice by Pioneer based on their architecture, and is not a property of the DVD spec. Other players will handle it differently.
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