ok, forgive me if this has been asked, or if it's obvious, but when playing a 5.1 DVD does the 1050 have a mode or default that will give you 6.1 channel sound? will it matrix the rear channels and create the rear center or does the rear center only come into use on discrete 6.1 recordings? thanks in advance. the 1050 is in the running for my reciever upgrade...

It's a good question. Many 5.1 Dolby Digital DVD's can benefit from the 6.1 Surround mode -- the 1050 will matrix a center surround channel out of the two surround channels. It doesn't work well in every case, but there are some that work well.

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Gonk

when you say it does work well in some, do you mean it doesn't work well with the others, or it doesn't attempt to do them at all? leaving the rear 2 channels completely silent.

I've only had my 1050 for a month and I've had nothing but success with the 6.1 mode. Of course most of my DVD's are current releases. I've also had good success with 6.1/DTS using the 5.1 direct feature (my DVD decodes DTS).

RichardR

Whoa! I've just been promoted to Gunslinger.

I knew I was spending too much time on this website.

Remember also that the 1050 does not have ANY 6.1 discrete modes. When you are listening to a 6th channel, it was always matrixed out by the 1050.

Rich. R: congrats.

so basically, if you are running a 6th speaker, whether it be a 5.1 or 6.1 recording, the 6th channel will always be running, just always matrixed? has anyone had any success using 2 speakers for their 6th channel on the 1050 (wiring in parralel)?

richard, my dvd decodes dts as well, how does this benefit the 5.1 direct feature?

You can turn the 6 channel surround mode on and off with a front panel button. My understanding is that it's supposed to detect the Dolby EX flag and engage surround mode automatically on those tracks, but you can also turn it on and off for any DD-encoded DVD.

It won't work in pro logic mode and it will only work with DTS if you use the preamp inputs with an external DTS decoder.

The 1050 will not matrix the center surround speaker on a digital DTS or DTS ES signal but will on a ANALOG DTS signal. This is done by using the 5.1 analog outs on your DVD player in conjuction with activating the "5.1 direct" button on the 1050. By going direct with the DTS analog signal, the 1050 will allow you activate the 6.1 surround mode.

There is a little blurb on it in the FAQ page about half way down.

Richard R

ok, thanks! i think i get it now(i read the entire FAQ on the 1050), just two more questions this raises:


1. i have a DVD player that has a DD/DTS decoder built in, if i want to listen to both DD and DTS soundtracks in 6.1 surround, would i just hook it up to just the 5.1 direct analog input, or hook it up to both the digital input (for DD) and the analog direct (for DTS) to get 6.1 surround out of both modes? (or do i have to change this connection each time, or not have 6.1 surround for one or the other formats?)

2. if i am using my 5.1 analog direct for the DTS signal, do i eliminate the possiblity of hooking up a phono pre-amp up for a record player?

thanks again in advance...

1. I have both hooked up. It's as simple as turning the 5.1 direct button on or off. Of course you'll have to change the audio language on the DVD. Note: I've read in some other theads that base managment, or lack thereof, is an issue when using the 5.1 direct. I don't consider myself an audiophile so I haven't really noticed the difference.

2. Don't know about this one.

Good luck

Richard R

[This message has been edited by Richard_R (edited January 31, 2002).]

[This message has been edited by Richard_R (edited January 31, 2002).]

Sorry I keep editing my posts. My spelling is atrocious.

But you spelled atrocious right. (I think)..

I have my two speakers running in parallel for my rear surround.
They and the L/R surrounds are placed equi-distant from each other and work great.
Trace

I have 2 center surrounds hooked up in parallel also and concur with Baristamans' results.

Richard_R did a good job with 1., so I'll just hit 2. -- nope. A phono pre-amp could be connected to any of the stereo analog inputs (the AUX input might be well-suited for it if it's open).

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Gonk

thanks for all the help!!! does anyone have any further comments on the lack of bass management that Richard_R mentioned, when using the direct 5.1 direct mode???

i swear, this is my last question, i think...