Do all program sources with Dolby Digital decoding provide 5.1-channel sound?
As with Dolby Digital program material, “Dolby Digital” on a component such as a DVD player indicates that it incorporates Dolby Digital decoding, but not the number of channels. Many program sources, including all DVD players and digital cable set-top boxes, provide a built-in, two-channel Dolby Digital decoder with analog stereo outputs. For 5.1-channel playback, most units have a separate digital output for connection to an external unit, such as an A/V receiver, that has its own 5.1-channel Dolby Digital decoder. Some DVD players do provide a built-in Dolby Digital 5.1-channel decoder with multiple analog outputs that can be connected directly to a “Dolby Digital-ready” receiver, as described in question 11, for 5.1-channel sound. However, you will not be able to use the internal Dolby Digital decoder for other program sources, and these players don’t offer the full range of options provided by external Dolby Digital decoder units.
As with Dolby Digital program material, “Dolby Digital” on a component such as a DVD player indicates that it incorporates Dolby Digital decoding, but not the number of channels. Many program sources, including all DVD players and digital cable set-top boxes, provide a built-in, two-channel Dolby Digital decoder with analog stereo outputs (see question 7). For 5.1-channel playback, most units have a separate digital output that provides the undecoded Dolby Digital signal (data stream) for connection to an external unit, such as an A/V receiver, that has its own 5.1-channel Dolby Digital decoder. See Figure 11-1. Some DVD players do provide a built-in Dolby Digital 5.1-channel decoder with multiple analog outputs that can be connected directly to a “Dolby Digital-ready” receiver, as described in question 12, for 5.1-channel sound. However, you will not be able to use the internal Dolby Digital decoder for other program sources, and these players dont offer the full range of options prov
