How do I convert my current Dolby Surround Pro Logic system to 5.1-channel playback?
If your current system consists of separate audio components, you will need a 5.1-channel Dolby Digital processor. If you have a newer “Dolby Digital-ready” A/V receiver with analog multichannel connectors for an external Dolby Digital decoder, you can add a decoder anytime, using the receiver’s built-in Dolby Surround Pro Logic decoder in the meantime for satisfying home theater sound. You can also connect the multichannel outputs of a DVD-Video player that has built-in 5.1-channel Dolby Digital decoding to this kind of receiver. An external decoder is still needed, however, for other Dolby Digital program sources (see question 10). Note : Be sure that the new decoder unit has a sufficient number of digital inputs to accommodate all the Dolby Digital program sources you expect to use (for example, DVD-Video player, digital cable set-top box, digital TV receiver).
If your current system consists of separate audio components, you will need a 5.1-channel Dolby Digital decoder and a six-channel preamplifier (available separately or combined in one convenient unit). The preamplifiers outputs will plug into your existing power amplifiers. See Figure 12-1. If you have an older, integrated A/V receiver with Dolby Surround Pro Logic that does not provide external inputs to its built-in amplifiers, you have two choices. You can replace it with a new receiver incorporating a 5.1-channel Dolby Digital decoder, or add an external Dolby Digital decoder unit that includes center, left surround, and right surround amplifiers to use in place of those in your receiver (which will continue to power the left and right front speakers). See Figure 12-2. If you have a newer “Dolby Digital-ready” A/V receiver with multichannel connectors for an external Dolby Digital decoder, you can add a decoder anytime, using the receivers built-in Dolby Surround Pro Logic decoder
