Dolby Digital Output

[jwl48]

With all the manufactor's selling stand-alone dvd recorders; but ; none having the ability to record in dolby digital format. Seems like we (the public) are missing one of the higher points of recording to a dvd format without it. Even tv shows (broadcast,cable,satellite) have dolby digital sound but yet these recorders do not. Until manufactor's come up with and come out with recorders that record in dolby digital formats, what is the use and need for dvd recorders??

[duplicator]

The panasonic E30 does. Here's Pan's tech details http://www.prodcat.panasonic.com/shop/NewDesign/ModelTemplate.asp?ModelId=17589&show_a...ategoryId=2596

[House de Kris]

The E30 does indeed record in AC-3, but it is two channel AC-3 and not 5.1 as I would suppose jwl48 is asking for. If jwl48 is only asking for AC-3 as opposed to LPCM, then I stand corrected and the E30 does this exactly as duplicator states. The E30 does not have a digital audio input (only output) or six analog inputs, so if one wanted to copy a DVD intact, you couldn't.

What is the point of these DVD recorders? For converting tapes to disc. For archiving standard terrestrial broadcasts.

[jwl48]

Yes, I am talkin' about true dolby digital which is (to me) 5.1 sound.
or now it's even 6.1 or 7.1 sound.
no inputs on these recorders for getting dolby digital sound.
Now, and I'm sure of it, that ya'll have more knowledge in these matters than I do, but it goes back to manufactor's and their inability to put certain decoders and encoders in these machines to do same thing as Hollywood does when you watch a dvd movie in your dvd player at home.

what are standard terrestrial broadcasts??

[Cornucopia]

jwl48,

"TRUE" Dolby Digital is 1.0 or 2.0 or 3.0 or 4.0 or 5.0 or 5.1 or 7.1 (probably some more too).

(US NTSC) Standard terrestrial broadcasts are in Mono or Stereo (Analog) or LPCM or AC3 Stereo (Digital). Of course, this may change.

And NO, no consumer/prosumer DV or DVD recorder records anything other than stereo. This probably will change once 5.1 home theatre and 5.1 broadcasts hit critical mass. Manufacturers won't put stuff in those machines that isn't already a highly-valued mass commodity, though they could if they wanted to.

BTW, the Pioneer PVR-9000 also does AC3 (also 2CH).

Somewhat off topic--Did anybody get a look at Pioneer's upcoming Pro DVD-recorder?
WWWWOOOOOWWWW!!!!!! (Features), $$$$! (Price)

Scott

[House de Kris]

I used the term "standard terrestrial broadcast" to differentiate it from satellite and cable signals. The intent was to also differentiate it from the upcoming method of broadcast, HDTV. In other words, television broadcasts with two analog channels.

[Farmerbright]

I think not being able to record the dolby digital signal off satellite is the most disappointing thing as far as capping on computer or thoughts of a stand alone dvd recorder. How disappointing is it knowing you get to watch the pay per view or hbo movie with DD soundtrack and the tape you're recording or the cap your making on your computer is only stereo.

Where's the boom boom in my sub? The gunshots and planes screaming from behind?

[txpharoah]

No offense, but that's why you're supposed to buy the movie.

The 5.1 is harder to work with than anybpody here probably imagines. It is not even close to stereo or mono usage. It requires knowledge of mixing that most don't have, and the software required for true surround require sound engineers. It's not something to easily do at home. I can't really even do it that well, and I know a lot about the specs on it. You can fake the 5.1, but it'll just be you boosting the 2/0 or 1/0 to 3/2, 5/1, whatever. Each channel is a separate file and must be properly overlayed into the 5.1 AC3 files.

Just buy the movie, or be happy with 2/0 in the meantime. It's not that bad, and a good speaker system can mimic it to all the speakers, though still not true surround. I'm not aware of any software that can do it for you at home, though the software world changes every day.

And anyway, 5.1 will be replaced soon too, as have all the past setups.

[thxkid]

whats the purpose of DVD recoders?!?
what... you still useing crappy VHS or SVHS to tape your programs, shit these babies are fantastic for Dihnet recording, I have 2 panasonics and threw away my SVHS decks, never use a stupid crap VHS tape again, and yes the prices are coming down the new APEX DRX 9000 will DVD record and have a hard drive in it for $349, APEX is also selling now a hard disc recorder for $199 and a 40 hour one to boot, why have digital cable or dishnet if your gonna put it on a crappy tape, I love recording my F1 races at the wee hours of the morning, get up turn on the DVD recorder and watch it back exactly the same quality as the broadcast.
Plus movies on TCM are not gonna be 5.1 anyway so 2.0 DD is fine for me.

[andydd]

Im more than happy with my Panny DMR E30. You have a choice of recoriding in DD 2.0 or LPCM (in top quality XP mode). True you cant record 5.1 but as there are no broadcast TV shows in 5.1 on either terestial or cable in the UK it dont bother me. If i want to copy a DVD then i use my Pioneer 104 which of course then gives me the 5.1 audio.

If i really wanted I could make a 'fake' 5.1 soundtrack using the original stereo soundtrack and use Softencode to make it.

[txpharoah]

Well, I wouldn't call S-VHS crappy by any means. They still have very valid uses in the world of professional video. Maybe not for you, at home, only recording from tv... but VERY valid uses and quality is still unsurpassed in the analog arena (head-to-head with BetacamSP).

[Farmerbright]

Its alright for me to watch the movie ad nasuem, tape it or cd it or record it to dvd, whatever, make as many copies of it as I want, but never get the 5.1 unless I buy it? I take offense. Are I not "buying it" when I pay to watch it by subscription? And what about hdtv? it's all gonna be in dd. why wouldn't I want to get that on tape? Even if its a new tv show that I record over my outside antennae from the local stations. Heck, if I'm paying $400-500 bucks, I'd like it to do it all. Dish does it with their pvr, right?

I admit you are right, to buy is our only option now. but it shouldn't have to be that way.

[Farmerbright]

Apologies, txpharoah, I shot that off too quick. Let me restate my feelings about it all by taking a couple steps back.

With the vcr consumers were able to tape programming and watch it whenever. People like us, wanting the best, continued to upgrade to the newest product. Hifi vcrs, svhs. We went from analog audio products to digital. If we want to record the highest quality, which is why we'd move up from tape to disc, to get that higher resolution, then why would be want to settle with analog sound? If I have digital sound on all my satellite channels why would I want to have it changed to analog, lose quality, and then converted back to digital. You would not accept that with your audio cds you've made, would you?

I've got a buddy with a standalone cd recorder that he copies cds with by using only analog cables, when he has optical outs on his cd changer and an optical in on his burner. It kills me.

[jwl48]

Well Well Farmerbright,
so far you the only person to understand what I'm talkin' about.
Thanks

[Gil T Pleasure]

Philips DVDR90, due out later this year with an estimated price of $999, is suppose to be able to record Dolby Digital 5.1 audio.

[Farmerbright]

Well, Mr. Pleasure, that sure sounds likes it fits the bill. Hope it performs as well as it sounds. It makes sense to have it, 5.1, just like some of them having a hard drive.

Jwl48, your original post is the question I have that keeps me from buying one. I figure making vcds, svcds, etc is the compromise I make (in some ways) until a recorder comes out like the one Gil T Pleasure mentions.