decoding THX and DTS on computer... - DVDfile.com forum for DVD, Blu-Ray, and HD-DVD

Dainspectah · 11-16-2003, 05:22 AM

Anybody here know alot about computers? I'm thinking about getting the Sound Blaster Audigy ZS 2 Platinum and the Logitech Z-680 speakers. Both can decode DTS and THX sound from DVD's.

I was wandering, do you need both to decode the sounds or just one of the other?

PunkMunkey · 11-16-2003, 05:30 AM

It's a common misconception, but THX isn't a surround format...it's more akin to something like a good housekeeping seal of approval...it's a standard that kind of assures the buyer that the product meets certain specifications...

As far as being able to decode DTS you'd only need the Audigy, I believe...you could pretty much use any other set of 5.1 speakers with it...

The Logitech speakers do have an onboard decoder for Dolby 5.1 and DTS, but you need to feed the decoder a digital signal (via Coax or Toslink cable).

Dainspectah · 11-16-2003, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PunkMunkey

It's a common misconception, but THX isn't a surround format...it's more akin to something like a good housekeeping seal of approval...it's a standard that kind of assures the buyer that the product meets certain specifications...

As far as being able to decode DTS you'd only need the Audigy, I believe...you could pretty much use any other set of 5.1 speakers with it...

The Logitech speakers do have an onboard decoder for Dolby 5.1 and DTS, but you need to feed the decoder a digital signal (via Coax or Toslink cable).

Okay, let's just say i bought the Audigy 2 ZS Platinum soundcard and use another speaker like the Ultra 5.1 Klipsch Promedia speakers (which DOESN"T have a decorder built inside), would i be able to still enjoy the surround sound of DTS signals on my computer?

Just curious, because I read that you can't decode something that's already been decoded.

I 8 Piglet · 11-16-2003, 02:37 PM

Fightguard · 11-16-2003, 09:45 PM

scenario 1: audigy 2 (or any soundcard with digital output) and logitech z680
>>software "pass-through" of digital signal via digital coax or toslink and decoding of Dolby Digital/DTS is done by the z680. No decoding is done by software/computer.

scenario 2: audigy 2 (or any soundcard w 5.1 analog output) and Klipsch Promedia 5.1
>>Dolby Digital/DTS decoding is done in software (eg. PowerDVD) and the decoded signals are sent to the speakers via anlaog outputs.

either way, you'll get to enjoy DTS.

good luck

Dainspectah · 11-17-2003, 01:21 AM

Cool! Thanks for the info!

leemik · 11-20-2003, 07:52 PM

Yes it will work...DTS and DD

I do it currently on an old soundblaster 5.1 with coax digital out... but if you are using a software DVD player beware, there are some that don't do DTS.. my favorite for video quality: the sonic cineplayer does not...

certain older versions of WinDVD and PowerDVD don't support DTS either.

--mike

11-16-2003, 05:22 AM	#1 (permalink)
Dainspectah Actor Join Date: Aug 2002	decoding THX and DTS on computer... Anybody here know alot about computers? I'm thinking about getting the Sound Blaster Audigy ZS 2 Platinum and the Logitech Z-680 speakers. Both can decode DTS and THX sound from DVD's. I was wandering, do you need both to decode the sounds or just one of the other?

11-16-2003, 05:30 AM	#2 (permalink)
PunkMunkey Join Date: Jul 2002	It's a common misconception, but THX isn't a surround format...it's more akin to something like a good housekeeping seal of approval...it's a standard that kind of assures the buyer that the product meets certain specifications... As far as being able to decode DTS you'd only need the Audigy, I believe...you could pretty much use any other set of 5.1 speakers with it... The Logitech speakers do have an onboard decoder for Dolby 5.1 and DTS, but you need to feed the decoder a digital signal (via Coax or Toslink cable). __________________ ...you left me feeling hopeful I'd never see your face again.

11-16-2003, 02:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
I 8 Piglet Actor Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: missing NYC hardcore :(	yes __________________ "I have respect for Beer!" - John Nash "He was a wise man, who invented beer." - Plato My HT v2.1: with x1 screen shots New screen shots 2/4/04 \| My DVD Collection as of 12/15/04

11-16-2003, 09:45 PM	#5 (permalink)
Fightguard Actor Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Toronto	scenario 1: audigy 2 (or any soundcard with digital output) and logitech z680 >>software "pass-through" of digital signal via digital coax or toslink and decoding of Dolby Digital/DTS is done by the z680. No decoding is done by software/computer. scenario 2: audigy 2 (or any soundcard w 5.1 analog output) and Klipsch Promedia 5.1 >>Dolby Digital/DTS decoding is done in software (eg. PowerDVD) and the decoded signals are sent to the speakers via anlaog outputs. either way, you'll get to enjoy DTS. good luck Last edited by Fightguard : 11-17-2003 at 03:23 AM.

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11-17-2003, 01:21 AM	#6 (permalink)
Dainspectah Actor Join Date: Aug 2002	Cool! Thanks for the info!

11-20-2003, 07:52 PM	#7 (permalink)
leemik Actor Join Date: Aug 2003	Yes it will work...DTS and DD I do it currently on an old soundblaster 5.1 with coax digital out... but if you are using a software DVD player beware, there are some that don't do DTS.. my favorite for video quality: the sonic cineplayer does not... certain older versions of WinDVD and PowerDVD don't support DTS either. --mike