Beginner Dolby Digital Question

[Joeyphile]

So I'm going to be upgrading my stereo receiver (old, non-surround) to a new digital Panasonic SA-XR50 and I would like to take advantage of the digital inputs. I currently have a DirecTV Hughes receiver, with analog audio outputs only.

In order to receive Dolby Digital, I'm going to need to upgrade my DirecTV receiver to one with digital outputs, correct? Do I need to call DirecTV and order a replacement receiver, or are there good deals on Ebay or some online source? Is it even possible to receive Dolby Digital with non-HD service?

Thanks so much for your help!

[Scooper]

Yes - DD is a requirement
Look around for "deals"
Yes, you can get select programming (mostly Premium / PPV movies) in DD on a non-HDTV DBS receiver. This depends if the channel is in DD AND if the program being shown is also in DD.

Most DBS receivers do their DD via a TOSLINK optical connector, so make sure your new A/V receiver has plenty of DD inputs.

[lexa695]

Buying on Ebay should be OK. Just check the sellers feedback and be sure it is for things they sold, not bought. I have had Directv STB's for 8 years and some in my home are the VCR sized ones. They still work so reliability is good for the EQ.

[hometheaterguy]

Originally posted by Joeyphile
So I'm going to be upgrading my stereo receiver (old, non-surround) to a new digital Panasonic SA-XR50 and I would like to take advantage of the digital inputs. I currently have a DirecTV Hughes receiver, with analog audio outputs only.

In order to receive Dolby Digital, I'm going to need to upgrade my DirecTV receiver to one with digital outputs, correct? Do I need to call DirecTV and order a replacement receiver, or are there good deals on Ebay or some online source? Is it even possible to receive Dolby Digital with non-HD service?

Thanks so much for your help!

Yes, you will need a DirecTV receiver higher-end than the D10. Yes, in order for your access card to be valid you will need to get the new box, )TiVo or HD box from DirecTV). eBay is OK will buying LNB's, dish antennas and multi-switches, never trust a receiver from them. Yes, you can get Dolby Digital sound from the non-HDTV receiver's. HD receiver's are about higher resolutions, in your picture (480, 720, 1080 which mate with your display-TV or projector). This link may be helpful: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=488974

[lexa695]

BTW, be sure the STB you buy (if you go with ebay) has an access card. An access card from DTV is about as expensive as a receiver. If it's been sitting in someones closet for a while, you may have to swap out the card. Also, you know there is no warranty protection when you buy from an ebay seller unless they are an authorized dealer. Something to consider.

[hometheaterguy]

And it is against the law to sell an access card unless it is anyone but DirecTV, or one of it's dealers.

[CSNHottie]

I have the same issue, I just hooked up my surround sound and was disappointed because I have the Hughes HBH-SA which does not have the digital audio output, but the HAH-SA, which shares the same manual, does. I guess I'll have to try and get one of those or upgrade to Tivo.

While we're on topic, I am an audio + technical newbie, but my TV is set to "stereo" but when I turn it on, it always says "mono" and def sounds subpar. What connections need to be made to have stereo sound? Thanks!

[Scooper]

Drop the RF connector, and use either S-Video / Composite video, and the Red and White RCA audio jacks.

[jackbnimble]

FYI - D* does not broadcast very much in DD for SD TV. You're talking maybe some pay channels. That is it. I was under the impression that all the TV shows you see that say Broadcast in DD would be booming through my AV equipment like a DVD. Not so. Only PPV and some pay channels. Very disappointing.

[hometheaterguy]

CSN, did you get that from scooper? The reason being is coaxial cable is mono, a center conductor and outside shield/ground. Getting it to the red and white RCA composite cinch connections breaks it to stereo.

Jack, what DirecTV receiver are you using?

[Joeyphile]

Originally posted by jackbnimble
FYI - D* does not broadcast very much in DD for SD TV. You're talking maybe some pay channels. That is it. I was under the impression that all the TV shows you see that say Broadcast in DD would be booming through my AV equipment like a DVD. Not so. Only PPV and some pay channels. Very disappointing.

Well, I do have HBO, so at least I'll get something. If anything, I'm hoping non-surround stations will sound a little better using the digital outputs.

It sounds like Tivo is the best option for now, especially with the promotion going on.

Thanks again for everyone's help.

[CCarncross]

Some PPV movies each month, they are listed as Letterboxed and DD5.1 sound, many of teh premium channels like HBO, Showtime, etc.. play alot of movies in DD, no local networks that are in SD. Which is exactly the same as cable. Unless you go HiDef, which pretty much EVERY channel is DD5.1.

[jackbnimble]

Hometheaterguy - I have the RCA DRD480RE.