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Confused about 7.1 Formats

I am a bit confused about all these formats (kind of new to all this). I have been looking at the Anthem AVM20 and the new Krell Showcase coming out soon. The thing is that they are all 7.1 pre/pros -- does this mean I need a seven speaker setup? What would happen if I wanted to watch a DVD such as Gladiator and I have a 5.1 setup for speakers? Will it work properly or will I be missing something. Isn't the DVD encoded with 5.1 so it will only play 5.1, if so is the only reason they call it 7.1 is for when movies start coming out on THX Ultra 2 and the like?

Thanks for all the clarification, just nervous as I am working on a tight budget -- two speakers extra means more $$$.

JPLENHART
jplenhart
ezmeralda11
303 posts
 
The 5.1 are all discrete channels. The other higher versions start matrixing the information out of those original. A center rear matrix's the info from the two rears (unless the center rear is actually being recorded as a discrete channel-that I don't know). And 7.1 with two additional surrounds (but no center rear) matrix's the sound from the rears also. I think. Dolby Pro-Logic was only 2 discrete channels with the center and surround matrixed out of those. I think I've seen 8.1 somewhere.
ezmeralda11
303 posts
 
Any new speakers (i.e. channels of info whether or not discrete or matrixed) will need more amps. Upstream at the heart of things I'm not sure on the processer and dvd player compatabilities. But you always have the option of not using the additional channels.
audiotomb's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
audiotomb
1,059 posts
 
7.1 means several things

if you are a neanderthal and are wowed easily it means "more is better"

if you are george lucas it means "big moula"

if you are a typical audiofile that can set up something right in two channel it means "why waste my time"
ozfly
887 posts
 
Audiotomb, that's great! Jplenhart, Anthem is a fine a/v processor/switch and will very likely allow you to use a 5.1 format or even a 3.1 format if you don't want rear speakers. The WAF goes way down as you increase the number of speakers. Ask the dealer or check out the website to confirm the optional set-ups for the Anthem. Think of al the DVD's you could buy or rent with the savings in speaker and amp costs! Have fun!
P.S. Personally, I like at least a center channel while watching a movie -- but I'm unable to get the appropriate soundstage since my TV is between my speakers. A lot of your final setup and choice to go to 3, 5 or 7 speakers/amps(plus subwoofer) depends on your room size and ability to choose function over form.
bufus
148 posts
 
There are no Dolby or DTS 7.1 formats.

The DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 format actually delivers a discrete rear center channel.

Dolby Digital EX Matrix 6.1 and DTS-ES Matrix 6.1 both encode the rear channels in a manner similar to Dolby Pro Logic so that a rear center channel can be derived.

P.S. If you haven't heard about the Chesky 6.0 format, you should take a look at the following website:

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/manufacture/chesky.htm
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