[nicke1]

Hi,

I've got a Popcorn A100 connected to a Sony KDL40W2000 using HDMI for both video and audio.

For the recent mkv's the audio tends to be decoded using DTS. From what I can see the A100 doesn't decode DTS it passes it through (A110 does decode DTS I believe).

Is there any way the TV can decode DTS?

Any easy options to get the DTS sound on the TV?

Many thanks
Nick

[Deacon1972]

Afraid you won't get DTS through the TV.

You'll need a DTS decoder in the chain somewhere, these normally come in the form of AV receivers.

An entry model receiver would do the trick, it would just be a case of connecting the coaxial output from the P100 to the receiver, this would give you DD/DTS when available.

You will of course need speakers to go with it.

Have a look at Richer Sounds.

Sony STRDH500 receiver - £139-95.

Yamaha NSP100 speaker package - £79-95.

http://www.richersounds.com/

It may be entry model equipment but it will sound much better than the audio via the TV.

I don't know if you were thinking of paying this much, alternatively you could look at the second-hand market/Ebay.

[nicke1]

Hi, many thanks the reply.

I think this is the way I'll go - I'd been putting off buying a receiver and speakers simply because I hasn't had time to research the options.

I was thinking of a budget of 500 - 1000 for the combination of receiver and speaker set-up. Can you recommend anything in this range?

There are obviously many products out there so I'd appreciate some guidance based on peoples experiences.

Is this budget going to get me excellent kit, e.g. I know a lot of it is subjective but like all consumer electronics I suspect there's a price point where throwing in more cash gives a minimal return.

Thanks
Nick

[Deacon1972]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicke1

Hi, many thanks the reply.

I think this is the way I'll go - I'd been putting off buying a receiver and speakers simply because I hasn't had time to research the options.

I was thinking of a budget of 500 - 1000 for the combination of receiver and speaker set-up. Can you recommend anything in this range?

There are obviously many products out there so I'd appreciate some guidance based on peoples experiences.

Is this budget going to get me excellent kit, e.g. I know a lot of it is subjective but like all consumer electronics I suspect there's a price point where throwing in more cash gives a minimal return.

Thanks
Nick

For receivers anything from the Denon/Onkyo range.

If you are only after DTS then something like the Denon AVR1610/1910 or Onkyo TXSR507/607. All these receivers are compatible with HD audio too, so if you wanted to add Bluray in the future you won't need to upgrade.

http://www.richersounds.com/products...s/av-receivers

Speaker package from Q Acoustics - 1010i.

http://www.richersounds.com/product/...1010i-5.1-pack

The more cash paid will normally get you higher wattages and video upscaling/conversion, if this is of no interest then the models I have recommended will be adequate.

Speakers can play a big part in how the systems sounds, it's best to get a demo so you can hear roughly what they sound like. The Denon/Onkyo receivers will happily run speaker packages from £100 to £1000, they will also let you know how cheap the £80 speakers sound compared to how well the £1000 speakers sound.

[nicke1]

Fantastic, many thanks for the details. Will investigate these options.

Does the upscaling capabilities of the receivers offer anything, quality, or otherwise, over what a TV will do?

[Deacon1972]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicke1

Fantastic, many thanks for the details. Will investigate these options.

Does the upscaling capabilities of the receivers offer anything, quality, or otherwise, over what a TV will do?

I wouldn't have thought so, not at this price point, but then it all depends on how good the TV is - suck it and see.