Complete newbie - audio options
 

Just bought a digital PVR. (Daewoo DSD-9520)
Although picture quality is good, the sound quality isn't. (Sounds
tinny)

Atm, using basic connectivity - scart & RF lead only.
However, there are 2 additional (optional) audio choices - either L/R
audio phono-style output to a hi-fi, or S/PDIF output.

I've read a user review recommending the latter - the use of S/PDIF.
I am a newbie at this and don't know what additional equipment I need
for S/PDIF. I currently have a pair of hi-fi speakers, but that's
all.

Do I need to buy an amplifier that accepts S/PDIF output? I've heard
about A/V receivers, but I'm not sure if that's what I really need.

Thanks very much for any advice, regards, Robert.

Complete newbie - audio options
 

"Dot Net Developer" wrote in message
oups.com...
Just bought a digital PVR. (Daewoo DSD-9520)
Although picture quality is good, the sound quality isn't. (Sounds
tinny)

Atm, using basic connectivity - scart & RF lead only.
However, there are 2 additional (optional) audio choices - either L/R
audio phono-style output to a hi-fi, or S/PDIF output.

I've read a user review recommending the latter - the use of S/PDIF.
I am a newbie at this and don't know what additional equipment I need
for S/PDIF. I currently have a pair of hi-fi speakers, but that's
all.

Do I need to buy an amplifier that accepts S/PDIF output? I've heard
about A/V receivers, but I'm not sure if that's what I really need.

Thanks very much for any advice, regards, Robert.


When you say you have a pair of speakers, I presume you have an amp too?
Connect using phonos to the amp and try it out.

S/PDIF allows you to get the original digital data to a better D/A unit
(e.g. A/V receiver) but you'll not get proper 5.1 surround as it's not
transmitted in the UK so if the stereo input sounds good enough, there seems
little point in going further.

BTW, when you say "sounds tinny" do you mean worse than when listening to
analogue channels (I presume you're using the TV speaker).

Paul DS.

Complete newbie - audio options
 

On 14 Jun, 15:15, "Paul D.Smith" wrote:
"Dot Net Developer" wrote in ooglegroups.com...





Just bought a digital PVR. (Daewoo DSD-9520)
Although picture quality is good, the sound quality isn't. (Sounds
tinny)

Atm, using basic connectivity - scart & RF lead only.
However, there are 2 additional (optional) audio choices - either L/R
audio phono-style output to a hi-fi, or S/PDIF output.

I've read a user review recommending the latter - the use of S/PDIF.
I am a newbie at this and don't know what additional equipment I need
for S/PDIF. I currently have a pair of hi-fi speakers, but that's
all.

Do I need to buy an amplifier that accepts S/PDIF output? I've heard
about A/V receivers, but I'm not sure if that's what I really need.

Thanks very much for any advice, regards, Robert.

When you say you have a pair of speakers, I presume you have an amp too?
Connect using phonos to the amp and try it out.

S/PDIF allows you to get the original digital data to a better D/A unit
(e.g. A/V receiver) but you'll not get proper 5.1 surround as it's not
transmitted in the UK so if the stereo input sounds good enough, there seems
little point in going further.

BTW, when you say "sounds tinny" do you mean worse than when listening to
analogue channels (I presume you're using the TV speaker).

Paul DS.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

To clarify my set-up:

Speakers are plugged directly into back of TV. Reason: TV's internal
speakers are poor.
Atm, don't want to try the "phono option", as user review said this
produced poor results. User also reported that using S/PDIF produced
good results.

Thanks, regards, Robert.

Complete newbie - audio options
 

Speakers are plugged directly into back of TV. Reason: TV's internal
speakers are poor.
Atm, don't want to try the "phono option", as user review said this
produced poor results. User also reported that using S/PDIF produced
good results.

Thanks, regards, Robert.


Think I understand. It sounds like the D-to-A sound conversion on this box
is poor. Using the S/PDIF presents the received digital data to an external
decoder which will hopefully do a better job.

FWIW, I have an end-of-line Marantz that sounds good to me although I'm no
audiophile. You may be able to find an small D-to-A that you can put
"between" the freeview box and the TV to avoid having to get external
speakers etc. The Marantz I have does full 7.1 for DVDs etc. but I also had
to buy speakers etc.

If you find a cheap external D-to-A, do post the model etc. assuming it's
good.

Paul DS.

Complete newbie - audio options
 

....snip...

Perhaps something like the...

Creative Labs DDTS-100 Decoder

Paul DS

Complete newbie - audio options
 

On 14 Jun, 15:52, "Paul D.Smith" wrote:
...snip...

Perhaps something like the...

Creative Labs DDTS-100 Decoder

Paul DS

Interesting, but reading the product blurb on a website, it says -

"...simply hook up to any 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 speaker system..."

I only have 2 (stereo) speakers. If this device can support my simple
speaker config, then this looks promising.

One other issue is I'll need to hook up my DVD player too, but this
has audio optical output - is this the same as the S/PDIF output on
the back of the freeview box? (Please remember I am new to this
stuff.)

(BTW, the decoder you mention has 3 optical inputs)

Regards, Robert.

Complete newbie - audio options
 

"Dot Net Developer" wrote in message
oups.com...
On 14 Jun, 15:52, "Paul D.Smith" wrote:
...snip...

Perhaps something like the...

Creative Labs DDTS-100 Decoder

Paul DS

Interesting, but reading the product blurb on a website, it says -

"...simply hook up to any 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 speaker system..."

I only have 2 (stereo) speakers. If this device can support my simple
speaker config, then this looks promising.

One other issue is I'll need to hook up my DVD player too, but this
has audio optical output - is this the same as the S/PDIF output on
the back of the freeview box? (Please remember I am new to this
stuff.)

(BTW, the decoder you mention has 3 optical inputs)

Regards, Robert.


Disclaimer: you're at the limits of my knowledge here ;-).

I believe optical is what many people refer to as S/PDIF but I believe it
can be wired, often using an RCA phono like cable.
As to 5.1/7.1 etc, from reading a few reviews (do a quick Google), I believe
this box defaults to "stereo" anyway unless you tell it to actually decode
the full surround sound. But if you Google, you'll quickly know more about
this box that me.

Paul DS

Complete newbie - audio options
 

"Dot Net Developer" wrote in message
oups.com...
Just bought a digital PVR. (Daewoo DSD-9520)
Although picture quality is good, the sound quality isn't. (Sounds
tinny)

Atm, using basic connectivity - scart & RF lead only.
However, there are 2 additional (optional) audio choices - either L/R
audio phono-style output to a hi-fi, or S/PDIF output.

I've read a user review recommending the latter - the use of S/PDIF.
I am a newbie at this and don't know what additional equipment I need
for S/PDIF. I currently have a pair of hi-fi speakers, but that's
all.

Do I need to buy an amplifier that accepts S/PDIF output? I've heard
about A/V receivers, but I'm not sure if that's what I really need.

Thanks very much for any advice, regards, Robert.


S/PDIF = Sony/Philps Digital interface
This is a screened 75ohm impedence bi-directional digital connection

Toslink fibre optical digital connection is the type you are discribing
as being the digital output of your DVD player. It is not compatible with
the S/PDIF, though there are standalone convertors available.

Your speakers are obviously "active", meaning they have their own
on-board amplification, similar to the type supplied with computers.
Your TV set is outputing a Line level analog signal. (It is not an
amplified signal, the "active" speakers do that.)
The L/R analog outputs of your Freeview are identical, being Line-
level, so try connecting your freeview directly to the "active" speakers.

If you intend trying the S/PDIF connection:
This will now involve an additional conversion process -
Receiving an audio digital feed from the Freeview box to
either a standalone DAC (Digital-Analog-Convertor) or to
an Amp/Receiver that has an on-board DAC.
You really are now into the realms of limitations of budget
re DAC/AMP/cables etc.

Lets try it simple first.
The sonics of the TV, is that "tinny" when played via your active
speakers or is it only the freeview box when connected via TV
to speakers? If it is just the Daewoo, I would suspect it to a simple
connection issue, or a menu setting.

Complete newbie - audio options
 

On Thu, 14 Jun 2007 20:01:46 +0100, "ded"
wrote:


"Dot Net Developer" wrote in message
roups.com...
Just bought a digital PVR. (Daewoo DSD-9520)
Although picture quality is good, the sound quality isn't. (Sounds
tinny)

Atm, using basic connectivity - scart & RF lead only.
However, there are 2 additional (optional) audio choices - either L/R
audio phono-style output to a hi-fi, or S/PDIF output.

I've read a user review recommending the latter - the use of S/PDIF.
I am a newbie at this and don't know what additional equipment I need
for S/PDIF. I currently have a pair of hi-fi speakers, but that's
all.

Do I need to buy an amplifier that accepts S/PDIF output? I've heard
about A/V receivers, but I'm not sure if that's what I really need.

Thanks very much for any advice, regards, Robert.


S/PDIF = Sony/Philps Digital interface
This is a screened 75ohm impedence bi-directional digital connection

Toslink fibre optical digital connection is the type you are discribing
as being the digital output of your DVD player. It is not compatible with
the S/PDIF, though there are standalone convertors available.

Your speakers are obviously "active", meaning they have their own
on-board amplification, similar to the type supplied with computers.
Your TV set is outputing a Line level analog signal. (It is not an
amplified signal, the "active" speakers do that.)
The L/R analog outputs of your Freeview are identical, being Line-
level, so try connecting your freeview directly to the "active" speakers.

If you intend trying the S/PDIF connection:
This will now involve an additional conversion process -
Receiving an audio digital feed from the Freeview box to
either a standalone DAC (Digital-Analog-Convertor) or to
an Amp/Receiver that has an on-board DAC.
You really are now into the realms of limitations of budget
re DAC/AMP/cables etc.

Lets try it simple first.
The sonics of the TV, is that "tinny" when played via your active
speakers or is it only the freeview box when connected via TV
to speakers? If it is just the Daewoo, I would suspect it to a simple
connection issue, or a menu setting.


He may actually have amplified speaker outputs on his telly, meaning
it could run regular speakers. My brothers old Toshiba had them.
Still produces a better sound than the internal speakers.

Marky P.

Complete newbie - audio options
 

Dot Net Developer wrote:
On 14 Jun, 15:52, "Paul D.Smith" wrote:
...snip...

Perhaps something like the...

Creative Labs DDTS-100 Decoder

Paul DS

Interesting, but reading the product blurb on a website, it says -

"...simply hook up to any 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 speaker system..."

I only have 2 (stereo) speakers. If this device can support my simple
speaker config, then this looks promising.

Assuming that your existing speakers are passive and being fed from the TV's
own amplifier, I think you would be better off getting a standard AV
amplifier and using that with your existing speakers for now, and possibly
upgrading to a 5.1 or better speaker configuration later. Although Freeview
does not offer 5.1, many sources will still sound good on a surround system
via the Pro Logic II or Neo:6 decoder, and of course DVDs usually carry DD
5.1 or DTS soundtracks, and these will sound vastly superior.

One other issue is I'll need to hook up my DVD player too, but this
has audio optical output - is this the same as the S/PDIF output on
the back of the freeview box? (Please remember I am new to this
stuff.)

Digitally encoded sound can be provided via an electrical or optical
connection. A decent AV amplifier will support both.