Does sound not matter to most?

[sigmtr]

In mostly reading this forum for about a year now, I've noticed that the majority of concerns are directed towards HD, picture quality and programming in addition to talk about the latest receivers. What I don't see is much discussion of sound issues, unless it's a problem with some particular receiver.

Do most of you with HD gear also have a good sound system? At least a decent A/V receiver to take the Dolby Digital output and get 5.1 surround sound? Are there concerns that SD channels that boast about their DD sound are simple PCM stereo out of the receiver?

One of the reasons I bought a 4900 several years ago, and then upgraded to my current 625, is that both supported optical outputs for my A/V system. Even with SD, a good movie soundtrack can make all the difference. Yet the only DD content I see is on a select few PPV channels and Starz. I also have Cinemax and they have no DD on any channels. Even Starz drops the quality during the daytime to 2-CH Dolby, and this in on current movies that are definitely encoded with 5.1.

The situation is too fluid right now for me to consider upgrading to HD. But when I do, will the sound on HD channels be equal to the PQ? Will the move to MPEG4 allow for more DD 5.1 being passed through?

Just curious,

sigmtr

 

[caam1]

Dish provides DD 5.1 on all HD channels if the program provider encodes it. The majority of HD programming is in DD 5.1. As far as I know, the only HD channel with no DD 5.1 is A&E HD.

 

[mlb]

Most of what I see is DD2.0 (on SD channels). I believe that is how Dish receives them from the providers, and it is Dolby Digital.

 

[gadgtfreek]

Im in a rental townhome and have been for a few years, so sound is not an issue NOW. When I get my house and set up my entertainment room it will matter much more then. Right now I mostly use tv sound as to not disturb my neighbors.

I hope as more channels go hd and digital the sound will continue to get better.

 

[downriver]

Before I went HD I dumped two 625's for audio problems

 

[grb]

I care very much about the sound! Although I don't have an expensive or sophisticated surround sound system, it still provides excellent 5.1 surround sound. Usually the premium channel movies are in 5.1 and I have never seen a Voom channel program that wasn't in 5.1.

Some HD channels are not 5.1 -- Universal, Fox Sports West and Prime Ticket. Sometimes the network channels do not broadcast sports events in 5.1. Up to about a year ago ESPN and ESPN2 didn't broadcast in 5.1.

TNT -- for all their stretch-o-vision has always had awesome 5.1 sound.

Hope this helps...

 

[primetimeguy]

I think sound is very important, just as much as the PQ. But other than 2.0 vs 5.1 I think it is much easier to see PQ differences and do comparisons than hear and compare audio differences, so we see mostly PQ issues posted around here. I am very annoyed if an HD program is only 2.0.

 

[long_time_DNC]

I had (and still have) a very high-end audio system long before E* carried any HD. HD and DD5.1 along with it is icing on the cake.

 

[DVDDAD]

I had (and still have) a very high-end audio system long before E* carried any HD. HD and DD5.1 along with it is icing on the cake.

I'm with you on this one. Before HD, I'd only watch a movie off satellite if it had DD 5.1. Now, I'd only watch a movie if it was in HD and 99% of the time the HD movies have DD 5.1.

 

[long_time_DNC]

I mainly use my audio system for music and DVDs (DTS audio is terrific), but with more and more HD (especially Rave) carrying audio in 5.1, it just keeps getting better and better.

 

[cebbigh]

I think sound is where the great leap in home entertainment began.

 

[goaliebob99]

Same here, I have a very high end audio system that I will be putting together very soon (like 60 days soon). Even the 5.1 system that I have now the sound has all ways been very good from echostar. HBO, Starz, Cinimax are a few sd channels that has DD, along with some PPV. Most if not all HD has DD 5.1. Whats going to be even better. My system with 7.1!

 

[sgip2000]

What's sad is that the Motorola 6412 box I had from Comcast would output DD on all channels.

 

[KAB]

What's sad is that the Motorola 6412 box I had from Comcast would output DD on all channels.

Yeh. So does the 622/222. If it is sent, it receives it.