Alternatives for Dolby Surround "Decoding" in New A/V Hardware

[kfbkfb]

Since the proper decoding system for (original) Dolby Surround is no longer available on new A/V hardware (since 2014), I would like to start a list of which built in surround sound processing system(s) in new A/V hardware do a fair/good job of decoding (original) Dolby Surround.

I'm videotaping the Stargate Atlantis TV show from Hulu, it's DS encoded, if my old receiver(s) w/DS decoding fail, I would like to know what my options are with the new A/V hardware.

(I don't have anything to contribute to the list at this time)


Kirk Bayne

 

[par4ken]

Since the proper decoding system for (original) Dolby Surround is no longer available on new A/V hardware (since 2014), I would like to start a list of which built in surround sound processing system(s) in new A/V hardware do a fair/good job of decoding (original) Dolby Surround.

I'm videotaping the Stargate Atlantis TV show from Hulu, it's DS encoded, if my old receiver(s) w/DS decoding fail, I would like to know what my options are with the new A/V hardware.

(I don't have anything to contribute to the list at this time)


Kirk Bayne

The Surround Master. It will do a much better job than any Dolby decoder!

Edit: Why limit your list to built in units? Separates are the way to go!

 

[Sonik Wiz]

Since the proper decoding system for (original) Dolby Surround is no longer available on new A/V hardware (since 2014), I would like to start a list of which built in surround sound processing system(s) in new A/V hardware do a fair/good job of decoding (original) Dolby Surround.

I'm videotaping the Stargate Atlantis TV show from Hulu, it's DS encoded, if my old receiver(s) w/DS decoding fail, I would like to know what my options are with the new A/V hardware.

(I don't have anything to contribute to the list at this time)


Kirk Bayne

I must agree with Ken... the Involve Surround Master would be a great way to go. I'll add that in the SQ mode it will get L,C,R,S in correct position. Of course there's no L/R separation in the rears because it's not there in the first place with Dolby matrix surround.

If you listen to it in the Involve/QS mode it gets center front & center rear surround will be correct. It will widen the soundfield left & right & put some separation in the rears. I've encountered numerous examples on Netflix showings that are older or maybe just have marginal 5.1 mixing & they really come to life played back that way.

 

[kfbkfb]

My newest A/V receiver (Pioneer VSX-D534) has these modes to derive surround sound from stereo:

DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
Classical
Ent. Show (Entertainment Show)
Drama
Unplugged
F. S. Surround (Front Stage Surround)
Surround Enhancer


I haven't yet tried the Delos Dolby Surround test signal CD on it, from the descriptions of the above modes, none of them specifically mention providing surround sound from Dolby Surround encoded content.

Other brands of A/V hardware probably have multiple modes to derive surround sound from stereo too, I'm just wondering if other brands have a mode (or modes) that work well "decoding" DS encoded content (doesn't need to be logic directed, just have flat frequency response and route out of phase content to the surround channels).


Kirk Bayne