Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems DVD A confusion!!

This DVDA is realy anoying me!
Just got Frank Zapper's Halloween DVDA,
it has a 5.1 DTS 96/24 MCH track , a 2.044/24 PCM and a MCH 5.196/24 track for DVDA players only.

I have a 598/568.2 into 2 channel anologue speaker so which track is best for me PCM which shows as LPCM whatever that is?

or the other MCH trackes but set my 598 to no MCH out???

WHAT is there no hire 2ch track why cant I change between tracks (not songs) without going to audio setup on disk, why I need my TV on.

THis is why DVDA sux not quolity wise but user wise plus never know how I should have my M stuff setup.

Does anyone have this disk and whats the best setup for my system?

Thanks Skooby
BTW sorry for poor post but just took half an hour to get online!!

Use the group button on the remote to switch between groups. (ie multichannel or 2-channel, etc...) On DVD-As authored with more up to date software, you can use the audio button to switch between groups.

I just added macros for group 1, group 2 etc.on my pronto. I can almot use a DVD-A with the TV off.

On many (but not all DVD-A`s) I find that the easiest way to change between the 5.1 and 2-channel DVD-A mix is to Press Function and Play at the same time. This switches between the 5.1 and 2 channel mixes only and does not allow you to move the DD or DTS mixes that are many times available.

The biggest advantage that this offers over the above “Group Number” change is that using Function and Play changes to the start of the same track as you are playing.

e.g. If you are playing Track 5 of the DVD-A 5.1 mix and you press Function and Play, then the player will switch to playing the start of that same Track 5.

If you use the Group method, then the player reverts to the start of Track 1 of that Group. You would then need to fast forward to Track 5, if you wanted a back to back comparison.

Therefore, I find the Function + Play combination very handy for comparing the 5.1 and 2-channel MLP mixes on many DVD-A`s.

As stated, it does not work for all, but does work on many DVD-A`s. This also works on DVD-V`s Movies and allows you to change between DD and DTS and stay at the same point on the movie (i.e. does not go back to start of movie)

Skooby,
I`m surprised that there is not a 2-channel 96/24 (or at least 48/24) mix on the Frank Zappa DVD-A. In your 2-channel system, the 2-channel PCM mix (appears as LPCM on your 598 display) is probably the best mix to play.

You could also try the high resolution 5.1 96/24 mix thru the 861, as I believe that the 861 will “downmix” this into 2-channel for distribution to your amp and 2 speakers. Not absolutely sure about this though.

Thanks for all the replies.

The function/play option does not work on this DVDA for changing between audio formates.

Their is a PCM 48/24 version that shows as LPCM (what does that stand for) but this isnt exactly hires conpared to a 2ch 192K/24 Eagles DVDA.

AS to 'down'mixing the 5.1 MLP mix does my 568.2 do this and if so does the 598 need to be set to no multichannel out?

I think that if DVDA realy wants to beat DSD in SACD's then they all need to be playable without a TV, i.e audio setup via the player, and most importantly have a 2ch HIRES mix on all disks.

Skooby

I do not have an extensive DVD-A selection, however I have never needed to resort to having to use the TV when playing any DVD-A mix, 2-CH or 5.1 or otherwise. This includes changing between groups.

Thanks for point out that the Audio/Fn Play works on some discs. A bit more intuitave than having to read jewel case to find out the required group.

-Ian

[This message has been edited by idhutt (edited 10-15-2003).]

Is there an RS-232 command for group?

I believe the Group key is the # key, this is #B for RS-232.

Richard

[This message has been edited by richardp (edited 10-14-2003).]

Richard,

Your belief is correct. # (Function + Top Menu) is Group.

Regards,

LPCM ?

I guess Linear Pulse Code Mod. It can be hi-res but just without the MLP.

Hope that makes sense.

Rgds

Nick