Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Smartlink and Dolby Digital EX

Does anyone know if Dolby Digital EX decoding is performed when the decoding is in the 598/G98/800 and using smartlink? I have my 568 setup for both setups...decoding in the 568 and decoding in the 598. I was watching a movie decoding in the 568 and realized that EX was enabled. But when using smartlink it just says Cinema and Dobly Digital. I will have to try a few movies that have distinct panning with EX to prove this out. Does anyone know if the decoding for EX is performed by the 568 when the 5.1 is decoded in the 598? It would have to be done in the 568 since only 6 channels are transported between the two.

Ron

[This message has been edited by Ronomy (edited 04-09-2004).]

Same here. I just got a new 598 for my system to go with my 568.2MM. Now that I'm running via the Smart Link, the processor doesn't run the THX modes anymore. All I see is the Cinema preset displayed. Is this normal and is it by virtue of running under the Smart Link that THX modes are disabled?

look here

go to M-homepage SW http://www.Meridian.co.uk/lib_soft2.htm

go down to

861 Surround
"....
Versions 3.51 and 4.1 change the way Presets are handled. We have a document that describes presets for 861 and G68 ...."
http://www.Meridian.co.uk/861/861_G68_Presets.pdf

Robert

861 3.5 and above as well as G68 currently offer EX and THX on Smart Link. I believe you will get the same features when the new 568 update comes out.

If i read it right, there is only PL2X done on the signal. The decoding was done in the DVD player, and in the PCM that comes out the EX flag is not longer there. So if you want 4 sourrounds you have to run PL2X.
No native EX processing is done in the preamp any more when you use MHR.

Not that i mind, do not like THX processing anyway.

Jaco

I agree that THX processing is bad sometimes because it rolls off the highs in the front. But EX is cool because it creates more separation in the back 4 channels and creates a better affect with panning. I don't use the THX setting but I use the EZ setting to extract that extra stearing in the rears. It looks like prologic 2x will give us that when it comes out for the 568. Only problem is you have to know when the encoding is on the disk because the 568 doesn't get the flag for auto switching. At least that's how I read it!

Ron

What I have noticed with the apparent lack of THX processing is that the output of the LFE is much less. I don't know. Maybe I'll have to look closer at my settings to see if there is something not right.

Ron,
PLIIx does not roll off the speakers like THX does. Also the 4 surrounds become very alive. You have to like that though.

Jaco

Well hopefully one of these days they will release the software for the 568.2mm so I can experience it. Thanks Jaco! I can't wait to hear it.

Ron

If U use the smartlink between the dvdplayer and 861V4 it does not carry the EX flagg
So if u want the processor to automaticly detect the EX signal U have to use the AUX output from the DVD player!
But u can tell the processor to use EX or now PL2x (4 seperat backchannels) on the incomming MHR signal

If youre in doubt use the display button and the Processor will tell u what`s the incomming signal
Ref Meridian
"Note that the EX flag is not transmitted via Smart Link, so this feature is not accessible when decoding in a Meridian DVD player. Play the Dolby Digital bitstream from the Aux output into a two-channel digital input to utilize this feature."

PerS

[This message has been edited by pers1 (edited 04-13-2004).]

[This message has been edited by pers1 (edited 04-13-2004).]

[This message has been edited by pers1 (edited 04-13-2004).]

Ron

You normally manage to clarify things for me. So, does this mean that with my G98/568.2mm Smartlinked set-up I am no longer able to receive EX encoded information, or just that it isn`t being properly flagged ? I always have EZ set to auto for Digital and On for DTS on Meridian`s advice.

Hi Patrick,

The current version of software for the 568.2mm does not decode the EX channel when using smartlink. Since the bitstream is PCM the flag is lost in the 598 or G98. When the new software comes out for the 568.2mm you will be able to select Prologic IIx for EX processing but it will be manual. No Auto feature from what I've read. You can always use a single coax into the 568 for now to get EX processing.

Ron