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View Full Version : Dolby Digital TV sound qaulity ??

AdamBrunt
25-10-2001, 12:53
Hi all,

Looking at the Toshiba 36ZP18P it has got built in Dolby Surround sound (and comes with 4 speakers). I have noticed this with other large widescreen TVs as well.

How does this sound compare to say the Yamaha VS-10 ? ie is it worth splashing out £300 quid on the seperate amp & speakers ?? I noticed a magazine review yesterday that the above TV doesn't do DTS ... but is DTS worth an extra £300 ?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Regards,

Adam
GarethR
25-10-2001, 13:33
Even a relatively modest separate surround system will usually sound much better than one built into a TV - in the same way that an all-in-one hi-fi system will be easily trounced by relatively cheap separates.

All consumer products are built to a price, so an "affordable" TV that features built-in surround will have inevitably suffered some compromises - usually as regards the sound quality, although you may find that the picture quality isn't as good as it could be either, depending on how much money the manufacturer was trying to save.

The all-in-one options are specifically aimed at the "ordinary" consumers who aren't particularly clued-up on technology, don't want the inconvenience of lots of different boxes and miles of wires, and aren't bothered about maximising sound and picture quality - they get what they're given and are quite happy with it.
Frustin
25-10-2001, 13:47
i have the 36inch version of that tv and I have tried the 5.1 on it and i have to say its pritty bad. My cambridge soundworks DTT3500 surround setup on my computer is better. But then i didnt buy the tv for its 5.1 feature.

I now have a AVC-A10SE denon amp and its brillient. I cant say much more than that.

So to conclude yes it is definatly worth getting an amp with the appropriate decoders in it.
AdamBrunt
25-10-2001, 14:00
Originally posted by Frustin
i have the 36inch version of that tv and I have tried the 5.1 on it and i have to say its pritty bad.

What is the picture quality like ?? I can't remember what magazine it was now but it was definitely it's TV of the month.
lynx
25-10-2001, 14:23
Adam,whats the best price you have seen on this set? I seen it at just under £1650. How does that compare?
AdamBrunt
25-10-2001, 15:27
Originally posted by lynx
Adam,whats the best price you have seen on this set? I seen it at just under £1650. How does that compare?

According to Price Guide (http://www.price-guide.co.uk/), Hispek (http://www.hispek.com/) can do it for £1599 (never heard of them myself though)

I, personally, will be able to get it from Comet for £1588 (as my father-in-law gets 20% staff discount :D)

My decision is ... 32" or 36" ????
Frustin
25-10-2001, 15:39
get the 36, its big but you get used to it, and with the picture frame it looks just a touch bigger than a 32 with all the dodgy speakers attached to it.

by the way www.qed-uk.com have the best offer on it.

i bought it for £1360 a couple of months before it came out, but they put the price up as soon as it did.
AdamBrunt
25-10-2001, 15:58
Originally posted by Frustin
get the 36, its big but you get used to it, and with the picture frame it looks just a touch bigger than a 32 with all the dodgy speakers attached to it.

by the way www.qed-uk.com have the best offer on it.

i bought it for £1360 a couple of months before it came out, but they put the price up as soon as it did.

From what I can see (unless I am being particularly blind), they do not sell the 36" model, only the 32" =(
iceking
25-10-2001, 19:24
Adam,

Get seperates. If you get a DD 5.1 TV, then you can't upgrade easily.

Already there is DTS, which is better. Also appearing are 6.1 and 7.1 formats. In a few years DVD-Audio and SACD will be the best sound system.

Spend the money on a NICAM TV, then purchase the surround sound system seperately no matter how much your tempted to buy a nice neat system.
Frustin
25-10-2001, 19:53
Originally posted by AdamBrunt


From what I can see (unless I am being particularly blind), they do not sell the 36" model, only the 32" =(

your right, they arnt selling it anymore. used to be right at the very bottom. sorry.
AdamBrunt
26-10-2001, 09:14
Originally posted by iceking
Adam,

Get seperates. If you get a DD 5.1 TV, then you can't upgrade easily.

Already there is DTS, which is better. Also appearing are 6.1 and 7.1 formats. In a few years DVD-Audio and SACD will be the best sound system.

Spend the money on a NICAM TV, then purchase the surround sound system seperately no matter how much your tempted to buy a nice neat system.

I am not tempted by the 'neat system' aspect .... I am tempted by the TV cos it has had rave reviews so far. I was just dithering because it has DD5.1 built-in. If the TV came in a 'Nicam Stereo' I would snap it up ... but I don't think it does :(