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"5:1 Surround Sound"

I'm thinking about getting the whole 5:1 digital set for my PS2 except I've a couple of queries :-)

--
1)Does the PS2 have a dolby digital decoder build in?

2)Will it work with any 5:1 speaker set and decoder made for DVD players?

3)Is it worth upgrading from a subwoofer and 6 speakers?
(Stereo not Dolby Surround, and using some naff wire connections)

4)Are they loud enough without the use of the TV speaker?

5)What games support it?

thanks in advance
res

I was almost wetting my pants when the new Demo of MGS2 was released and the intro had a superb 5.1 soundtrack.

How sad it was when the in-game action was left with a mere Pro-Logic track :(

MR.COATES wrote:

> The Xbox is the only one that consistently has in-game DD 5.1 surround
> and easily sounds the best of the three.

I totally agree, I love my PS2 but when it comes to sound the Xbox is incredible. The PS2 could do with some more 5.1 games.

Tyla wrote:
> ½pint wrote:
> Very few games actually support true 5.1 surround sound, although
> many
> have the option but just put through left and right audio. But,
> with
> games such as Rogue Leader on the GC (I'm treading thin ice, I
> know),
> the surround sound makes the game sound awesome.
>
>
> Ok I'm confused now... Nintendo say the the GCN doesn't support Dolby
> 5.1 but does support Dolby2 etc. So I assume that your are using the
> Dolby2 channel and splitting it into 5?
>
> Apart from thet, I do have my GC running through Surround system
> (along with my PS2), and it does sound truley awesome!

The Gamecube can do Dolby Pro-Logic 2. which is a step up from normal Pro Logic but not as good as 'proper' 5.1 surround.

I have only seen SSX Tricky on PS2 light up my amp (and that was a DTS soundtrack, generally considered to be better than DD 5.1).

The Xbox is the only one that consistently has in-game DD 5.1 surround and easily sounds the best of the three.

Just chucking my 10p worth of opinion into the discussion....

2)Will it work with any 5:1 speaker set and decoder made for DVD players?

yes, as long as the system has an optical input

3)Is it worth upgrading from a subwoofer and 6 speakers?
(Stereo not Dolby Surround, and using some naff wire connections)

if the speakers are ok quality, you could pop round to Richer Sounds and just buy a surroound sound HiFi amp (Yamaha are inexpensive and brlliant)

4)Are they loud enough without the use of the TV speaker?

oh yes


Think of it as an upgrade to better HiFi sound for your cds, dvds, videos, and TV AS WELL as ps2 games. Like the other writers here, I've my pc, ps2, tv, dvd, video, cd, tape, and sky box connected to the same amp and speakers.

½pint wrote:
> Very few games actually support true 5.1 surround sound, although many
> have the option but just put through left and right audio. But, with
> games such as Rogue Leader on the GC (I'm treading thin ice, I know),
> the surround sound makes the game sound awesome.


Ok I'm confused now... Nintendo say the the GCN doesn't support Dolby 5.1 but does support Dolby2 etc. So I assume that your are using the Dolby2 channel and splitting it into 5?

Apart from thet, I do have my GC running through Surround system (along with my PS2), and it does sound truley awesome!

A good complete surround sound kit is the Yamaha TSS1. It is a DTS + Dolby Digital Decoder, Amplifier, and speaker system. Its on www.qed-uk.com for 150 pounds, it may not be the most powerful system, but for someone wanting a simple kit its fine.

viperfire1956 wrote:
> Medal of honour is not actually in 5.1 but it does sound good.

What games are actually in 5:1? I only know of FFX, the bouncer and SSX:Tricky!

Medal of honour is not actually in 5.1 but it does sound good.

Buy a good one though, don't buy some crappy no-name system.

I own a Yamaha system, and it really is great! I have my CD player, PC, Xbox, PS2 and TV hooked up to it. Great! :D

thesox, you've convinced me 5:1 it is :-D

*waits for paycheck*