Playing my Xbox in Dolby Digital

[piku]

(I guess because doing a 5.1 audio track takes up too much disc space)

It's not that it takes too much space, it takes too much processing power to render in realtime.

(edit: and the Xbox can do it because Microsoft and Dolby designed the sound chip to specifically handle Dolby in realtime - the Gamecube and Playstation 2 don't have this luxury, so they have to go by what they can manage out of their existing sound chip)

[K3V]

Originally posted by Green
How long is the Xbox optical cable?

The MS A/V packs don't have Optical Cables included so you can buy one of whatever length you need.

-Kevin

[GohanX]

The only game PS2 game that I'm aware of that takes advantage of Dolby Digital is Metal Gear Solid 2, and it's only in cutscenes. But the intro is amazing in surround sound. However, even without surround sound, I would still recommend hooking it up through a digital connection, it does make a difference in how good the audio sounds in 2 speaker mode.

[Green]

So what do I need, exactly? I have a receiver, but does this work with all receivers? What hooks up to what? My dvd player has an optical cable, but the Xbox doesn't have a input for it.

[amerlop]

Originally posted by Green
So what do I need, exactly? I have a receiver, but does this work with all receivers? What hooks up to what? My dvd player has an optical cable, but the Xbox doesn't have a input for it.

You need a reciever that decodes Dolby Digital material (most nowadays do DTS as well). There are some decent ones out there that can be had in the 200-250 dollar range. You also need a 5 speaker package plus subwoofer which varies. You can get an Home-theatre-in-a-box if you like, but stay away from the ones that havew the combination DVD/Reciever. I would even try to get one with no DVD at all. Multiple optical inputs are a plus, but they are in rare in the entry-level equipment.

Here are some decent recievers:

Sony STR-DE485

Panasonic SAHE70s
Pioneer VSXD411

Any of those companies would be decent. And really all you need is two sets of stereo speakers and a center channel and sub (go powered, and don't look back). Remember, don't skimp on cables and speaker wires

[Green]

Thank you for the help bud, but I allready have a reciever. It decodes Dolby Digital and DTS and has multiple optical inputs. What I want to know is what hooks up to what. My dvd player has an optical input (which has a very short cable), but the game systems don't.

[K3V]

For Xbox you'll need this + a standard Optical Audio cable if your TV has S-Video inputs, or this plus a standard Optical Audio cable if your TV has Component inputs.

The PS2 has an Optical Audio connector right on the back of it so all you'll need is a standard Optical cable.

You're out of luck on the GameCube as it doesn't support digital audio.

-Kevin

[Green]

or this plus a standard Optical Audio cable if your TV has Component inputs.

Heh, I got that too, but I didn't know about the Optical input. Thanks alot for pointing that out, if I can find a long enough cable I could make the surround sound dream happen.

[Melf]

I'm in a spot with optical cable length as well. I had to move my Xbox from under the TV (where it was with my PS2, GC, & DC) over next to the receiver, because the only optical cable I could find was 6'. I'd love to find a longer one.

[amerlop]

Originally posted by Melf
I'm in a spot with optical cable length as well. I had to move my Xbox from under the TV (where it was with my PS2, GC, & DC) over next to the receiver, because the only optical cable I could find was 6'. I'd love to find a longer one.

Try

this one it's from acoustic research and it's a good quality cable (as good as Monster imo but a tad cheaper). remember, don't skimp on cables, they make all the difference.