Audio - "Dolby 3" and DVD's

[averageguy]

Hi.
I've been watching DVD's forever with a two channel system.
I want to add a center channel - so I guess then I would have a Dolby 3 system.
I do not wish to add rear channels.

How are movies on DVD generally formatted?
Clearly they are set-up to provide two channel audio - but speech doesn't have the presence it should.
I assume they are also formatted to provide the newest multi channel Pro Dolby audio.
Are they able to deliver Dolby 3 audio?
Are they able to deliver all possible Dolby set-ups subject to the limits of the receiver being used?

Thanks for looking.

 

[Psychopomp]

What kind of amp are you using and does it have a dedicated center channel?

When they say that speech will come from the center channel, they don't mean that 100% literally. What it means is that speech frequencies will be directed towards the center channel, so if you're not getting the effect you want, you can play aruond with EQ for better results (try boosting mids a little).

I'm using a fairly new Yamaha Natural Sound AV reciever with an older Natural Sound ten band EQ. You'll have to play around with all the settings and EQ to find exactly what sounds best for the room that you're listening in.

An amp set up to run a 5 speaker system will work just fine with a three speaker system. My amp has the option of two, three, five or five plus sub, and I assume that most amps will have similiar features.

You can also play aruond with the location of the center channel for better results. Some people like the speaker above the monitor, some like it under the monitor and some like it out of sight. Due to space restrictions, mine sits on top of the entertainment center.

I will say that you'll notice a big difference with the center channel. Before I added the center, dialogue was a little bit muddy because it was competing with the sound coming from the ten inch subs in my floor speakers. Having the dedicated center channel handling most of the mid range frequency really lets it cut through and allows the floor speakers more range as well.

Also keep in mind that if you're running a stereo through the system, you're most likely going to want to turn off the center channel for music. It'll still sound good, but you'll get a lot of frequencies directed into the center that need to be going to the bigger floor speakers.

 

[averageguy]

That's great. It sounds like if I have a "Dolby 3" ready receiver - DVD's are designed to deliver this level of audio as well as stereo and the newest multi channel audio as well. Thank you.:thumbup:

 

[Morrow]

Your receiver is probably able to do much better than Dolby 3. Dolby 3 is basically surround sound with out all the speakers. Your missing the left and right rear speakers. Your receiver may be capable of much more so you should check the back of your receiver or bust out the manual. Most if not all DVDs have at least 5.1 surround sound tracts with different flavors of THX or DTX depending on what studio the movies came from. If you want the best sound possible, you need to be taking advantage of at least 5.1 surround sound most DVDs come with.