Does optical output guarantee DD 5.1 compatibility?

[Jim Robson]

"The new SkyPlus box delivers Dolby Digital audio. The answer is via a built in optical output (though there's no coaxial alternative)."

"Digiboxes from Nokia and Sony both have digital outputs."

My first question is, does having a Sony or Nokia digibox guarantee that we'd be able to decode and play Dolby Digital 5.1 (via suitable amp) sound when it becomes available?

My second question is, when Sky say Dolby Digital do they mean Dolby Digital 5.1 or are we talking of a 'reduced' format which could still be described as DD? Are we talking actual DVD quality?

Regards

Jim :D

PS I actually have a silver Panasonic so my question is just for information!

[ 23-07-2001: Message edited by: Jim Robson ]

[The Spaniard]

I have a pace box, jim, but, like you, I would really like to know the answer. This will certainly be a good reason to upgrade....if only it wasn't for the monthly subscription!

[mart.stokes]

Gary, IF boxes with a digital output means you can get DD then the easiest way to do it without going to Sky+ and having to pay a subscription is to buy a Sony or Nokia box from a reputable dealer off ebay. I wanted the s-video capability of a Grundig box so that's what I did.

[Fartpants]

Even on DVDs dolby digital don't always mean too much, for example. Blazing Saddles has a dolby digital soundtrack, but it's dolby digital mono! whoopee f'ing do.

my OnDigital whoops ITV digital (or who ever it is going to be next month) box has coax digital out, but the sound sometimes drops out, as I have a Sony 925 this then loses sound for about half a second!