Sky

the_sanguine · 15-09-2003, 11:16 PM

Does Sky broadcast in Dolby digital?

NicolasB · 15-09-2003, 11:38 PM

For certain films on Sky Premier 1-3, yes. But you need a Sky+ box and an external decoder to listen to it.

the_sanguine · 16-09-2003, 12:21 AM

So...if I plug my didibox into my Pioneer Amp, what do I get?

Ridcully · 16-09-2003, 5:41 AM

If you plug a normal digibox into a pioneer amp you will get Pro Logic. If you plug a Sky + into a pioneer amp using an optical cable you will get pro logic except for some films on some of the film channels which will be in 5.1 dolby digital

the_sanguine · 16-09-2003, 5:16 PM

so...why don't Sky broadcast in Dolby digital?

Johndm · 16-09-2003, 5:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by the_sanguine
so...why don't Sky broadcast in Dolby digital?

Email them and ask..

You never know, the more people who complain and/or ask etc...........sometimes get a result!

Starburst · 16-09-2003, 7:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by the_sanguine
so...why don't Sky broadcast in Dolby digital?

As previously mention they do but in a limited scope.
Broadcasting a DD5.1 soundtrack in addition to the normal stereo soundtrack requires more bandwidth and costs more money not to mention a compatible broadcast suite.
You then have the limited number of subscribers who can access that DD5.1 soundtrack via the SKY+ STB, currently around 130,000 users by expected to rise dramatically with the new deals.

You also have to remember that apart from the movies there is still very limited programming that comes with a DD5.1 soundtrack. The latest US imports which have been produced with High Def in mind will have a suitable soundtrack but I would assume that SKY does not see a positive return in purchasing the correct spec programming and equipping a broadcast suite for only a handful of programs on SKY1 and SKY1 MIX.

As for the BBC, ITV, Ch4 and Five not to mention the rest of the channels that have are not owned by BSKYB they have no reason to spend money supporting a feature that does not make them any money.
Pathetic really

the_sanguine · 16-09-2003, 10:06 PM

so, the only way to really experience Dolby Digital is DVD?

wod · 16-09-2003, 10:41 PM

yes

Ridcully · 17-09-2003, 2:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by the_sanguine
so, the only way to really experience Dolby Digital is DVD?

As mentioned above, some of the films on the premier channels are full 5.1 so DVD is not the only option.

the_sanguine · 17-09-2003, 11:24 AM

pretty crap really eh? What am I paying £38/month for?

Starburst · 17-09-2003, 3:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by the_sanguine
pretty crap really eh? What am I paying £38/month for?

So you have something to complain about perhaps?

Peter Shilton · 18-09-2003, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by the_sanguine
pretty crap really eh? What am I paying £38/month for?

Football, the same as the rest of us!

Sandman · 18-09-2003, 1:01 PM

Yip £38 a month is a rip off but just think even if you had SKY+ and wanted DD5.1 you would then need to pay an additional £10 a month.

Starburst · 18-09-2003, 2:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sandman
Yip £38 a month is a rip off but just think even if you had SKY+ and wanted DD5.1 you would then need to pay an additional £10 a month.

The optical output has always worked without any further subscription so there has never been a need to pay anything more than the price of the movie package that carried the DD5.1 material.
As discussed elsewhere the £10 will now be a thing of the past for those on the £38 package.

the_sanguine · 18-09-2003, 3:36 PM

Thanks,

So, what is the upgrade cost and how many movies are in 5.1?

Ridcully · 19-09-2003, 6:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by the_sanguine
Thanks,

So, what is the upgrade cost and how many movies are in 5.1?

Have a look at the EPG. The 5.1 movies have DD in the EPG, Dolby surround ones have DS. I think there is also a list on one of the sky pages 998 / 999 but not sure about that.

Costs. Varies where you go. Cheapest is Sky website at £199 + £1 install.