The analog outputs are needed for the new high res audio formats such as Dolby Digital Plus, and TrueHD. The HDMI passes them, but if you dont have an HDMI reciever then you need the 5.1 analogs to get the full bandwidth of the new formats. Digital optical and coax do not have the bandwidth to carry all the info. They will still pass a downconverted version at 1.5 Mbps to your reciever which will sound great, and better than SD-DVD's but not quite as good as the full bandwidth version.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
pliepl @ Dec 12th 2006 4:53PM
That actually makes sense, Im guessing its a cost cutting measure.
Why not just route the sound (digital output) to your receiver... 5.1 decoding is pretty much a standard thing on home theater receivers these days.
Maxx @ Dec 12th 2006 11:02PM
Pliepl,
The analog outputs are needed for the new high res audio formats such as Dolby Digital Plus, and TrueHD. The HDMI passes them, but if you dont have an HDMI reciever then you need the 5.1 analogs to get the full bandwidth of the new formats. Digital optical and coax do not have the bandwidth to carry all the info. They will still pass a downconverted version at 1.5 Mbps to your reciever which will sound great, and better than SD-DVD's but not quite as good as the full bandwidth version.
Hope this makes sence.