Page 1 of Those DVD Hi-Fi jobbies

With all these DVD Hi-Fi jobbies appearing in shops it looks like a great way to get into the latest Home Cinema experience. These mini systems come with a DVD player, Digital decoder and all you speakers built in.

In some ways this is all rather good, but I`d actually prefer a stand alone DVD player since they`re easily hackable (I don`t think I`ve come across any DVD Hi-Fi`s that are multi regional, disable macrovision, combat RCE), but then I`d be missing out on the Dolby Digital sound.

Basically, what I`m looking for a mini system with a built in Dolby Digital decoder, plays CD, tapes and does all the usual stuff a Hi-Fi is supposed to do, but DOESN`T play DVD`s. Does one exist? Is one currently in the works? I think Sharp made one a while back.
I don`t want an all-in-one amplifier and speaker package. The family and me would like to make use of tapes and CD`s.

Maybe I`m not the only one (or maybe I am), but there probably are a few people out there that already have a DVD player and might like to experience Dolby Digital from a mini system. It just seems odd that all Dolby Digital mini systems come with built in DVD players.

Hmmm, I dunno whether such a beast exists. I`d find it odd if a standalone DD system *didn`t* come with a built-in DVD. It`s the only source material generally available (I don`t think even SACD offers it, but I may be wrong).

On the other hand, you may be able to put a mini-separates system together cheaply - and get better quality sound into the bargain.

How much are you thinking of spending?

I have a budget of £400.
I already have a (cheap) Pro-Logic Hi-Fi and would like to upgrade to Digital.

I was thinking about a seperates system and had a look in Richer Sounds but the cost would sprial up and become rather expensive.
But really if they can make Pro-Logic systems with and without DVD players built in then why can`t they do the same with Dolby Digital?

Anyhow, I`ve noticed Samsungs Mini DVD system (the DN55) which looks like a good buy. Since their previous DVD players were hackable there`s a good chance this `might` be too. I`ll take a look at it.

Cos pro-logic is a matrix surround system. It takes good ol` 2-channel audio (like you get from CDs, tapes etc) and matrixes the left and right channels to create a single rear effect channel. This is then fed to two rear effect speakers (still, however, a single - mono - source).

DD & DTS have genuine 5.1 channel information (6.1 systems like DTS-ES have a matrixed centre-rear). This is encoded into a digital bitsteam (i.e. it ain`t audio). Decoding is done by the appropriate DD or DTS hardware.

The only way you can get 5.1 channel source is with DVD. That`s why these systems have a DVD player built in.

Um... Neon I know the difference between Pro-Logic and Digital. And I know why DVD players are built into these Mini systems (all in one Home Cinemas).
I just think it would be nice if one of these came without a built in DVD player should someone want to buy a stand alone DVD player or if someone already has a DVD player.

Anyhow I did manage to find that Sharp Mini system with a Dolby Digital decoder:
http://www.homecinemachoice.com/testbench/MINIMIDISystems/Sharp/SharpCD-C491H.shtml

But it`s a few years old and I don`t think it`s for sale anymore. Will any companies out there make more machines like this? Or is this the only one of it`s kind?

This item was edited on Tuesday, 7th August 2001, 14:36

Soz, Shingle. I answered "why they don`t" not "why they couldn`t".

Obviously you`re right - they can, but choose not to.