Upgrade from Fortec? Looking at the future...

[cnagorka@gmail.com]

Hello All:

This all starts with the inability to hear AC-3 audio with the Fortec setup. We've discussed it before, my eight year old Aiwa reciever just won't decode the stream from the Fortec, and others have the same problem. So, I thought maybe I should just bite the bullet and buy a new reciever, hoping it'll work. But then it occured to me that more and more FTA is going to newer, more advanced transmission methods, and it would make more sense to upgrade the Fortec, rather than the Aiwa. So, here are a few questions:

Standard DVB video is MPEG-2...is MPEG-4 by definition Hi-Def? Is MPEG-4 so totally different that it's not viewable with an MPEG-2 reciever?

I don't understand where the QSPK and 8SPK systems fit in the whole scene- I take it they are modulation systems, but are they separate from the MPEG encoding? I take it 8SPK is the most advanced, a greater transmission of data for the given bandwidth?

There are FTA satellite recievers which decode AC-3 internally, which would be fine with me (they also output it for external decoding). What set of modulation/decoding features would be the best to look for, to see the most channels in the forseeable future?

I know that's a lot to ask but everyone here is cool and loves jumping in on something like this

Thanks all,
CN

[TexRedNK]

Hey cignarka,

You posted some great questions. I also would like answers to simular changes.
As for the AC-3 digital audio, I don't have a receiver so equipped. So I bought the portable digital decoder that Iceburg suggested elswhere. It is a decoder that drives a pair of headphones with three speakers in each ear muff. Made by CyberHome and decodes Dolby 5.1 format. Don't remember where I found it, possibly on EBay. It has both fiber and coaxial cable inputs. But the DOWN side, the unit only drives the headphones. There IS a connector to connect to external stereo equipment, but to date, I have not found a cable vender with the male that mates the socket on the unit. C Ya, and good luck !

[Vitruvius]

Yes, good questions. Many people are waiting for a HD receiver to be on the market that picks up all the different HD broadcasts. You can find the stations that are important to you on Lyngsat.com and they tell what type of decoding is used for the HD. I see a few 8SPK and some DSV-2 (i think that is it). A HD receiver with 8SPK module can run over $400. That is one reason I am waiting.

For your AC-3 decoding I would suggest getting an inexpensive surround sound DVD 5.1 dolby system. I bought an LG with a radio and dvd player for about $300 and I have seen similar systems even cheaper. Just look for the AC-3 decoding in the specs. I heard that sometimes Walmart would have a RCA system for under $100. It will make your listening a great experience for DVDs as well tv.

Tex, for your Zoom decoder you can just connect a powered set of computer speakers to use it without headphones. They have the same male connection as a set of headphones.

good luck

[TexRedNK]

Vitruvius, I wish it were that simple. Remember I said " 3 speakers in each ear muff " ?? That means a protiatory connector for the headphones. Good try anyway.. and Happy new Year !!
PS: keep your posts on new low cost FTA HD receivers coming !