Integrated AC-3 decoder?

ayelvington · #1 (**permalink**) 03-16-2008, 09:44 AM

Why doesn't Fortec (or anyone) offer an integrated AC-3 decoder with a receiver? I could buy an external unit for $20 from eBay, so it's not like the technology isn't readily available.

If folks wanted to use the optical output, splitters are also a readily available off-the-shelf commodity.

I want my AC-3 built in!

Sadoun · #2 (**permalink**) 03-16-2008, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ayelvington

Why doesn't Fortec (or anyone) offer an integrated AC-3 decoder with a receiver?

Yes, it is possible to have it built-in, but most users don't need that. So adding it at the factory causes the price to go up for most people. It is better to buy an external device than to have it built-in.

PM me a link to the external device you are referring to. We maybe able to stock it if it is a high quality item.

William Eng · #3 (**permalink**) 03-16-2008, 02:49 PM

Recievers with built in AC3 decoders are available, along with HD. I don't remember the brand name off hand.

Sadoun · #4 (**permalink**) 03-16-2008, 10:53 PM

I will check with Fortec about this for future models. If the cost is reasonable, I will request that they add the feature.

ayelvington · #5 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008, 06:41 AM

yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Thank you!

Al

Jim-S · #6 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008, 02:41 PM

I have a Mercury II, is there a box that will convert the AC-3 optical audio output to something I could send to my TV inputs or stereo inputs.
I know this topic has been beaten to death but I can't locate a converter that will do this. Need your help.
Jim

rainman · #7 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim-S

I have a Mercury II, is there a box that will convert the AC-3 optical audio output to something I could send to my TV inputs or stereo inputs.
I know this topic has been beaten to death but I can't locate a converter that will do this. Need your help.
Jim

They use to sell some cheap headphones on E bay that would do this don't know if they still do or not but you can use a surround sound system to do it if it has optical in.

Larry Acklin · #8 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008, 03:22 PM

Hit Ebay and search for "Sonic Voom". Buy one of the kits, and throw away the headset part. Plug your optical cable in or spid-diff cable into the hockey puck part. Plug a 1/8" stereo cable into the headset output port, and run the rca jacks to the TV.

Mine works great. I just picked up a 2nd one for $11 pus shipping.

Larry

ayelvington · #9 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Acklin

Hit Ebay and search for "Sonic Voom". Buy one of the kits, and throw away the headset part. Plug your optical cable in or spid-diff cable into the hockey puck part. Plug a 1/8" stereo cable into the headset output port, and run the rca jacks to the TV.

Mine works great. I just picked up a 2nd one for $11 pus shipping.

Larry

Thanks Larry, but I already have a bunch. I'm tired of kludging together a system when I'm of the opinion that and AC-3 decoder should be standard in 2008.

But I do agree, the Sonic Voom units are a good deal. It's unfortunate that they are out of business and the Ebay units are liquidation stock.

Al

Jim-S · #10 (**permalink**) 03-30-2008, 08:56 AM

I did a search on Sonic Voom and found none on E-Bay none on Craigslist locally but I did find one in Orange County Ca. Too far away I'm in MI. Although I did find a converter made by Gefen but it cost was too much $80.00. It's a little unit that converts digital coax or optical input to RCA output jacks.
I don't have a A/V stereo that will convert AC-3. So I will just be patient and keep looking.

ayelvington · #11 (**permalink**) 03-30-2008, 08:40 PM

Jim, Many thanks for pointing out the Gefen product. It's filling the hole that the failure of the company making the Sonic-Voom left behind. Yes, it's too expensive, and that's another reason why AC-3 should be integrated into receivers.

I'd offer to sell you one of my spares S-Vs, but they had a high failure rate and I don't want to risk disappointing you. I bought several that were DOA, and there is no where to return them to.

Take care,

Al

Jim-S · #12 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ayelvington

Jim, Many thanks for pointing out the Gefen product. It's filling the hole that the failure of the company making the Sonic-Voom left behind. Yes, it's too expensive, and that's another reason why AC-3 should be integrated into receivers.

I'd offer to sell you one of my spares S-Vs, but they had a high failure rate and I don't want to risk disappointing you. I bought several that were DOA, and there is no where to return them to.

Take care,

Al

Thanks for the reply, this is what this forum is all about, keep eveyone informed. This has become one of my favorite sites.
Jim

Powrline · #13 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008, 04:32 AM

I bought 2 Sonic Vooms on EBAY and both of them are working nicely....

Don't throw away the headphones if you don't want them. I will pay the shipping to my house if you don't want them.

Thanks for informing us that you can plug in an 1/8" jack, I wondered if that would work.....

Bill