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Gefen Digital Audio Decoder Converts Dolby Digital 5.1 to L/R Analog
Supports up to 6 channels of Dolby Digital 5.1 audio and allows users to switch between S/PDIF and TOSlink inputs.
Gefen has released its Digital Audio Decoder, which takes audio encoded in Dolby Digital 5.1 from multichannel S/PDIF or TOSlink digital audio sources and converts it to L/R analog audio.
Users can switch between the two inputs (S/PDIF, TOSlink) with a selector on the decoder. This allows a settop box and PC to be connected and switched to two-channel audio systems.
"This is unique because it means you can listen to movies using just two speakers, while you still enjoy that surround sound feeling," explained Hagai Gefen, president and CEO of Gefen.
The unit's built-in digital-to-analog converter supports up to 6 channels of Dolby Digital 5.1 audio.
MSRP: $129
Gefen Digital Audio Decoder
Users can switch between the two inputs (S/PDIF, TOSlink) with a selector on the decoder. This allows a settop box and PC to be connected and switched to two-channel audio systems.
"This is unique because it means you can listen to movies using just two speakers, while you still enjoy that surround sound feeling," explained Hagai Gefen, president and CEO of Gefen.
The unit's built-in digital-to-analog converter supports up to 6 channels of Dolby Digital 5.1 audio.
MSRP: $129
Gefen Digital Audio Decoder
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Steve Crowe, Web Editor
Steve is an editor for cepro.com. He graduated from Emerson College with a B.A. in Journalism. He joined the CE Pro staff in 2008. Steve is also a freelance sports writer for The Boston Globe and other various publications.
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I have one of these at home but have yet to test it. I also have many customers asking about it.
When using a Media Center PC, you must choose between a single audio output (HDMI, SPDIF, TOSLINK, Analog) What integrators need is both digital and analog, digital to feed the surround sound system they may have in the theater, and analog 2 channel to feed the whole house audio distribution system.
The potential of this device is to split the TOSLINK or Digital Coax out from a Media Center, send one end to the AV receiver and the other end to this Gefen.
What I do not know is if this device is limited to decoding and downmixing Dolby Digital, or will it be able to downmix a 5.1 PCM signal from the Media Center as well.
I will be able to test this out myself later this week but if anybody knows the answer already, please share.