Multi-bit conversion (left) versus multi-level conversion (right).
To appreciate the difference between multi-bit and multi-level conversion, take a look at the two of them, side-by-side, as shown in the diagram above. For multi-bit conversion (left), each switch for has its own unique value. For multi- level conversion (right), all switches have the same value, 1.
For multi-bit, each desired output corresponds to one and only one combination of switches. For example, there's only one way to generate an output of 3. In contrast, multi-level conversion has many ways to generate the same output value. The illustration on the right shows four different switch combinations that create an output of 2. In fact, Sony® multi-level converters can use thousands of switch combinations to create a given output level. And the converters select the combinations at random, so output errors tend to cancel out. And errors never get the opportunity to cause the regular, predictable nonlinearities of multi-bit designs.
In this way, multi-level conversion achieves high precision in the amplitude direction and high accuracy in the time domain, for astonishing specifications and exceptional uniformity on all six channels. But the benefit is far more than just technical. You'll hear reproduction with of superb clarity, transparency and musicality.
Separate analog audio circuit board
The digital audio, digital video, analog video and servo control circuits inside a DVD player are potential sources of radiated noise. Low-level signals in the analog audio circuits are particularly susceptible to this noise. That's why Sony isolates the analog audio circuits on their own board. It's one more measure to help maintain the purity of both DVD-Video sound tracks, and Super Audio CD music.
In addition, Sony uses six separate, identical audio circuits to handle the 5.1 channels. This ensures uniform frequency response and gain characteristics
ES DVD Players 2005, Version 4.0 | Page 35 |
Output =2
