Chapter 1: Technical overview
Dolby®Digital 5.1
Just as the ATSC has specified 1080i or 720p as the video formats required for
HDTV, they have also specified a recommended audio format: Dolby Digital 5.1.
Dolby Digital 5.1 provides 5 discrete channels of digital audio information for use by
A/V receivers capable of decoding the 5.1 channel signal. The audio signals are
broken into left-front, center, right-front, left-rear, right-rear and a low-frequency
effects channel (designed for subwoofers). The result when connected to a
compatible Dolby Digital 5.1 channel A/V receiver and speaker setup is a home
theater experience that provides much of the dynamic range, 360-degree imaging,
and sonic excitement of a real theater.
Not all Digital TV programming is broadcast using Dolby Digital 5.1. For DIRECTV®
programming, you can see which programs are broadcast using this high-quality
audio standard by checking the Info Banners and Program Guides for the Dolby
Digital icon ( ).
To take full advantage of the Dolby Digital 5.1 capabilities of the DIRECTV® High-
Definition Receiver, you will need a Dolby Digital 5.1 compatible A/V receiver
connected to the DIRECTVHD Receiver through the Dolby Digital Optical jack or
the Dolby Digital Coaxial jack.
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