Does DTivo record AC-3 audio

[RWreck]

Hello All,

I don't have a tivo yet, but am most interested in getting one after finding this forum! I have DirecTV, and my roommate has a killer Dolby Digital sound system.

I can't tell from reading the specs on the tivo units, so thought it easiest to ask the masters here on this site: If I record a DirecTV broadcast which is has a Dolby Digital soundtrack, is the audio recorded digitally also, so when I play it back from my Tivo, I have Dolby Digital sound still? (I.e., will it send the dolby digital feed from the optical out to my roommate's sound system?)

Maybe this is a nit question, but it looks like this isn't the case when you look at the details on the various sites selling DTivo boxes.

Thanks in Advance,

MAR

[mrblack51]

if dtv is broadcasting DD on the channel you are watching, then the tivo can record it. you have to turn it on in the menu system, but it works great.

the dtivo records, bit for bit, exactly what it gets from the satellite.

[RWreck]

Wow, that's exactly what I wanted to hear! :)

Looks like I know what I'm buying myself for Christmas now!!

Thanks so much for the rapid response. Now I just have to pick the right machine. I need a digital output. Is the DSR7000 the best choice (in your humble opinion)?

MAR

[mrblack51]

dsr7000 is a good choice, but they are all the same hardware wise (except the RID units).

[TheWickedPriest]

There are some who say that the audio on the digital output drops out a lot. I haven't tried it myself, since I don't have any equipment with digital audio inputs.

[fixn278]

I am not sure, but I think I remember reading the 'b' upgrade was for audio fixes. Maybe it clears the DD issues?

I wish I could find where I read it though...

[TheWickedPriest]

The b update fixed (at least for me) the audio dropouts after "trick play" (e.g. 30-second skip). Some of those who use DD say it actually made it worse -- the DD issue is separate from the trick play problem. However, it may be specific to certain brands of receivers.