PS2/Surround sound question

JHendrix · Jan 7, 2003

Ok easy question:

If I have my PS2 hooked up to a 5.1 reciever via an Optical 5.1 cable, will games that are encoded to use Pro Logic come out as Pro Logic signals (aka hit all 5 speakers and Sub)?

I know that using the cable isn't going to give me 5.1 discrete channels (the PS2 can't do that in game), but I want to know if I used the stereo RCA jacks and had my reciever interpetate that into Pro Logic where I get sound out of all of my speakers. If I use the Optical Digital cable, will my reciever still interpetate the in game stereo signal and put it out of all the speakers?

Peace

JHendrix

Deuce · Jan 7, 2003

It won't autoswitch (if your receiver can do that) for any games (except for the "special" cinemas in MGS2), but you can set the mode on the receiver yourself. If I'm not mistaken, PLII isn't actually a digital signal... I can get it from my Gamecube without digital, which explains the lack of the receiver's autodetection.

To get full DTS/Dolby Digital 5.1 support for your DVDs, though, make sure you go into the PS2's DVD menu (you know, the little ghostly array of buttons you get when you press Select) and make sure you turn Dolby Digital and DTS to ON. I happened across that totally by accident, and the difference it made was amazing. The system will always output a digital signal, but without those options on, it's not actually putting out DTS or DD5.1.

This may or may not be the answer to your question, but I hope it helps.

-Deuce

toy_brain · Jan 7, 2003

Well it more depends on what sort of decoder box you have I think.
I have a rather crappy '4Gamers' 5.1 setup which does stereo, 'surround' (whatever that is - it seems to do more than 3.1) and digital 5.1. It's connected to the PS2 via an optical cable.
I tested it with Burnout 2, which is ProLogic 2, and there seemed to be good seperation on the rear speakers when it was set to 'surround' mode. So it seems to work OK.

ProLogic does not have a specific Subwoofer channel though - so dont expect too much out of that. Like I said, my 5.1 setup is hardly the swankyest of setups, so if it works on mine it should work on any decent dolby 5.1 system. Just remember to always use the optical cable when you can, as that gives you the best output.

[ January 07, 2003: Message edited by: toy_brain ]</p>

Idburnu · Jan 7, 2003

I think what you are asking JHendrix, is if the receiver will still recognize the signal and play in "Pro Logic" when it is not receiving a Dolby Digital or DTS signal, even through the optical cable? It will, and will still have a cleaner signal than if you were transmitting the same stereo signal through a set of high quality "RCA" patchcords. Hope this helps.

MilkManX · Jan 7, 2003

As long as you have your stereo set to Pro Logic it should be able to decode the signal regaurdless of RCA L/R or optical cable.

$hockwave · Jan 7, 2003

i have my ps2 running thru an optical cable and it seems to run stereo fine while playing need for speed hot pursuit 2 and gran turismo 3.but my reciever is very old and it reconizes it as pcm instead of dd but all in all you still get stereo but also a higher quality sound with the optical cable since it is a digital signal and not analog like the rca's hope this helps.

lemonflav · Jan 8, 2003

Originally posted by JHendrix:
<strong>Ok easy question:

If I have my PS2 hooked up to a 5.1 reciever via an Optical 5.1 cable, will games that are encoded to use Pro Logic come out as Pro Logic signals (aka hit all 5 speakers and Sub)?

I know that using the cable isn't going to give me 5.1 discrete channels (the PS2 can't do that in game), but I want to know if I used the stereo RCA jacks and had my reciever interpetate that into Pro Logic where I get sound out of all of my speakers. If I use the Optical Digital cable, will my reciever still interpetate the in game stereo signal and put it out of all the speakers?

Peace

JHendrix</strong><hr></blockquote>

Yes. The optical will send whatever signal no matter what it is.

It's a shame not many PS2 games are in full 5.1 like Xbox. I only have one open optical slot left on my reciever so i switched it from PS2 to XBOX.

PS2/Surround sound question

JHendrix

Jello Pudding Pop, Y'know? Like that whole Bill C

Deuce

Death Before Dishonesty, Logic Above All,

toy_brain

Amano's Drinking Buddy

Idburnu

War Room Troll

MilkManX

I Love Frames!,

$hockwave

Rasputin's Rose Gardener

lemonflav

Windjammers Wonder