Dolby Digital is the name for a series of data audio compression technologies developed by Dolby Laboratories, a pioneer in audio entertainment. Dolby Digital is a process of coding, storing and transmission of superior quality digital audio signals. Dolby digital enhances the auditory experiences of the listeners by treating them to realistic sound effects. Dolby Digital has many versions such as Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital Surround Ex and many more. In the United States satellite TV services such as Dish Network and DirecTV provide Dolby Digital sounds in selected TV programming.
In order to access the superb Dolby digital sound, subscribers need Dolby-digital compatible satellite receivers. The receivers are provided by Dish Network and DirecTV to their subscribers. These receivers have digital audio output for coaxial cable, optical cables and HDMI interface along with Dolby Digital decoder. Subscribers should use the optical digital audio connection and set their A/V receivers to the digital input. Dolby Digital sound track settings also require five speakers plus additional loudspeaker. The satellite dish should be connected to the satellite receiver with coaxial cables. The receiver should be connected to the TV. In absence of proper equipment, subscribers can access Dolby Digital surround sound only in the HDTV channels. The other channels will have only the regular soundtrack. In case of Dolby Digital soundtrack, when the digital output is used, the audio level is 3db lower than the regular soundtrack. This occurs because the recording level is lowered to provide more dynamic range. To overcome this variation of sound, subscribers just need to use their volume control more.
Dolby Digital in Dish Network:
Dish Network provides Dolby Digital compatible receivers to its subscribers. Along with the receivers, subscribers also need coaxial, optical cables and speakers to access Dolby Digital soundtrack. The Dolby Digital soundtrack has been provided to wide-ranging programming of Dish Network including PPVs, HDTV channels and premium movie channels. Premium movie channels include HBO, Showtime and Starz.
Dolby Digital in DirecTV:
DirecTV subscribers need Dolby digital compatible receivers to access Dolby Digital sound. DirecTV Plus HD DVR receiver, DirecTV Plus DVR and DirecTV HD receiver are some of DirecTV compatible receivers. Along with DirecTV receivers, subscribers must also possess Dolby Digital decoder, coaxial and optical cables as well as speakers to get the real Dolby Digital surround sound effect. A range of entertaining programming of DirecTV are delivered with Dolby Digital surround sound and include PPVs, premium movie channels and many more.
Dolby Digital soundtrack enhances the sound effect of TV programming. It provides provides amazing life-like soundtracks. The most important benefit of this technology is that it enables the use of digital multichannel sound which is otherwise limited to digital PCM stereo or analog multichannel. Subscribers of Dish Network or DirecTV can thus enjoy watching their programming with theater like sound effect. Dolby Digital soundtrack is generally provided to subscribers by TV service providers for free of cost. Subscribers only need to have the proper set of equipment necessary to experience the fantastic auditory experience of Dolby digital sound.