5.1 Surround Sound Decoder
I have a Sony KP-46WT520 HDTV and take the stereo outputs and feed my very good stereo system for great stereo sound quality. But I see a lot of shows have 5.1 Surround Sound. I see complete 5.1 audio systems you can buy for this format for $500 and up. That's 1/3 of what I paid for the whole HDTV. I also have spare speakers that will make fine side and rear speakers. All I want is a way to decode the sound and make my own system. I can buy the amps for these channels at Radio Shack for under $100, probably under $50.
Digital Surround Sound Decoder
Can I buy just a decoder? Just buy a receiver that has 5.1 capability. You're going to drive yourself nuts trying to piece together odd-ball components to achieve 5.1.
Panasonice and Sony sell complete cheapo surround packages that include a combo receiver/DVD player and 5 speakers for $300. I'm sure you can find a stand-alone 5.1 receiver for a lot less. Buying a 5.1 receiver will eliminate the rats nest of wires you'll end up with when connecting a separate amp to a decoder, etc. I would bet that even if you could find a separate decoder, you could only find a high-end unit made for audiophiles and it wouldn't be cheap. Repeat after me: '5.1 receiver.
5.1 receiver. 5.1 receiver.' You need to remember one thing when you want to have digital audio. The audio output must be either a fiber optic connection, a digital coax connection or a HDMI conncetion. Basically if your TV does not have one of those output connections you will need some type a digital box through your cable company or satellite receiver that has those outputs. An analog stereo output only puts out analog. So the new digital receivers will take Stereo analog and convert it to Pro Logic which is not true 5.1 Dolby or DTS.
All digital receivers have an optical or coax input which will do digital audio.