Bruce - The HTS 7.1 does do some sort of distinct processing for the 7.1 output with 5.1 source material. In addition, it recognizes 7.1 source material [albeit rarely available like Star Wars I think] as ES processing [or something like that] for those extra channels. To be honest, I have one of these things and I used to understand all this off the top of my head, but I just cannot remember anymore. Once I set it up more than a year ago, I really dont mess with it anymore. I am reasonably certain this is not simply sending the same surround signal to all four surrounds, or even just lefts and rights. It does something to distinguish between the surround channels as mid and rears. I would remember that
in disappointment.
Regarding the 7.1 analog input, I am with you on this I too know of no 7.1 analog output from any source.
But what is nice about having a 7.1 analog input is those installations that use di/bi-pole speakers on the sides and direct radiating [?mono-pole?] speakers in the rear [like my system]. I can use all of these speakers for movies [particularly those with the "ES" designation], and yet be able to play multi-channel SACD/DVD-A material without the side di/bi-pole speakers.
Still, my point is more that right this moment a source like blu-ray is more capitalized upon if the analog outputs of the player are used and yes, the one I had only had 5.1 outputs.
FWIW to me multi-channel music isnt all that its cracked up to be, but that is still another thread.
Do you follow all of that? :-) Just imagine how Id write if I had some alcohol!
Regarding the 7.1 analog input, I am with you on this I too know of no 7.1 analog output from any source.
But what is nice about having a 7.1 analog input is those installations that use di/bi-pole speakers on the sides and direct radiating [?mono-pole?] speakers in the rear [like my system]. I can use all of these speakers for movies [particularly those with the "ES" designation], and yet be able to play multi-channel SACD/DVD-A material without the side di/bi-pole speakers.
Still, my point is more that right this moment a source like blu-ray is more capitalized upon if the analog outputs of the player are used and yes, the one I had only had 5.1 outputs.
FWIW to me multi-channel music isnt all that its cracked up to be, but that is still another thread.
Do you follow all of that? :-) Just imagine how Id write if I had some alcohol!