Downmix or Passthrough

[utkarsh]

Which one of the following will have good SQ.

1. Dolby Digital Downmix
2. Dolby Digital Passthrough
3. Dolby DigitalDownmix + Passthrough

Planning to buy HTPC and gift my WD TV Gen1 to my sister.

Thanks

 

[aneelr]

Which one of the following will have good SQ.

1. Dolby Digital Downmix
2. Dolby Digital Passthrough
3. Dolby DigitalDownmix + Passthrough

Planning to buy HTPC and gift my WD TV Gen1 to my sister.

Thanks

Hi,

Downmix is basically converting either HD audio to 5.1/2.1 surround or 5.1 surround to 2.1. Passthrough is decoding the input audio either HD/surround/2.1 and sending it to the speakers to output it. And your doubt depends on what you input. Like,
2.1 cannot be further downmixed (here, your first option is not valid)
5.1 can be passthroughed or downmixed to 2.1 (here passthrough is better)
HD audio can be passthroughed or downmixed to 5.1/2.1 (here also passthrough is better.)

Hope this helps.

cheers.