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REVIEWER’S GUIDE
23
Test 5: DVD Surround Decode
This test shows the Revolution 7.1’s ability to decode Dolby Digital and Dolby
Digital EX encoded surround sound using the included WinDVD 4 DVD player.
This illustrates how the Revolution 7.1 can be used with any surround speakers
or receiver, even if they do not have a built-in decoder. It also highlights the ex-
cellent audio quality of Revolution’s digital to analog performance. (This test
works with Windows Me/2000/XP. Mac OS 9 and X do not support this feature)
1. Connect the Revolution 7.1 to a surround-sound receiver or multimedia
speakers via the 1⁄8" analog connections. Select your speaker configura-
tion from the Revolution 7.1 control panel. Make sure “SRS Circle Sur-
round II” is not turned on.
2. Launch the WinDVD 4 Dolby Digital EX version included on the
Revolution 7.1 Applications CD. The first time you use the application,
you may need to go into the program’s “Setup” screen and change the
“Audio Speaker Configuration” to match the number of speakers you
have connected.
3. Audition a DVD with a wide dynamic range and good use of surround
sound audio, such as an action scene. The Revolution 7.1 delivers the
full 7.1 surround sound experience.
4. Switch to the competing sound card. You should notice a marked con-
trast between the Revolution 7.1 and the other audio hardware.
Test 6: DVD Surround Sound Pass-Through
This test shows the Revolution 7.1’s ability to play back Dolby Digital and/or
DTS surround-sound signals to a surround decoder. (These tests work with Win-
dows Me/2000/XP. Dolby Digital output works with the VideoLan Client DVD
Player in Mac OS X. Mac OS 9 does not support Dolby or DTS output.
1. Connect the Revolution 7.1 to a surround-sound decoder using the S/PDIF
coaxial digital connector. Select the “Digital Output” speaker set in the
Revolution Control Panel. On the Mac, you may also need to go to the
“Sound” Control Panel or Preference Pane and choose the “Revolution
Digital Out” driver.
2. Launch your DVD player and enable digital or S/PDIF output from the
player’s preferences or audio output options. Audition a DVD with a large
dynamic range and good surround sound support, such as one of the sug-
gested scenes in this document. The Revolution 7.1 delivers the full sur-
round sound experience. Your decoder should note that it is receiving a
Dolby Digital or even DTS (PC only) stream,
Test 7: Circle Surround II Decode
This test shows the Revolution 7.1’s ability to decode Dolby Pro Logic, Pro
Logic II, or SRS Circle Surround II encoded material using SRS Circle Surround
POWERED
SPEAKERS
THAT CAN’T
DECODE
DOLBY
DIGITAL OR
DOLBY
DIGITAL EX
ARE NOT LEFT
OUT: REVO-
LUTION 7.1
AND THE IN-
CLUDED
WINDVD 4.0
ARE ALL YOU
NEED