Dolby Pro Logic 2 + GameCube? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Blankfore12 · 07-05-2004, 08:27 PM

I have recently purchased a new 5.1 receiver with a DPL2-enabled decoder. When I found out that my GCN can take advantage of this, I immediately brought it down and hooked it up (especially for the Eternal Darkness

)

Now, here's the problem I face- I switch the receiver over to auxiliary audio in and get beautiful sound from my Gamecube- out of the two stereo speakers and subwoofer only.

I've tried switching ports and audio output modes and I'm right where I started, with only 2.1 channels of sound. I'm wondering now if maybe Pro Logic 2 needs and optical or coaxial cable to work? When I switch between modes on my receiver it shows a little picture of the speakers on the front; when it's in DVD mode all 5 are displayed but in AUX mode I only see 2 speakers. Any suggestions?

Cynthetiq · 07-06-2004, 08:58 AM

google is your friend

http://www.dolby.com/games/nintendo.gc.faq.html#q4

Quote:

Dolby's Guide to the Nintendo GameCube

What technology is my GameCube using?
What kind of system should I purchase to get surround sound from my GameCube?
I'm on a tight budget, but still want surround sound for my GameCube. Is this possible?
I've purchased my system. How should I set my speakers up?
I have a home theater system and a GameCube. How do I connect the two?

Setting Up Your
GameCube Audio
Click on the image above
for a larger version

What technology is my GameCube using?

The Nintendo GameCube is the first game platform to be designed from the ground up to offer native Dolby® Pro Logic® II audio during game play, and as a result has some of the most powerful audio hardware ever seen in a game console.

Almost all of the latest first-party GameCube games are created specifically for use on a home theater system. Look for the Dolby Pro Logic II logo on the back of your GameCube games to determine which games will make the most of your system.

The experience that can be delivered by these home theater systems is the most bang-for-the-buck money a gamer can spend. Playing a game with your GameCube hooked up to a system with Dolby Pro Logic II is unlike anything you have experienced before.

What kind of system should I purchase to get surround sound from my GameCube?

Most gamers are buying new "Home Theater In-a-Box" products that include a receiver with Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic II, five main speakers, a subwoofer, and all the wiring necessary to connect the system. These products deliver between 50 and 100 watts of power to each of the main speakers and are extremely powerful. They usually cost around $300.

The subwoofers in these packages—perfectly matched to the systems—often pack quite a punch. This allows many of the home theaters to create bass that can shake the walls around your GameCube and deliver a massive game experience.

I'm on a tight budget, but still want surround sound for my GameCube. Is this possible?

Even gamers on a strict budget can enjoy their games in stunning surround sound by using very-low cost integrated 5.1 systems, often called “Personal Surround Systems”. These systems generally pack around 10 to 20 watts for all five main channels, come with a small plastic subwoofer, and retail for around $150. Most of these systems feature Dolby Digital and Pro Logic, but very few have the newer Dolby Digital and Pro Logic II combination.

These systems won’t cause the neighbors to complain, but in small rooms, personal surround systems often impress with lifelike sound coming from compact speakers. Remember, however, that playing your Dolby Pro Logic II games with a Pro Logic receiver will work, but you won't experience the technology's full capacity.

I've purchased my system. How should I set my speakers up?

Once you get the system home, you'll immediately notice that you have a lot of speakers to situate. Depending on your room, this might require a bit of thought. Fortunately, it's easy to find the best place for your speakers if you follow a few basic rules about speaker placement.

Rule 1: Position the Left and Right speakers as far apart as possible. This will increase the width of your soundfield, making you think you're playing in a movie theater.

Rule 2: Place the Center speaker on top of or directly below your television set. This speaker locks sound to the screen and is often used for speech and first-person character sound effects. The Center speaker should be placed so that sound seems to emanate from your television screen.

Rule 3: The subwoofer can be placed almost anywhere in the room, since it's not easy to discern where bass originates. You may want to try locating the subwoofer in several different places, as each location in the room will cause the subwoofer to sound differently from your gaming position.

Rule 4: The Left Surround and Right Surround speakers are the most difficult speakers to place (because they must be behind you), and they are also the most important to place properly, as they are responsible for creating the surround sound experience. Make sure that the Left Surround speaker is behind you on your left side, and the Right Surround speaker is behind you on your right side. Ideally, the surround speakers should be the same distance apart as are the Left and Right speakers in the front.

I have a home theater system and a GameCube. How do I connect the two?

Once you have the speakers wired up to the receiver and placed properly, you'll need to hook up your GameCube. Your receiver has lots of different inputs in the back, which allow you to use your receiver as a switch box. If you hook everything up properly to a serviceable receiver, you can switch between your GameCube, VCR, television, and other consoles with ease.

The GameCube does not have a digital audio output, so you will need to connect it to your receiver using the analog left and right outputs that come with the console. Make sure your receiver is set for Pro Logic II "movie mode," and you are ready to go.

Blankfore12 · 07-06-2004, 09:59 AM

Very good article, but I think my problem now lies within my audio receiver. I use the analog ports and set Pro Logic 2 to movie mode but I still have no surround. The receiver doesn't allow any more than 2 channels to be played when in AUX mode. It's kind of like I have no control when the audio mode is switched over to the GameCube- there's no buttons on the front to switch to 5.1 ch and the remote does nothing in AUX mode. Very frustrating!

edit: My receiver is a Sherwood VR-3208 DVD receiver (part of a home theater system).

yodapaul · 07-06-2004, 07:24 PM

Dolby Pro Logic 2 is much like Dolby Pro Logic, you only need analog Left and right to get it to work. Dolby pro logic will take a stereo signal and turn it into something for all of the speakers in your 5.1 setup.

I would say that you have to turn the Surround "Mode" on, inside your reciever. Consult your user manual.

Good Luck

Blankfore12 · 07-08-2004, 01:43 PM

Well, I emailed tech support on this one (gasp) and they told me that, on this particular model, i need optical or coaxial input to play any kind of surround material. Thanks for the input from everyone else, would have worked if I had a different receiver!

Careful to all potential Sherwood customers!

yatzr · 07-09-2004, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Blankfore12
Well, I emailed tech support on this one (gasp) and they told me that, on this particular model, i need optical or coaxial input to play any kind of surround material. Thanks for the input from everyone else, would have worked if I had a different receiver!

Careful to all potential Sherwood customers!

But the artical said that the gamecube doesn't even have digital audio output, so you couldn't use those anyway. There's got to be something with your receiver like yodapaul said to turn the other speakers one.

edit: after looking up your receiver, I see that you mean it will only do surround when hooked up with the digital audio. I wonder if there is any kind of analog left/right to coax adapter?? I doubt it, but you never know.

Blankfore12 · 07-09-2004, 08:13 PM

http://www.cablestogo.com/product.as...2013&sku=28732

Bit pricey, but I might check it out. Wonder if this will cause any bleeding between left/right channels?

yatzr · 07-10-2004, 05:05 PM

bit pricey indeed! and you'd still have to add a digital cable which can be quite expensive as well. I don't think I would pay that much for it. It's up to you though. Maybe you can find a cheaper one. I looked around for a little while but had no luck.

07-05-2004, 08:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
Blankfore12 Upright	Dolby Pro Logic 2 + GameCube? I have recently purchased a new 5.1 receiver with a DPL2-enabled decoder. When I found out that my GCN can take advantage of this, I immediately brought it down and hooked it up (especially for the Eternal Darkness ) Now, here's the problem I face- I switch the receiver over to auxiliary audio in and get beautiful sound from my Gamecube- out of the two stereo speakers and subwoofer only. I've tried switching ports and audio output modes and I'm right where I started, with only 2.1 channels of sound. I'm wondering now if maybe Pro Logic 2 needs and optical or coaxial cable to work? When I switch between modes on my receiver it shows a little picture of the speakers on the front; when it's in DVD mode all 5 are displayed but in AUX mode I only see 2 speakers. Any suggestions?

07-06-2004, 07:24 PM	#4 (permalink)
yodapaul Insane Location: MN	Dolby Pro Logic 2 is much like Dolby Pro Logic, you only need analog Left and right to get it to work. Dolby pro logic will take a stereo signal and turn it into something for all of the speakers in your 5.1 setup. I would say that you have to turn the Surround "Mode" on, inside your reciever. Consult your user manual. Good Luck __________________ I'm Just here to help. Now, Where is your problem?

07-10-2004, 05:05 PM	#8 (permalink)
yatzr Insane	bit pricey indeed! and you'd still have to add a digital cable which can be quite expensive as well. I don't think I would pay that much for it. It's up to you though. Maybe you can find a cheaper one. I looked around for a little while but had no luck. __________________ Mechanical Engineers build weapons. Civil Engineers build targets.

07-06-2004, 09:59 AM	#3 (permalink)
Blankfore12 Upright	Very good article, but I think my problem now lies within my audio receiver. I use the analog ports and set Pro Logic 2 to movie mode but I still have no surround. The receiver doesn't allow any more than 2 channels to be played when in AUX mode. It's kind of like I have no control when the audio mode is switched over to the GameCube- there's no buttons on the front to switch to 5.1 ch and the remote does nothing in AUX mode. Very frustrating! edit: My receiver is a Sherwood VR-3208 DVD receiver (part of a home theater system).

07-08-2004, 01:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
Blankfore12 Upright	Well, I emailed tech support on this one (gasp) and they told me that, on this particular model, i need optical or coaxial input to play any kind of surround material. Thanks for the input from everyone else, would have worked if I had a different receiver! Careful to all potential Sherwood customers!

07-09-2004, 08:13 PM	#7 (permalink)
Blankfore12 Upright	http://www.cablestogo.com/product.as...2013&sku=28732 Bit pricey, but I might check it out. Wonder if this will cause any bleeding between left/right channels?