Description
The Creative Decoder DDTS-100 is a digital decoder that will turn any 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 powered speaker system into an advanced digital home theater. It incorporates the latest digital technologies from Dolby? and DTS?, including Dolby Pro Logic? II and DTS Neo:6, which will create 5.1 or 6.1 surround sound from stereo input (from games, music or movies). The DDTS-100 accepts up to seven selectable input sources to support every device in the living room. It has great extra features like dual headphone jacks and Dynamic Mode (for late-night listening, reducing the volume difference between the loud parts and the quiet parts). And it also comes with a switch box to allow you to connect the decoder and a PC with a 5.1/6.1/7.1 sound card to the same speaker system. Advanced Digital Technology - Dolby? Digital EX, DTS?-ES, Dolby Pro Logic? II (movie and music modes), and DTS Neo:6 (cinema and music modes) Seven selectable inputs - Three digital optical, one digital coaxial, and three analog stereo Great Additional Features - wireless remote and dual headphone jacks Dynamic Mode - optional dynamic range compression for late-night listening
Summary
Product Title: 3DLabs Creative Decoder DDTS-100
Manufacturer: 3DLabs
Power Score: 4.5 | 8 Reviews
General
Type of Sound Card: Digital IO Add-On
Interface Connection: Audio - Headphone Out (1/8" Mini), Audio - Line In (RCA Phono), Audio - RCA Digital Coax (S/PDIF), Audio - TOSlink Optical Digital
Audio Technologies: Dolby Digital, DTS [Digital Theater Systems]
System Type: PC
URL: Manufacturer Link
Strengths: Good Sound - doesn't appear to alter quality of speakers or sound card. Easy Hookup.
Weakness: The PC bypass box is arranged a little strange.
I just got my DDTS, and I am generally very happy with it. It hooked up to all the other electronics very easily, though the PC bypass switch is a little strange, the cord connecting it to the main unit is very short, and I can't figure out how to position it without all of the audio cables hanging off the front of the DDTS box and my dvd player. I tried stashing it behind all the equipment, but...
Strengths: DTS and Dolby Digital decoder.
Weakness: Not stable enough to stand vertically
I bought it to work with creative T5400. I can enjoy DTS and Dolby Digital DVD now. I love the switch box design. It save you moeny for another speakers for PC. When playing PC game, just switch to PC connection. It's much better than GD580 which can not handle analog for PC.
Strengths: Plethora of connectors. Remote control. Great NEO6 upmixing.
Weakness: Can be a bit confusing to use. I had difficulty ouputting a digital signal to my PS2. However, I believe it is the PS2'S problem. (i'm going to have to go out and buy a new ps2 now.)
so far, i've had no problems with the unit. however, one complaint is that it looks cheap! the pseudo metallic plastic just does not look good. otherwise, it works as advertised.
Strengths: Perfect for 6.1 Speakers system, Build in Dolby prologic II and DTS Neo 6, Well designed interface, 2 earphone output ports, 3 toslink input ports.
Weakness: No dolby prologic IIx, No LCD screen, Not the best for 7.1 speakers system.
I just bought this from ebuyer.com. Overall it is a cheap but high performance decoder. I use it to play playstation, xbox, gamecube, and dreamcast game. If you dont have a DVD player or a game console, this decoder is totally useless for you. I didn't connect my PC audio to this decoder but connect it to my creative s750 gigaworks directly to get better sound~!
Strengths: Features, price
Weakness: Wires
I must say that if you have a really good speaker system (I have the 5.1 gigaworks), then you should probably invest in this if you want to use them as home theater speakers. It decodes DTS, Pro Logic II, and more. Your DVDs and gaming consoles will appreciate them. There's just a little clutter of wires, so it looks a bit messy. The separate box that switches between PC audio and the decoder...
Strengths: Small size, many functions, great compatibility, easy navigation, remote control.
Weakness: none so far
This review is mainly based on my experience: So far, I've used it to connect my 5.1 speaker system to my VHS/DVD player combo. It works very well. Having 3 connection options, it makes it easier for some products to use the other option if one is not available. For example, although it is a VHS/DVD player combo, my VHS doesn't have an option of an optical audio out. Therefore, I could easily use...
Strengths: DTS ES and Dolby Digital EX decoding, up to 7.1. Also analog Pro Logic II and DTS Neo:6 decoding. Several settings and plenty of inputs. Can be placed vertically or horizontally.
Weakness: Somewhat cheap looking. Maybe too many settings. Lighted display of settings can be confusing compared to an LCD display. Meant only for Creative speakers.
I've been using this in conjunction with some of Creative's best multi-channel speakers, and it doesn't disappoint. There are 3 stereo RCA inputs, one coaxial digital input, and three optical inputs. Despite the weaknesses listed above, I am very happy with it connected to my Gigaworks speakers.
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Works great from PS2, XBOX, COMCAST HDTV, and DVD
Strengths: great sound quality and functions perfectly.
Weakness: controls take a bit to get used to and the remote is ugly as hell
I was looking to build a mini home theather system so I can take time off from the computer. I have a nice set of PC speakers so I wanted to use that for the sound system, and this was exactly what I was looking for. Everything works great and the sound quality is actually better than my sb audigy2 sound card with windvd on the same speakers.