Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: DA20 to non Dolby Processor Questions

This is topic DA20 to non Dolby Processor Questions in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Mitchell Dvoskin (Member # 751) on 09-05-2012, 03:22 PM:

I am interested in using a Dolby DA-20 with a non Dolby analog processor. For the moment, I don't care about the automatic reversion back to analog. I assumed the DA-20 will, or can be set to, always output (the converted analog sound) from the Dolby Digital track when it senses a Dolby Digital signal from the reader.

Is this a correct assumption?
Any non obvious things I need to take into account?

Posted by Victor Liorentas (Member # 5272) on 09-05-2012, 03:36 PM:

Yes you simply select the always on number under the front cover and it never tries to revert to analogue ever. I forget which number but you can find it in the DA-20 manual.

Posted by Mitchell Dvoskin (Member # 751) on 09-08-2012, 05:47 PM:

Thanks Victor.

Another question. I have both a Dolby 701 and a BACP DSTR-20 reader. Other than the Dolby requires it to be plugged into the wall and the BACP is powered by the DA-20, is there any pros/cons for one over the other.

Posted by Sam D. Chavez (Member # 1841) on 09-08-2012, 05:58 PM:

The short answer is to pick the one with the least worn lateral guide rollers and sprockets.

The DSTR has a slightly sharper and faster lens so lower LED current is needed and maybe a slightly lower error rate.

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 09-08-2012, 05:59 PM:

Nope: properly set up, they are the same. The Dolby would allow you to power from the motor AC voltage. This means the LED is off when stopped, saving the LED.

IMHO:I have never seen a Dolby shipped from the factory in 100% proper alignment. Something mechanical is ALWAYS not quite right, especially around the dancer arms and dashpot. Louis

Posted by Mitchell Dvoskin (Member # 751) on 09-09-2012, 12:46 PM:

Thank you Sam & Louis.