Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Dolby CP-750 vs Datasat AP20

This is topic Dolby CP-750 vs Datasat AP20 in forum Digital Cinema Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Peter Das (Member # 4690) on 08-18-2013, 08:22 PM:

Hello
I am converting a cinema for Digital with Christie Solaria.
I want to know what is the benefit of having a Dolby Cp-750 or a Datasat AP20? currently I am having CP-650 D.

Posted by Alan Gouger (Member # 543) on 08-18-2013, 09:21 PM:

The 750 is a great unit but if you want to screen alternative content such as Blu-ray only the Datasat will handle the DTS stream.

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 08-18-2013, 10:35 PM:

The CP750 is a relatively basic DCinema processor though it handles about 90% of what most cinemas want/need. There are not what I would call too many frills to it. Yes, it can handle Surround 7.1, but so can most any other processor too. It will decode Dolby Digital off of BluRays (or DVDs) coax/optical output but the vast majority of BluRays are encoding DTS for their "best" tracks in English.

The Datasat AP20 is a MUCH more configurable box and is a 16x16 matrix. It will decode DTS right off of the HDMI signal and has a mini-HDMI switcher to it. So, if you want something you can configure and has some flexibility to it, the AP20 may be your box.

Note, you can also add an outboard Video processor that will handle the audio and feed that into the CP750's multi-channel analog input and you may find that that video processor will do more of what you want.

It really depends on what your needs are.

Posted by Harold Hallikainen (Member # 5405) on 08-18-2013, 10:46 PM:

The USL JSD-60 will decode both Dolby Digital and DTS, but only through S/PDIF or TOSLINK inputs, not HDMI.

Harold

Posted by Peter Das (Member # 4690) on 08-19-2013, 04:39 AM:

So Does Datasat Ap20 decode dolby too? I need DTS too.

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 08-19-2013, 06:40 AM:

It does Dolby AC3 decoding and all common DTS formats up to Master Audio (lossless), on HDMI and Toslink + S/P-DIF (Masteraudio is only available through HDMI).

The CP750 is enough for auditoriums where DCI content is played 99% of the time.

The HDMI and switching capabilities of the AP20 are a real benefit. You can also have simultaneous Mic and stereo NS presets which makes it a nice option for lectures and presentations.

And it operates flawlessly - no glitches, no noise on HDMI or other source switching. We are extremely happy with it. Very easy to configure and adapt on the fly if needed. And it includes a very powerful automation module.

You have instant wireless remote control of all functions over Wifi from a notebook, tablet or smartphone (plus wired auditorium control at no additional cost, where the CP750 needs a very expensive remote fader unit).

- Carsten

Posted by Marco Giustini (Member # 4544) on 08-19-2013, 12:37 PM:

The AP20 has everything you may need. I haven't got much experience with it and I've learnt that I should play with something before announcing its benefits, but on paper really is a very comprehensive machine - not to forget the DIRAC EQ.
If the product is reliable and does not have glitches as Carsten suggested, it's definitely a good choice.