These kits are used to upgrade older analog amplifiers or to build custom home theater systems.
A typical 7.1 DTS Dolby Digital Decoder Kit consists of:
Many consumers make the mistake of buying a cheap "HDMI to RCA converter." These devices usually only convert the stereo track (2.0). If you try to feed them a 5.1 or 7.1 signal, you will hear static, silence, or only the left/right channels.
| Model | Inputs | Outputs | Control | Approx Price | |--------|--------|---------|---------|--------------| | | Optical, Coax | 8ch analog | IR remote | $80 | | DIYINHK DDC-8 | USB, I²S, Optical | I²S only | UART | $120 | | MDS STM32-DD71 | HDMI ARC, Optical | 8ch RCA + I²S | OLED + UART | $200 | | Cirrus Logic CS497024-EVAL | S/PDIF, TDM | I²S + analog | PC GUI | $600 (professional) |
Unpacking the 7.1 DTS Dolby Digital Decoder Kit: Is It the Heart of Your Home Theater?