Separate matrix 6.1 decoder shouldn't be expensive or difficult

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Was just thinking how easy it would be to offer a matrix 6.1 decoder. Very easy when you really think about it. A decoder like Technics 500 would only need "minor mods". The 500 offers a 5.1 ch. input bypass, so it can be used with DVD-A. I would personally like to have 4 optical inputs and 2 coaxial. 6.1 analog output with 1 or 2 pre-amp outs for rear center channel. It would also need a digital output for digital bypass, as with the 5.1 analog bypass. I personally would like to see MLP, SACD, and DTS-ES decoding with appropriate DACs.
The only items need to the 500 would be a few more digital inputs, 1 digital optical output (or 1 optical out and 1 coaxial out), a matrix decoder in line with DD decoder for rear surround center channel, MLP, SACD and DTS-ES decoders, and additional pre-amp outputs for the rear center channels. Of course, this decoder should still keep it's "pre-amp" design with volume control.
For owners with a receiver that offers digital output, the decoder is a very simple install. You would simply connect the digital output of the receiver to one of the decoders digital inputs. Connect the decoders 5.1 analog outputs to the receiver's 5.1 ch. inputs. Add the decoder's additional rear surround center channel pre-amp outputs to a separate power amp or a good stereo only receiver. Connect the decoder's digital output to your digital recorder, minidisc/DAT/CD-R.
In this installation you loose none of the functions of your receiver. You still use all of it's amps, you can still use it's own digital decoding if you choose, and you still can use it's digital output for digital recording.
This is another reason why a digital output on a receiver should be a main consideration!
To me this is the best and most efficient way to upgrade to 6.1 surround sound. Manufacturers listen up!
Of course, if your receiver offers no digital output, you can still use this setup. You loose all processing capabilities in the digital realm within your receiver though. This may be important if you have any of the Yamaha Receivers that offer 8 ch. surround sound as the RX-V2092, RX-V2095, RX-V1(for MLP and SACD decoding), or DSP-A1.
If your receiver doesn't offer either 5.1 channel inputs or pre-amp outs/power amp inputs for all channels, you'll simply have to buy power amplifiers for all channels.
This configuration would surely offer better performance and more compatability than just adding the receiver's surround pre-amp outputs to a DPL receiver, for processing and amplification.
For a receiver that offers power amp inputs, I'm guessing the processor should be no more $500 MSRP and a good 80 - 100 watt 2 ch. receiver/power amp should be only about $400.
This is assuming that 6.1 channel software will be abundant, to make the upgrading worth
while.
My goal in this message is to only state that an affordable and easy way to upgrade could exist, if the manufacturers only design a good decoder. I "DO" expect to see a good 6.1 decoder( as I described above) in the future, "IF" 6.1 software is more abundant and shows a good improvement over non 6.1 surround.
For me, my medium size room limits me to 6 channels, including sub.

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Topic - Separate matrix 6.1 decoder shouldn't be expensive or difficult - HT crazy 17:23:36 05/10/00 (0)

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