Basic Audio Question - Is outputting surround on coaxial connection = AC3 Passthough?

[Mysticle31]

Here is a basic question - Is outputting surround on coaxial connection the same as AC3 Passthough?


AC3 is the same as Dolby Digital right? What happens if I play a DVD with DTS or Dolby Digital EX or some other newer format/standard/decoder? Is Linux unable to play those other standards?

[markbuntu]

I am not sure if Mplayer will pass Dolby Digital with the AC3 Passthrough option but you would think it did. VLC has an explicit option for Dolby Digital.