Does anyone know if the 2009 RL will allow the audio tracks from standard DVDs to be played back through the ELS system? I traded in my 2006 RL for an MDX because at least it offered me the option of adding a DVD RES that would allow me to enjoy the 5.1 audio mix from DVD-Video discs as well as the DVD-A's that I own.

I'm disappointed that Panasonic (aren't they the makers of the ELS system) chose to cripple audio playback from standard DVD's; any DVD-A player has the necessary hardware to play back audio from DVD videodiscs as well, but Panasonic (or whomever makes the players) has disabled that in their players. I know that Lexus and Infiniti (and, I believe, Cadillac) allow that sort of playback, but I'd rather own an Acura.

With fewer and fewer discs coming out in the DVD-A format, I'd like to have that audio-from-DVD-videodisc option for 5.1 surround listening. The quality might not be as high as DVD-A, but it's significantly better than CD, and it does have six clearly defined channels of sound.

 

Appears to me, the 09 RL has the exact audio system the 05-08 have.

 

***muted sounds of disappointment***

 

DVD-A format is essentially dead...I don't even know why they advertise that feature anymore. Its too bad it didn't catch on.

I agree it would be nice to play audio from standard DVD format.

 

Alas, you're right that DVD-A is moribund. But at least I can listen to the 100+ discs I DO have. However, as you and I agree, it would be great if we could at least play back audio from a DVD-Video disc on our system, and I have no idea why they specifically disabled that function.

Players in Cadillac, Lexus, Infiniti, and even the Hyundai Genesis will play back audio from such discs. Only Honda/Acura has seen fit to break that functionality.