DD5.1 Surround problems (BTV/AVR) - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

Freddy · 2012-02-11, 02:43 PM

I need help figuring out a problem with my Yamaha RX-V561 receiver connected to my Bell 6131 satellite receiver.
The 6131 is supposed to output (when available) DD5.1 signal and for the most part it does on HD channels. However, on some channels (especially bad on CBC and somewhat less bad on HBO and some CTV channels) I get excessive distortion and 'crackling'. Thankfully on most of the movie channels it seems to work fine. The HDMI connection on the Yamaha is just pass thru so for Audio I'm using an optical cable from the 6131. I've tried changing out the cable to see if that was the problem but no luck. The reason I'm quite certain it's the Yamaha that's the problem is that when I switch to Pro Logic ll the distortion dissappears.
I've read elsewhere in the forum that some low end receivers (mine would qualify) have trouble switching between DD 2.1 and 5.1 and suggested I might need to upgrade. I would like to avoid this as I am otherwise content with the Yamaha. (It's also hooked up to my Blu Ray and sounds just fine using the multi-channel inputs for audio)
Any suggestions.

57 · 2012-02-11, 04:13 PM

Here's a list of "things to check" - did you try a different input on the AVR? Do you have any issues with your DVD/BD players? If not, it might be an issue with the particular channel(s) since you seem to get everything else OK.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=19694

Here's the FAQ on DD5.1 - CBC, CBCNN and PBS often send out "improperly encoded" DD5.1- read the bolding - that would not account for HBO or CTV though:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=17870

Here's a useful Post:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=57741

If it is definitely the AVR, then you could connect analogue audio cables and use DPL to decode either all signals or just those problem channels by switching the AVR to the analogue input.

Freddy · 2012-02-14, 09:58 PM

Thanks. I tried the analog cables, however with the optical audio cable still in it always defaults to DD5.1. In order to make this work I would have to unplug the optical cable each time I'm on a problem channel.

57 · 2012-02-14, 11:25 PM

I don't believe that's necessary with Yamaha. I believe they have a button that allows you to cycle through the audio inputs. I can't remember what it's called - perhaps analogue, perhaps audio, etc. You should not need to unplug the optical. You may need to go into the user menu and turn off "auto audio priority" or something like that, but I don't think that's necessary. I believe you have to press the "receiver" button first. Can't remember - too many makes/models, but I hope you get the idea and can find the quick solution while keeping the cables connected.

Freddy · 2012-02-15, 07:03 PM

Yes, you are right. There is an Audio select button that toggles between Auto and Analog. One of those buttons I never used, til now. Next step will be to find out if it is indeed the Yamaha or the Bell 6131. Since I'm planning to get a new 6131 for the upstairs tv in a few weeks, that should be an easy thing to test out. Thanks a ton for your help.

2012-02-11, 02:43 PM	#1
Freddy Rookie Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Kitchener, Ontario Posts: 5	DD5.1 Surround problems (BTV/AVR) I need help figuring out a problem with my Yamaha RX-V561 receiver connected to my Bell 6131 satellite receiver. The 6131 is supposed to output (when available) DD5.1 signal and for the most part it does on HD channels. However, on some channels (especially bad on CBC and somewhat less bad on HBO and some CTV channels) I get excessive distortion and 'crackling'. Thankfully on most of the movie channels it seems to work fine. The HDMI connection on the Yamaha is just pass thru so for Audio I'm using an optical cable from the 6131. I've tried changing out the cable to see if that was the problem but no luck. The reason I'm quite certain it's the Yamaha that's the problem is that when I switch to Pro Logic ll the distortion dissappears. I've read elsewhere in the forum that some low end receivers (mine would qualify) have trouble switching between DD 2.1 and 5.1 and suggested I might need to upgrade. I would like to avoid this as I am otherwise content with the Yamaha. (It's also hooked up to my Blu Ray and sounds just fine using the multi-channel inputs for audio) Any suggestions.

2012-02-11, 04:13 PM	#2
57 Moderator Join Date: May 2002 Location: Toronto, Rogers, 8300HD, eHDD, Panasonic TCP65S1, Denon AVR4310Ci; 8300HD, eHDD & Sony KDL40W3000 Posts: 50,296	Here's a list of "things to check" - did you try a different input on the AVR? Do you have any issues with your DVD/BD players? If not, it might be an issue with the particular channel(s) since you seem to get everything else OK. http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=19694 Here's the FAQ on DD5.1 - CBC, CBCNN and PBS often send out "improperly encoded" DD5.1- read the bolding - that would not account for HBO or CTV though: http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=17870 Here's a useful Post: http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=57741 If it is definitely the AVR, then you could connect analogue audio cables and use DPL to decode either all signals or just those problem channels by switching the AVR to the analogue input. __________________ 57's Home Theatre (Latest equipment & photos) 57's Optimization Services (Home Theatre Optimization)

2012-02-14, 11:25 PM	#4
57 Moderator Join Date: May 2002 Location: Toronto, Rogers, 8300HD, eHDD, Panasonic TCP65S1, Denon AVR4310Ci; 8300HD, eHDD & Sony KDL40W3000 Posts: 50,296	I don't believe that's necessary with Yamaha. I believe they have a button that allows you to cycle through the audio inputs. I can't remember what it's called - perhaps analogue, perhaps audio, etc. You should not need to unplug the optical. You may need to go into the user menu and turn off "auto audio priority" or something like that, but I don't think that's necessary. I believe you have to press the "receiver" button first. Can't remember - too many makes/models, but I hope you get the idea and can find the quick solution while keeping the cables connected. __________________ 57's Home Theatre (Latest equipment & photos) 57's Optimization Services (Home Theatre Optimization)

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2012-02-14, 09:58 PM	#3
Freddy Rookie Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Kitchener, Ontario Posts: 5	Thanks. I tried the analog cables, however with the optical audio cable still in it always defaults to DD5.1. In order to make this work I would have to unplug the optical cable each time I'm on a problem channel.

2012-02-15, 07:03 PM	#5
Freddy Rookie Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Kitchener, Ontario Posts: 5	Yes, you are right. There is an Audio select button that toggles between Auto and Analog. One of those buttons I never used, til now. Next step will be to find out if it is indeed the Yamaha or the Bell 6131. Since I'm planning to get a new 6131 for the upstairs tv in a few weeks, that should be an easy thing to test out. Thanks a ton for your help.