Audio via hdmi (Volume Control)

[rocimpala96]

Recently replaced digital receiver with new HD receiver. Previous unit could control both tv volume which I preset and then control the volume via the remote cbl button - never an issue. Now I find that the new receiver using HDMi connection will not allow that flexibility of presetting the tv volume via the cable remote tv button and then using the cable button to control the volume. I understand that a global volume control can be set whereby the cable remote volume control is sent direct to the tv volume. Is this normal using HDMI or is this an incompatibility issue with cable company receivers and the current HD tv's in the marketplace. I have a new high end Panasonic 50inch tv so I am confident the tv specs are in order. Any ideas or similar experience and fixes if any would be appreciated. Tech support is pathetic at best.

[57]

It is normal. I thought (a while ago) there were some Cogeco STBs that allowed variable volume via the STB itself on HDMI, but I'm not sure on the makes/models. What is your make/model STB? Have you gone through the setup menu to see if there is a variable/fixed option? On some STBs the variable function doesn't affect any of the digital outputs, only analogue. Why not simply do the global volume lock? The sound quality may also be better that way since the "Full" signal will be sent to the TV rather than controlled by the STB.

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

[rocimpala96]

Thx: You confirmed what I suspected. Cogeco tech dept don't have a clue. They replaced the receiver 3 times trying to 'fix' an unfixable problem. I programmed the global volume control on the remote so it controls the tv volume direct which seems the only way it will work. Initially I had noted that on the component connection I could still control both volume levels, via the remote tv button direct and the remote cable button. I would pre-set the tv volume via the remote tv button to acceptable level and then control it through the cable button volume.
Receiver is a Motorola DCX700.

As you suggest this global control direct to tv volume is probably the best way to go, but I was curious as to why the duality of control was available on our old digital receiver but only available through the component connection with the HD receiver. Seems cable company receivers are NOT compatible with current TV products and the flexibility of previous generations of digital receivers.

Thx again.