FAQ - What's Available in DD5.1

[57]

Updated 2013.01.04

So far much digital TV is still DD2.0. (DD2.0 sound can be processed by Dolby Pro Logic II or other DSPs to produce surround sound, but is not DD5.1. For most TV sources, DPLII is the appropriate setting for DD2.0 or "stereo" or "two channel" signals)

National Geographic and HDNet (if you get them) are DD5.1 24/7. If you get these, these are the best channels for testing if you have a problem with DD5.1.

HDABC and HDFox have network originating programing available in DD5.1. (often not the local programming).

TMN-SD/MPix-SD/PPV (Astral Media) MC-SD, have some movies available in DD5.1. This is the only SD programming available in DD5.1. Sometimes a movie will be DD5.1 in HD and not DD5.1 in SD or the other way around... Most movies on TMN-HD are now DD5.1.

New NBC HD programming is DD5.1, but NBC Detroit (and Buffalo) affiliates may still be DD2.0. (Seattle is DD5.1)

HDPBS has some of its programmes available in DD5.1. Buffalo currently sends DD5.1 all the time, but since most of the programming originates as 2-channels, much of it is improperly encoded (see below). Same for CBC. PBS Seattle must have an upmixer since they send out DD5.1, however dialogue does come out the center. See link below.

CBC-HD has occasional programming in DD5.1.

As a general rule, most HD programming is now DD5.1 and most SD programming is DD2.0.


In order to receive DD5.1, you, of course, need a digital STB (Or TV) that has a digital audio output (coaxial or optical). Your A/V receiver (or HTiB) also needs to have the equivalent digital input and a DD5.1 decoder. Such a receiver typically has "Dolby Digital" and/or DTS emblazoned on it. People with SD STBs will have little/no DD5.1 programming, depending if you have TMN or MC. Many devices now have HDMI outputs and some Receivers now have HDMI inputs, however, the receiver must be able to handle audio via HDMI (some less expensive ones don't)

The STB or DVD player should usually be set to something like Dolby Digital or bitstream or raw or surround when using optical or coaxial audio connection. It can get tricky using HDMI connections, but most times the HDMI/bitstream setting will work properly...

Some additional notes:

1. Some Channels have DD5.1 signal, but the audio is not properly encoded - the dialogue doesn't come out the center channel for example, coming out the LF & RF (PBS and CBC). Sometimes the dialogue is missing altogether. If dialogue is missing, use Closed Captioning.

2. HD ABC is usually DD5.1 all the time (if the affiliate has DD5.1 capability), but only Network-originating programming is DD5.1, so the dialogue won't always be out the center channel with local programming sometimes with sound only out the LF & RF speakers. Sometimes the sound comes out the rears, instead. I call this "improperly encoded DD5.1".

3. DD5.1 channels are often 10-20 dB lower in sound level than DD2.0 channels. In general, all DD broadcasts vary a lot more than analogue broadcasts regarding sound levels


If you're not receiving DD5.1 on a particular station on a programme that "should" be DD5.1, then the issue may be with your affiliate. The service providers usually "pass" what they receive.

Often you may receive a DD5.1 signal, but the sound only comes out the LF & RF speakers. This indicates that the audio has been improperly encoded. If you want surround sound, you can listen to the analogue inputs and force DPL or you can set your STB to PCM instead of DD (if available). If dialogue is missing, you can also turn on CC.

4. Some AVRs/HTiBs do not handle the switch from DD2.0 to DD5.1 well, with clicks, pops or delays being common on some (especially less expensive) AVRs or HTiBs. Alter the settings or connections, or get a new AVR.

On many HDTVs we've discussed, you cannot go "through" a TV and still get DD5.1 (or DTS) audio (some newer TVs may now have this functionality, while others may not pass a signal at all). You typically need to connect directly from the STB (or other device like a DVD/BD player) to the AVR and you need the correct settings in the STB (or other device - usually DD or bitstream). Sometimes there may be a firmware limitation when using HDMI for DD5.1.

The digital audio output on the back of most HDTVs is designed for use with the QAM/ATSC tuner, not as a passthrough function. This will give DD5.1 if properly configured for the internal ATSC/QAM tuner for programming with DD5.1.

Some TVs may have a user setting under HDMI or Audio which needs to be changed to get DD5.1 instead of say PCM - the setting may be something like "passthrough".

See also the following more detailed discussion on the subject.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=64024 DD5.1 on various affiliates.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=90362 Through the TV. (Appears that LG TVs can pass DD5.1, however, some synch issues may surface)


Please PM me if you have any comments or suggestions.

[57]

Reply to avoid archive, please ignore.