Crazy Audio Problems DCT6412 III

[IamCDN]

Hello, I'm fairly new to the world of HD cable and my PVR (DCT 6412 III). Everything has been running smoothly (except for the audio drops that Shaw says they are working on) up until this past weekend. All of a sudden I am having a new audio problem with three of my HD channels (202, 205, 207, 209).

I normally listen to audio through my receiver (direct connection from DCT), but for some reason I am experiencing the following problems:

Channel 205: No sound at all - except for some barely audible base from the subwoofer

Channel 207: There is sound, but all of the main dialogue is coming through the rear speakers

Channels 202, 209: Same problem as 205, but only on commercials!

I tried switching the sound so that it plays through the TV speakers and that seems to work fine. I would normally think this means there is a problem with my receiver, but these three channels are the only ones that have any problems. All other channels work fine, as do my other inputs to the receiver (DVD, CD, tuner).

I called Shaw and explained the problem to them, and without hesitating, they said it was a problem with my receiver. To me, that diagnosis felt a little premature. Could it not be a problem with the incoming signal, or even my DCT? Has anyone else had this problem? Does anyone have any suggestions on how to fix it, or at least determine with some accuracy what the source of the problem is? Thanks!

[narci]

There's a couple threads on this already.

Main Thread:
http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=73915


Incident Report Thread:
http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=81146

[Roweig]

You may want to reset your STB. I assume that you have an optical or a cable connection to your reciever to receive 5.1 sound. I also assume you are getting sound from your TV on these channels through the RCA connections or HDMI. As I stated at the beginning the fix for this problem may be to reset your box. Hope this helps you.

[adiabatic]

Originally Posted by narci

There's a couple threads on this already.

Main Thread:
http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=73915


Incident Report Thread:
http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=81146

Not what he was asking help with...

[CenterIce]

Knowing the model of your receiver might help. I have similar issues with my HK depending on whether I have it set to Dolby Digital or Pro Logic. Most noticeably is a difference between the volume on the main program (D5.1) and commercials (stereo only).

[IamCDN]

Narci: Thanks, but my problems aren't related to the audio drop issues (I have those too, but Shaw is apparently working on that).

Roweig: I tried resetting my box last night, but no luck. I am using an optical connection from the STB to the receiver, and HDMI from the STB to the TV. I think tonight I might try using a coaxial digital cable from the STB to the receiver and see if it is a problem with the optical connection from the STB.

CenterIce: I'll have to check the exact model number, but my receiver is a Yamaha with 5.1 Dolby/DTS (500A). I played around with the DSP modes and sound setting last night, and on some modes sound did come through, but it was still messed up. Does your HK have any other sound related problems, or only with HD?

[narci]

I apologize, I read too quickly. Just trying to help

[IamCDN]

No problem Narci.

[57]

Be aware that sometimes channels don't send properly encoded DD5.1 signals.

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

Make sure that the AVR is set to properly decode the various incoming signals.

For example, for DD2.0 signals, usually DPLII or similar works well and for DD5.1 signals, the signal usually needs no further modification by the AVR, so that the 6 channels are sent to the appropriate speakers, so no DSPs should be required.

An understanding of what the various DSPs do to the various incoming signals is helpful and often explained in the operating manaul (although often not very well).

[IamCDN]

Thanks 57. I'll take a look at my manual and see if it helps at all. My receiver is set to automatically select the appropriate sound mode (or at least it was). Maybe my daughter pushed some buttons and messed it up, I'm not sure. It just seems strange that these channels used to work fine, and now they don't.

[57]

It doesn't sound like it in this case, but sometimes people accidentally turn off the "A" speakers with a button on the remote or AVR. Turning the speakers back on, returns the AVR to normal functionality.

[IamCDN]

I'll check that too, but the sound on all of the other channels, as well as my DVD and CD players works properly, so I think it is unlikely. Could there be a problem with the receiver itself? That also, in my opinion, sounds unlikely, since it only happens on four channels, but I'm not an expert. I read your threads about Dolby Digital 5.1 versus DD2.1 and they were very informative. It does sound like it might be improperly encoded DD signals, but why would it just recently start causing problems? Those channels always worked in the past.

[57]

There is another possibility and that is the HDMI connection to the TV. Try using component video - sometimes the HDMI connection can confuse the STB.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=71112

Also check the audio settings in the STB - should be set to bitstream or Dolby, not HDMI or other... (I have SA so someone else may need to help you with this, but I suspect now that it may be the HDMI causing the issue)

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=21274

[CenterIce]

Originally Posted by IamCDN

Does your HK have any other sound related problems, or only with HD?

No. Just with HD. And it never seems to be the receiver that's the problem either.

[IamCDN]

57. You have provided a wealth of useful information. I'll try sorting through it tonight and let you know if it solves my problem. Thanks.