HDMI Audio query

[WhiteD3]

Hi Folks,

I have a Panasonic DMR-BWT800 blurry PVR outputting to an Onkyo TX-NR509 AV receiver via the Panasonic HDMI Sub socket. With a BUD disk playing, when I press the "input display" button on the Onkyo all I ever see is PCM, 2 CH, 48 kHz.

I expect to see DTS 5.1 I think. Maybe I don't understand HDMI or what the Onkyo display is telling me.

My reading of HDMI is that it can carry 8 channels of audio so I'm thinking that the Panasonic can only output stereo on HDMI and I'll have to go to the optical output for 5.1.

Confused..............looking for enlightenment :confused:

[Pedro_The_Swift]

my HDMI will carry sound, every time I update my vid card driver the PC defaults to it--:mad:

but with the TV I need to select optical to get 5.1

[Pedro_The_Swift]

HDMI will carry sound, every time I update my vid card driver the PC defaults to it--:mad:

but with the TV I need to select optical to get 5.1

[Disco EMU]

Are you running the video through your AV receiver too?
You'll get better quality video using the component cables running direct to your TV and better quality audio using an optical cable to the AV receiver.

[dmdigital]

Check the spec's for HDMI cable. If it is only HDMI v1.0-1.2a then it will only handle LPCM and will not understand DTS or DolbyDigital. This sounds like what you are encountering. Unless there is a setting on your Amp or PVR to disable the digital audio. You should be trying to get HDMI 1.4 or 1.4a cables as these are backward compatible and a little future proof.

[dmdigital]

Are you running the video through your AV receiver too?
You'll get better quality video using the component cables running direct to your TV and better quality audio using an optical cable to the AV receiver.
No! This will improve only in you are using better quality cables than the HDMI or if your Amp's Digital/Analogue conversion is low spec. In general HDMI cables are far better spec than equivalent (low cost) component cables. Also high end digital coaxial cables will give better results than optical cables in some case.

[Disco EMU]

I'm not going to argue with you about it but ...
If WhiteD3 is looking for another option then component and optical cables are the solution ... they can carry the same digital information as a HDMI cable for the purpose of watching CTV and STV. (love a good TLA!)
HDMI was only invented to tidy up all those messy cables on the back of your system and the 1.4a vrs is only usefull if your wanting to sent info in both directions (Internet TV). If your not running BlueRay then it's a waste of money!
There's always more than one solution.
Booosh!

[dmdigital]

Actually he may encounter the same problem with audio on the optical cable if the BDP unit is set incorrectly. You are correct about the 1.4a but given WhiteD3 has a 3D compatible amp and BDP then it would be the logical way to go if he were buying new cables. The biggest issue with HDMI cables and devices is often finding out what HDMI spec they are compliant with.

HDMI does tidy up the cables, but then I go and buy more devices :) Even with HDMI my current amp has over 70 cables connected to it :( Mind you my old (non-HDMI) Amp had 92 cables connected and 3 less devices. I used to dread having to do anything on the rear of it.

[richard4u2]

Actually he may encounter the same problem with audio on the optical cable if the BDP unit is set incorrectly. You are correct about the 1.4a but given WhiteD3 has a 3D compatible amp and BDP then it would be the logical way to go if he were buying new cables. The biggest issue with HDMI cables and devices is often finding out what HDMI spec they are compliant with.


HDMI does tidy up the cables, but then I go and buy more devices :) Even with HDMI my current amp has over 70 cables connected to it :( Mind you my old (non-HDMI) Amp had 92 cables connected and 3 less devices. I used to dread having to do anything on the rear of it.
are you the south east agent for radio australia :p

[WhiteD3]

Thanks guys.

So you're saying a HDMI 1.4 cable would carry 5.1 but the issue could be the Panasonic DVR not sending 5.1 on HDMI. So I should go for an optical link between the two devices.

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[WhiteD3]

Got hold of an optical cable and now the Onkyo's display shows Dolby D ES 6.1 and the sound is so much better! Must have been a cheap HDMI cable.

[Disco EMU]

Nice! :D

[dmdigital]

Yep, that was it ;)

Have a look on eBay for HDMI 1.4 or 1.4a cables or just shop around. You can get them from about $15 for 2m and upwards then in price and length. Really don't want to go above 5m depending on the device's output ability. A good quality cable will set you back in the vicinity of $50-100 for a 2-3m cable. There's really no need to go to the likes of TaraLabs or Monster Cable. I have used TaraLabs cables in the past on analog and coax digital and they make a big difference. I've compared their HDMI and good cheap ones and there is no discernible difference - might be different in a studio situation though.

Reads - I have over 20,000 radio stations available on my AV Receiver... via the internet :p I also have lots of speakers hanging off it.