Thread: HDMI Audio query

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

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!

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.

Originally Posted by 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.

Originally Posted by dmdigital

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