HD TV Show... can't get Dolby Digital 5.1 to Work

I've posted this question before as well. It would appear that Apple has blocked 5.1 for non-AppleTV users. THis is false adverstising as their info page clearly states '5.1 on Apple TV and your computer'.

I'm surprised more people haven't complained about this on this forum...

I won't buy HD programs until this is addressed. I'm willing to pay for it with 5.1, but if not, I may as well watch the same HD programming on hulu for free.

Let me know what you find out. I got that info from reading other threads about it on this forum. But i have never seen anything "official" about it. I really am surprised that more people haven't said anything about this...it's clearly marked as 5.1 with a computer.

does anyone else have any info?

I reported the first four episodes of Dollhouse last night. They are SD, but are still advertised as having 5.1 Dolby Digital nonetheless. I have my iMac connected to my receiver with an optical digital cable.

The option to changeover to 5.1 appears in iTunes when playing back the episodes, but when I do that, the sound completely cuts out. My best friend is having the same problem. I've reported the issue to Apple, but they seem to think that issuing a credit is a sufficient fix for this. I'd rather have what I paid for.

It's doubly aggravating because now I find they seem to be ignoring this problem. I'm not sure why it's so hard to fix. I know you can get 5.1 without any problem off torrent sites, but I don't want to go that route. But it is really pathetic when you can get higher quality illegally than legally, don't you think?

i have a PS3 also and i prefer using that to listen music ..it comes 5.1 v nice

as far as shows .. i stopped buyin a while ago ... lots of money v poor sound

i am using PS3 for my hd movies also , the ones i make. i edit them on my iamc and transfer them on PS3 also

give feedback here

http://www.apple.com/feedback/appletv.html

Message was edited by: Bogdan Suciu

give feedback here
http://www.apple.com/feedback/appletv.html

That's a link for the Apple TV feedback. Are you having a problem with Apple TV?

Why not post here instead? -> http://www.apple.com/feedback/itunesapp.html

Everyone having this problem really need to start talking to iTunes support about the issue or it will take longer to resolved. I complained because I bought a whole TV season only to find that the audio was stereo due to a bug in iTunes and Quicktime. The support person refunded my money and emailed them back to say thanks, but it is still unacceptable and needs to be fixed ASAP. This has been a problem for almost a year now!

marcos

Bad news kids....
I have been emailing iTunes support about this issue and the response I received today reads...

"In addition, I have issued 5 song credits to your iTunes Store account because I believe you are right, it should be stated that you must use an Apple TV to take advantage of the sound quality."

He admits that 5.1 does not work with anything but an apple tv and mentions nothing about it being fixed.

marcos

I found Perian.org for use with my G5 iMac. Once installed, I am able to get Dolby audio through the optical connector to to my 5.1 receiver. This works for Front Row and iTunes movies.

I just got through emailing them before i found this post...I bought Quantum of Solace in HD, started watching and noticed my receiver not detecting 5.1...then i CTRL-clicked to info and saw STEREO in the audio section. BS...not to mention the resolution of Apples 'HD' contect is 1280x533...nonsense...but not as bad as the audio problem. I'm interested to see what they have to say.

I bought LOST season 5 season pass.
I only found out about this 'non-feature' after trying for ages to get it to work and searching for a solution.

When I first complained I got told by support that it was probably a hardware issue and to call the support line. I did, got the same answer, and was then asked to part with more money for continued support, which I declined. I asked point blank whether DD5.1 really only plays back on Apple TV - which was denied.

After continuing to pursue it I finally got an email from 'tier 2' support admitting that 5.1 does only plays back on an Apple TV: here's the text:

+This is+ name removed +from iTunes Store Customer Support and your request+
+has been escalated to me today. I understand that you have been+
+unable to use Dolby surround sound on your computer for your iTunes+
+Store purchases.+

+Dolby 5.1 surround sound is currently only available for the Apple+
+TV. Apple recognizes that no one is better qualified to provide+
+feedback about the content provided on the iTunes Store than the+
+people who use it.+

I got back to them to say I'd like a (small!) partial refund - to cover the costs of my phone bills and disappointment. They've gone silent.

I've now reported it to Trading Standards in the UK as it is misselling. Curiously - since i complained the 'About HD' section - where it used to say +on your Apple TV or Computer+ has been changed.