Dolby Digital Not Decoding Properly

Question

Dolby Digital Not Decoding Properly

I have an Apple TV with the latest software. I am running the output via HDMI to a Denon 1909 AVR.
The Denon does not automatically recognize when dolby digital 5.1 is coming in like it does with other sources, however, I can see that the input is 5.1 and can change the receiver so it is in DD or DD EX modes. When not in DD or DD EX modes, everything is fine. However in DD or DD EX modes, the sound is good except for one very important piece - no dialogue is coming through - like it is missing a channel or something.
I have tried switching HDMI cables with no change.
DD 5.1 works perfectly from Dish TV, Blu-Ray and DVD sources, just not from Apple TV.
I am using itunes downloaded HD TV and SD movies that specify DD 5.1.
Anyone have any ideas on how to fix this?

Apple TV

Posted on Apr 8, 2009 4:06 PM

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Answer 1

Alley_Cat

Level 7

20,560 points

Apr 8, 2009 11:24 PM in response to warrenhwinter

Is this any video at all or some specific TV Show or movie?

Many (probably most) SD movies do not have 5.1 sound, though a few do (some Bond ones I saw on iTunes say they have 5.1).

If some shows work ok and some don't it's possible the digital encoding of the audio is messed up at Apple's end so that the receiver sees the channels but some may not have any valid signal - unlikely if it's everything though.

CAn you do a get info on the files in iTunes to see how many audio channels?

AC

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Answer 2

Alley_Cat

Level 7

20,560 points

Apr 8, 2009 11:27 PM in response to Alley_Cat

CAn you do a get info on the files in iTunes to see how many audio channels?

Actually that may not work - I have some files I know have stereo and dolby digital tracks but they just say stereo.

AC

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Answer 3

Alley_Cat

Level 7

20,560 points

Apr 8, 2009 11:44 PM in response to Alley_Cat

Do you have Dolby Digital out sellected in Audio settings on AppleTV?

Also might be worth trying the audio via optical to the Sony to see if that gives 5.1 - if only for troubleshooting.

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Answer 4

Apr 9, 2009 3:13 AM in response to warrenhwinter

I also have just recently purchased Apple TV and am running it into the VCR port on a Bose V30 system, I have decided to use the component and optical ports on the Apple TV running into the back of the Bose surround system. I get Dolby 5.1 through Bose off my SKY HD and also PS3 using optical but not through the Apple TV. I only get PCM, sometimes even no sound at all, although once a movie or music running if I flick between audio sources I do eventually get sound. I wanted to know if anyone else has had this problem with this setup. I'm unsure at the moment how many movies rent or buy in i-Tunes are actual Dolby presentations? Does anyone know how this is illustrated in the store?

Thanks in advance

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Answer 5

Apr 9, 2009 9:02 AM in response to warrenhwinter

To answer a couple of the questions:
Yes, I have tried the optical cable route - exactly the same result.
And, this behavior is true for all downloaded TV and movies that say they have DD 5.1
And I know I am getting DD 5.1 into the receiver because it displays the input graphically (shows digital and which speakers (channel) are coming in).
Thanks again for any help.

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Answer 6

Apr 10, 2009 7:42 AM in response to warrenhwinter

Hi Warren,

Thanks for your reply, just to confirm you have exactly the same kit as I do, Apple TV plugged into the Bose V30 system using component and optical connection? I get Dolby 5.1 or DTS on certain broadcasts on SKY HD and also watching blu-ray on my PS3. I am yet to achieve this using Apple TV. I cannot work out if there is a problem with the Bose detecting the Dolby or it is simply a case that iTunes rentals and purchases through Apple TV don't have the ability to offer Dolby on films yet.

Any help from yourself or Apple would be greatly appreciated

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Answer 7

cloverng

Level 1

8 points

Apr 10, 2009 8:34 AM in response to Sherby1977

Hi all
I have also just got my Apple TV today.
I am using HDMI cable to TV and optical out to the receiver.
I cannot get DD5.1 sound. However with same optical out cable from my xbox360, I get DD5.1 on the receiver.
However so far I have only tried viewing trailer in HD mode. Is this expected to be in DD5.1 too?
Any advise if my connection is ok?
Thk u.

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