HD programming empty audio channels

[Abe Hayhurst]

One of my current frustrations is that there seems to be a great deal of HD programming on DirecTV that is broadcast in 5.1 channel audio, but is only using 2 of the 5.1 channels.

Channels that are non-HD always come across as 2.0 channel audio. My receiver can then apply surround sound processing, such as Dolby PL IIx, DTS Neo, etc.

Channels that are HD seem to have all programming broadcast as 5.1 audio, even though some of the shows only have 2 channels of audio. This means that the surround sound processing works for programming that is actually using 5.1 channels of audio, but NOT for programming that is only using 2 channels of the 5.1 channels that are being broadcast.

The only solution I can think of is to set my HR21 to output 2 channel PCM all the time, but then I would miss out on the better audio from programs that are using all 5.1 channels.

Does anyone have a better idea or work around for this problem?

I wish that DirecTV would broadcast content that only has 2 channels of audio as 2 channel audio instead of broadcasting it as 5.1 audio that only uses 2 channels. That would be the best of both worlds.

Thanks,

Abe Hayhurst

[litzdog911]

Welcome to DBSTalk!

I don't think DirecTV controls this. They just pass the audio and video as provided by the broadcaster. Personally, I just leave my AV Receiver set to decode DD5.1.

[Abe Hayhurst]

Thanks for the welcome.

I have yet to see any channel on DirecTV that has some programming listed as "DD" for Dolby Digital and other programming not listed as "DD".

Maybe I just haven't come across it, yet.

I have my HR21 connnected to my Denon AVR-3808ci via HDMI and also have the receiver set to decode 5.1 Dolby Digital as well as process 2.0 channel audio via Dolby PL IIx. The problem is the programming that is broadcast in 5.1 but is only using 2 channels. The other 3.1 channels are empty, for lack of a better term.

I know for a fact that when I used to get CSI Miami and other primetime shows OTA via an antenna that they were broadcast in 5.1 and using all channels of 5.1 Now I found myself noticing the lack of surround in CSI Miami on DirecTV as well as other shows.

Am I crazy?

Thanks,

Abe Hayhurst

[bonscott]

Thanks for the welcome.

I have yet to see any channel on DirecTV that has some programming listed as "DD" for Dolby Digital and other programming not listed as "DD".

Maybe I just haven't come across it, yet.

I have my HR21 connnected to my Denon AVR-3808ci via HDMI and also have the receiver set to decode 5.1 Dolby Digital as well as process 2.0 channel audio via Dolby PL IIx. The problem is the programming that is broadcast in 5.1 but is only using 2 channels. The other 3.1 channels are empty, for lack of a better term.

I know for a fact that when I used to get CSI Miami and other primetime shows OTA via an antenna that they were broadcast in 5.1 and using all channels of 5.1 Now I found myself noticing the lack of surround in CSI Miami on DirecTV as well as other shows.

Am I crazy?

Thanks,

Abe Hayhurst

I am using the same denon as you and having the same problem. Right now Jay Leno only 2 channel but the display says Dolby Digital. I rebooted my HR20 and no luck. Sony Blu-ray works fine its only on Directv that is the problem. OTA channels same thing. Lack of 5.1 Audio.

[bobshults]

I work around DD 5.1 problems by hooking up both the digital and 2-channel analog signals from the HR20 to my AV receiver. If I encounter any DD 5.1 problems, like the one you describe for instance, I switch my AV receiver from digital to analog input and let the receiver decode the 2-channel analog using Dolby PLII. My remote has a button to toggle analog/digital input.

[texasbrit]

Remember that some channels broadcast DD 2.0 audio, it is a perfectly legitimate DD format. It is particularly common on local HD channels when they are not sending DD 5.1, which is the case for a lot of non-prime time programming, and often also repeats of prime time shows. Two-channel audio does not have to be PCM stereo.

[LI-SVT]

I work around DD 5.1 problems by hooking up both the digital and 2-channel analog signals from the HR20 to my AV receiver. If I encounter any DD 5.1 problems, like the one you describe for instance, I switch my AV receiver from digital to analog input and let the receiver decode the 2-channel analog using Dolby PLII. My remote has a button to toggle analog/digital input.

This is what I do. When a program is telling the receiver 5.1 but is really stereo
(L & R only) I switch the audio receiver to the 2-ch analogue input for the HR20. Now I get DPL2.

[Stuart Sweet]

I know for a fact that when I used to get CSI Miami and other primetime shows OTA via an antenna that they were broadcast in 5.1 and using all channels of 5.1 Now I found myself noticing the lack of surround in CSI Miami on DirecTV as well as other shows.

Am I crazy?

Thanks,

Abe Hayhurst

You may be crazy, but not for that reason. :)

In this case, the change from 5.1 to 2.0 is probably due to the re-encoding done at the broadcast site. This may simply be a button that someone needs to push somewhere at your local CBS affiliate, or it may require an encoder update, which could be software or hardware.

I can tell you that in the Los Angeles DMA it's possible to hear Mr. Caruso's magnificent acting and the rest of CSI:Miami from all six (5.1 actually) speakers of my home system. This tells me it's your local affiliate.

The workaround you mention, turning DD of when you need to, isn't optimal, but it is a workaround. This could be done with a universal remote like a Harmony, which can memorize key sequences up to 5 items long. Another option is the upcoming AM21 antenna module for HR21, which would allow you to integrate OTA into your HR21.