Damned Dolby Digital Problem

[Son of a Son]

Finally got a Dolby Digital receiver. It's a Sony. I have a JVC "Digital Ready" DVD player and I plugged tthe video from the DVD into "Video 2" on the receiver and then plugged the optical cable for, I assumed, digital surround sound into the digital recepticle for the "Video 2" input on the receiver.

I then popped in the RotK DVD and selected the digital 6.1 surround on the audio, but my receiver does not seem to be decoding it. My only option is pro-logic II.

Any ideas?

 

[MulletHorn]

I would ask here. These guys are very knowledgable.

www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=90

 

[MilkmanDan]

I'm assuming this is a new receiver, not an old one that was passed down/purchased used. Post the model number if you have it...

Any reason you didn't use the DVD inputs on the receiver instead of Video 2? It shouldn't matter much, I'm just curious. Mine only has digital inputs available for DVD/LD, TV/SAT, and MD/DAT, but it's an older model.

The receiver should be set to "Auto Format Decoding" for the input source, not one of the other built-in surround modes.

The DVD player often has to be configured to output the right data on the digital line. Check its manual/menus and make sure that has been done.

You've already worked around the next thing I'm about to say, but I went through all the trouble to type it and I'm not going to delete it.

Also, DVDs often have multiple audio tracks and tend to default to the lowest common denominator - pro logic, or sometimes Dolby 5.1. You have to use the menus to choose your audio format, especially for something like DTS.

 

[Swiffert]

make sure youre dvd player is outputting a digital signal. i know on some player it has to be enabled/turned on.

 

[Son of a Son]

Sorry for the delay in responding, and thanks for the ideas.

JVC DVD Model - XV-M555BK
Sony Rcv Model - STR-DE695

I found the manual online for the DVD and it looks like there are some options there I need ot play with. I'll try it tonight and see what I can find.

 

[MilkmanDan]

I think I found the same manual you did, follow the steps on p. 36 (p. 39 in the PDF) and set the output to Stream/PCM.

Looks like you're good with the optical into Video 2, Crutchfield is very nice about putting up product photos.

Once you adjust the audio output, push A.F.D. on the front of the receiver and you should be much happier.

 

[Son of a Son]

So, Stream/PCM and not Digital/PCM? Can I ask why? The language is jibberish to me.

Thanks man.

 

[Son of a Son]

Oh, and the reason I used video 2 is because the DVD inputs only offer Digital Coax and my DVD player only has optical.

 

[MilkmanDan]

Sorry for the delay, I was out working in the yard.

The way I read it, Stream/PCM gives you all the possible options - DTS, Dolby Digital, and CD audio. If you go Dolby/PCM, you'll miss out on DTS - another surround format that your receiver can detect and decode.