Digital Audio?

timshields · 03-10-2009, 15:28

Hello there,
I have just purchased a sound bar for my TV to improve the quality of the sound - since the audio from my TV isnt great.

I have noticed that the sound is in PCM (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulse-code_modulation) mode, and will not allow me to change to Dolby Digital or DTS.

Is this a limitation of the V+ box or the tv channels? Whilst I am obvioulsy not expecting 5.1 surround sound, I was expecting a digital signal.

Was I wrong to expect this?

Cheers,
Tim

NoKnowledge · 03-10-2009, 16:02

To get DD/DTS you require a receiver to convert the DD/DTS signals from the source to your TV.

spiderplant · 03-10-2009, 17:02

How is the sound bar connected to the V+? You will get digital audio if you use HDMI or the optical output, including DD5.1 on most of the HD content. You may need to turn on the HDMI Audio Override in the V+ settings menu.

timshields · 04-10-2009, 07:33

Hi Again. The sound bar is connected to the tv via the optical out, and the internal TV audio is switched off. The V+ is connected to the tv via HDMI. I just tried turning the Hdmi override on and I still get sound, but still cannot change the sound mode on the sound bar.
Should I connect the optical cable directly to the V+ box? Should i expect to get a digital audio signal from the V+ box?
Thanks for your help.

spiderplant · 04-10-2009, 08:53

You have done everything correctly, and despite what the sound bar might tell you, you are getting digital audio. That's all that is available through the optical output. (PCM is still digital - it's the same encoding that is used on CDs)

Leave the audio override set to on, so that you'll get Dolby whenever it is broadcast. I don't know of any plans to broadcast DTS in the UK.

ShadowTD · 05-10-2009, 08:38

Tune to BBC HD 108 during the day, and you should see the soundbar flick over to Dolby Digital 5.1. Straight PCM stereo is all that's available on most SD channels.

05-10-2009, 08:41

if the V+ box is connected via HDMI and the TV audio is set to output then you are getting digital through the HDMI and outputting it to the soundbar via the optical you do not need the override set surely?

Flyboy · 05-10-2009, 12:11

Sorry Tim to hijack your thread, but have a similar, but perhaps less complexed question. Is it possible to use a standard HT system with my V+ box, if not directly from the box, is there an amplifier I can purchase?

05-10-2009, 12:17

loads of amps

Denon do a nice one with HDMI switch for 200 quid ish but you are talking a serious spend. Most HT systems are inexpensive and poor in comparrison unless you have a really good HT system of course