5.1 through optical connection? (1 Viewer)

[Tom Mertz]

Is it possible to get 5.1 decoding through an optical cable, or do I need to use the specific 5.1 connections in order to get that? Sorry for the lame question, but I have had various answers and would just like to clarify.

I'm currently using an optical connection, but when watching a DVD, in 5.1, my multi channel decoding indicator does not light up. Is this simply a DVD/REceiver setting I missed somewhere, or do I need another connection?

Thanks,

Tom

EDIT: I did just read through the FAQ's, and it looks like you will get 5.1 signals through an optical connection. So now my question is why does my receiver display PCM instead of multi channel decoding?

 

[Doug MacGregor]

Hi Tom.
Make sure you have set the DVD player to Bitstream instead of PCM (CD's use PCM).
Cheers.

 

[Jack Briggs]

Tom, what Doug said. Confusion about this is what distresses many a newcomer. Go into your DVD player's audio-setup menu and select "Bitstream" or "Digital 5.1" or whatever the manufacturer calls it. If such options are available, enable "Dolby Digital" and "DTS."

 

[Tom Mertz]

Doug and Jack, thanks. I have it set up correctly now. I did have bitstream selected, but there were some Dolby Digital setting I had missed. It sounds SO much better now than it did!

 

[Doug MacGregor]

Glad to hear it Tom.
Enjoy!