Neflix stereo output not expanded to 5.1 (1 Viewer)

I am not a total nube but this question makes me feel like one.

I use my PS3 for Netflix. Since my older Yamaha HTR-5990 receiver does not do HDMI switching, I have the PS3 audio connected to it via optical. I am watching a show on Netflix that only has stereo audio. The receiver shows just left and right channel activity.

My question is why doesn't the Neo6 and Standard Enhanced program choices create a surround soundfield like they do with any other two-channel input. DSP options engage all channels.

Thanks.

Well. You don't have a 5990. It, was Yamaha's first HDMI AVR.Have you tried DPL?

Sound is only coming from L / R? If so, you probably just need to tell it to use surround. There should be a button to select a surround mode. Sometimes receivers try to anticipate what mode you want, and it's not always right.

The 5990 does have hdmi inputs on the left...

True, But it is 1.1 and, besides, I would need more inputs than the two. It is a 5990. My mistake.

I set in on Neo 6 and I still only get L/R.

DPL- Dolby ProLogic? Standard Enhanced is DPL. No surround. Thanks

1.1 still carries LPCM. Just means the source (meaning the PS3) has to decode.Which PS3?Is the PS3 set to PCM?

The PS3 is model CECH-2501A. (Is that OK?)

The Audio Output Settings: I have checked Dolby 5.1, DTS 5.1, AAC along with the apparently default PCM 2.0 44.1 and 48kHz. Should I also have the PCM 2.0 88 and 176kHz checked, too?

Thanks

Maybe your 5990 is dying.Reading pages 69-76 shows exactly what happens when using standard DPLii.Page 69 has the standard disclaimer of "if surround isn't working, it just won't".

I would check everything.

Page 38 of the manual.Press 4 for "movie". Press 5 for "THX".After choosing 4 or 5. Press 7 repeatedly for the various sound modes.

You also don't accidentally have "straight" selected on that input?

OK. I checked and "straight" is off.

I went to the info on p38. It is clear that the programming of this receiver is far more complex than I ever imagined. Did Yamaha ever issue a flow chart of the programming? I do well visually (LOL).

Anyway, I did find that going through the Standard and Movie options (from which I had never used before to approach audio choices) that only the Neo6 decoders do not provide surround in this situation. The DPLs all did. So, PLII is now my default surround decoder.

Why are there music vs movie decoders? I have never seen a music source encoded with PLII (or PL for that matter). Just cassettes with the old Dolby B or C.

The sub-settings on the decoders are interesting like center speaker, c. width, etc. Need a flow chart, really.

Thanks for the help. It is much appreciated.

If it is any consolation, I had a 6080...and hated it.69-76 is the closest there is to a flow chart.But, you might try the PS3 over HDMI. The PS3 might do MCH PCM off DD+(have no idea, I have an Xbox).

Yeah.....

What is a 69-76? If that is a model, where could I view its flow chart? Doesn;t come up on Google, though.

To make matters even a little more confusing, I tried a different program on Netflix that is also only stereo but it is decoded to surround by Neo6. Seriously, I would have lost money on that one. So, without changing a thing, I went back to the first program, no decoding still. Front of the receiver still indicates L + R only for both programs.

Thanks again.

69-76 are the pages in the manual...And no, don't consider it a shock that two different bits of content work differently from the same source.

How about a different approach. Maybe another way to stream NetFlix? A Blu-Ray player with NetFlix and a digital audio output, or an Apple TV. I have used both with no issues. The Apple TV has been by far the best NetFlix streaming device I've tried.

Hey, John, all in due time. If the PS3 goes, I will put my Sony BD Player back and try it again. You mean that different devices stream Netflix differently? Different interface or technicals?

Larry

Larbo said:

Hey, John, all in due time. If the PS3 goes, I will put my Sony BD Player back and try it again. You mean that different devices stream Netflix differently? Different interface or technicals?Larry

Click to expand...

Yep.My laptop must decode and it sends PCM to the AVR.The Xbox 360 is only 2.0. So is the iPad 2 over the HDMI AV adapter.Just bought a region free LG BP530. I'll find out what it does.Have yet to try the LG G3 or Pad 8.3 via MiraCast or SlimPort.

Larbo said:

Hey, John, all in due time. If the PS3 goes, I will put my Sony BD Player back and try it again. You mean that different devices stream Netflix differently? Different interface or technicals?

Larry

Click to expand...

The software can vary significantly from device to device, plus the capabilities of the device itself. The AppleTV and Roku are purely streaming devices and nothing else, so it might make sense that they do it better than other options. In a way, Blu-Ray and PS3 players just have that capability added to what they are really designed for.

I need to check some of the other devices in the house. No Roku (et al) but do I have capable TVs. They just won't be hooked up to an AV system. Too bad my TV doesn't get Netflix. I had gotten a Panny (G13) that was supposed to be built for the future with VieraCast and three months later they announced that no firmware could ever fix its inability to get Netflix. "Sorry". No more Pannys.

The DVD player and the PS3 have PCM conversion settings. Why would one set them to PCM? Receiving device does not have a particular spec like DTS, for example? John, why "My laptop must decode and it sends PCM to the AVR".

This has been fun (after my opening faux pa). Thanks for the assist and perspective.

Back when that AVR was new...DD+ was new.Lossless audio was just beginning their rollout. That is why it has the 8ch analog. If you buy a BD player with analog MCH, it has to decode.Whether your player or AVR decodes...makes no difference.Although new BD players are losing MCH PCM. Meaning they must bitstream 5.1 and 7.1.