[Ernie Smith]

I need some help here: daily, HDTV Magazine, to which most of the people on here subscribe I am sure, lists the shows on the HBO H channel as "HDTV STEREO" compared to "DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1" on SHO.

What does this mean? I thought that DD 5.1, providing the movie was made that way was presented in HDTV accordingly.

Are the productions on HDNET in digital 5.1? When I received the Olympics they were; now I am hearing very little on the back channels. Also HDTV MAG doesn't call out the audio on HDNET on their daily listings.

I am confused and could sure use some feedback to make sure I am not missing anything. But with all the issues on the video format, is the audio getting short shrift? I do enjoy the DD 5.1 when I can get it.


Ernie

 

[Ken Erickson]

Ernie,


HDNet hasn't been able to pass DD5.1 to DirecTV since the beginning. Some say the problem is with DirecTV in LA some say the problem is with HDNet. But when HDNet showed the Rose Parade they some how managed to get DD5.1 working.


As for HBO-HD and DD5.1, HBO-HD does pass the DD5.1 thru some times. Don't know the reason why they don't always have DD5.1 available but I think it's due to the transfer to HD and they didn't include the DD 5.1.

 

[Jim Boden]

All movies aren't DD by a long shot, even those transferred to HD. Check with Dale Cripps to find out what their terminology means. I've noticed the same thing in HDTV Magazine. You can post a message on http://web-star.com/hdtvforum/menu.html.


HD-Net did broadcast the Olympics in DD 5.1. I don't understand the comment about "not being able to pass DD 5.1 to DirectTV". It's simply not true.

 

[Ernie Smith]

Thanks for your replies Jim and Ken.

I wish they could be more consistent on this. I do realize that all movies are not in dd 5.1, but I did expect to hear SHREK and CASTAWAY in that format.

Ernie

 

[Jeff Edwards]

Shrek and Castaway were presented in 5.1 on HBO HD on Directv.


I'm not sure why HDTV Magazine lists these as HDTV Stereo, but essentially all recent transfers of theatrical films (and also most of the big made for HBO films) have had 5.1 soundtracks presented on HBO HD.