[BigEHokie]

On my high def directv receiver, I have the option of outputting PCM or Dolby Digital for the audio into my a/v receiver. My a/v receiver can handle both so my question is...which is better? Are there better applications for one vs the other?

 

[Krazykaj]

You would be better off going the Dolby Digital setting.

The PCM setting means that it is downmixing the audio so that any device basically can handle the audio.

If your receiver can handle Dolby Digital, then use the DD. Reason being, i don't know if you guys up there get 5.1 transmitions, but if you do, you need the DD enabled to take advantage of it, otherwise you will just get standard 2 channel PCM audio.


Cheers

KJ

 

[M Code]

Quote:

Originally posted by emilesVT On my high def directv receiver, I have the option of outputting PCM or Dolby Digital for the audio into my a/v receiver. My a/v receiver can handle both so my question is...which is better? Are there better applications for one vs the other?

Firstly..

Is the Dolby Digital 2.0 (stereo) or 5.1 (multi-channel)?


If it is Dolby Digital 2.0 then you should try PCM, PCM is still stereo but is full bandwidth without compression so it should sound better. Also if you want multi-channel surround output then next turn ON Pro Logic, Neo 6 or Logic 7 if available.


If it is Dolby Digital 5.1 then use that mode for all around performance..

 

[ekb]

Quote:

Originally posted by M Code Is the Dolby Digital 2.0 (stereo) or 5.1 (multi-channel)?

I believe that it can be either depending on what is being transmitted.
Quote:

If it is Dolby Digital 2.0 then you should try PCM, PCM is still stereo but is full bandwidth without compression

This is normally true, but in this case only the DD is transmitted. The set top box would convert the DD to PCM and so the lossy DD compression damage is already done. Hence I'd say keep it always on DD and that way you'll get genuine 5.1 whenever that is transmitted. With the PCM setting you have no way of knowing whether 5.1 is arriving.


Ed

 

[BigEHokie]

Does anyone know why their music channels only work when I have digital output set to PCM? Is it because these channels are not using DD and the receiver will not convert it?

 

[Dan Krieg]

Quote:

Does anyone know why their music channels only work when I have digital output set to PCM? Is it because these channels are not using DD and the receiver will not convert it?

It could be that your set-top box is not passing PCM if you have it set to DD. On my sat receiver, I have the options: PCM;DD;Both.


I have mine set to Both. If DD is broadcast, the Both setting gives DD priority. If only PCM is broadcast, it will pass PCM.

 

[Version]

ekb is right.


Select DD. M Code is correct about PCM being uncompressed but the signal you are receiving into your set-top box is already compressed so their is no advantage in selecting PCM over DD even for 2.0.

 

[BigEHokie]

Quote:

Originally posted by Dan Krieg It could be that your set-top box is not passing PCM if you have it set to DD. On my sat receiver, I have the options: PCM;DD;Both. I have mine set to Both. If DD is broadcast, the Both setting gives DD priority. If only PCM is broadcast, it will pass PCM.

Sure wish my receiver had that option. You would think Samsung's latest Hi Def receiver would have the both option eh?

 

[Dan Krieg]

You could run the LR analog outs from your set-top to an unused audio only input (like CD/tape/aux) on your receiver/pre.


That way, if you keep your set-top set to DD and you receive a PCM only station, you could set your receiver/pre to the afore mentioned input. Most receivers/pre will still have the video selected.


Might be easier than going in to the set-top's setup menu.

 

[Version]

That's true. The set-top box I used to have could only send out DD for digital stations and PCM for analogue stations.


I had to run both to my receiver and set it to auto-select (priority to digital signals).


In the end that was the easiest and best option anyway.