[mpestrada74]

I have 2 questions.


1. I have a digital cable box from Comcast and a Sony STR-DE985 receiver. I am connecting the audio through the optical output on the cable box. No matter what channel I have it on, it always shows it as stereo w/ the subwoofer, not as Pro Logic or DD. Since a lot of regular programming is prodcasted in Pro Logic, shouldn't the receiver automatically go into Pro Logic mode? Any ideas what I may be doing wrong? I'm getting a HD box on Sunday and since some HD programs are broadcasted in DD 5.1 and would prefer this over listening to them in pro logic.


2. I am thinking of upgrading to the newer Sony STR-DE995 for the 7.1 programming. Mostly because I can sell my current receiver now and get a bit more for it than if I wait a year or so for more 7.1 material to be available. For DVDs are are in 5.1, it has no effect on the 7.1 speaker set up, but what about 6.1 audio? I currently have my rear surround speaker centered behind my listening area. If I switch to a 7.1 speaker set up, with left and right rear back, which speaker will the 6th channel come from? I'm assuming it will come from both surround back speakers, but I would just like to know for sure.


Thanks in advance.

 

[Roger Dressler]

1. Does the receiver ever indicate a program is Dolby Digital? If not, check the cable box, see if there is a menu to select which types of digital audio you want to come out. It was probably shipped set for PCM. You need to set it to allow Dolby Digital.


If that has already been done, check your receiver setup. I'm not familiar with the unit you have, but often it is possible to "map" a surround mode to a particular input or signal type. If so, you need to set it for the mode you prefer, which is Pro Logic.


2. You are correct. The 6th signal will be shared equally to both back speakers.

 

[bone_stock]

In addition to what Roger said be sure you are receiving a program that is DD5.1, or better. Don't assume that when you saw the DVD it was in DD5.1, so the broadcast must be too. HBO, SHOWTIME, your local cable outlet all downmix the audio bitstream for their own stupid reasons. So far (less than 3 months) with Brighthouse I find the program guide to be accurate with respect to listing digital audio type, but TWC was terrible. They'd say DD5.1, but it wouldn't be when I called the local outlet. You'll save yourself a lot of trouble shooting when you know for sure what the bit stream is. Good Luck!