Sony HD-200 Dolby Digital Problem

[Marty]

Hey everyone!

I have a question that hopefully someone here can help me out with. I have just purchased a Sony HD-200 and connected it to a Sony 34XBR800 tv via the DVI connection. Now, my Yamaha 5250 Dolby Digital receiver clearly indicates it is receiving a digital audio signal from the Sony STB (connected to the receiver via an optical digital cable), however, when I tell the receiver to output DD processing, it will only output Pro-Logic (tested using the local PBS hidef feed). I have the STB clearly set in the menu to output DD 5.1 when available. I have also tested the optical cable and receiver's optical audio input with my dvd player to make sure those aren't the root of the problems and both the cable and receiver's input check out fine (DD 5.1 is easily envoked when using the dvd player). Any ideas as to the problem? Thanks!

Marty

[57U]

I suspect you don't have a DD5.1 signal getting to your receiver, let me explain.

You say you tested with PBS - PBS is not DD5.1 very much. You need to use ABC, which is usually DD5.1 or a DD5.1 movie on a movie channel. Perhaps that is your problem - assuming you've got DD5.1 coming in when you don't - you've only got DD2.0.

If you've got a DD2.0 display signal when you're connected to a digital channel, your receiver is probably working properly. Yamaha decodes DD2.0 to Dolby pro-logic. (Click your "pro-logic" or surround button to toggle between DD2.0 and pro-logic)

[Marty]

Thanks 57U!

Although if what you are saying is true, I have another question. I thought High Defintion meant it had to include a DD5.1 soundtrack? I know the feed I was watching was definitely hidef (local website and the STB said so). So is DD5.1 not a requirement to be labeled hidef (1080i)? Thanks.

P.S. The only way I know I'm getting a digital signal from the STB is that the Yamaha receiver has an icon that lights up as "digital" with the dolby speaker symbols next to it. I just always assumed it meant that there was a 5.1 soundtrack available, especially since Pro-Logic II wasn't anywhere near release.

[57U]

Originally posted by Marty
Thanks 57U! I thought High Defintion meant it had to include a DD5.1 soundtrack? Your assumption is incorrect. HD means 720P or 1080i, but it has no connection to audio signals. Only ABC broadcasts all the time in DD5.1 and even then only some programmes are encoded in real DD5.1. Most HDABC programmes (even if your receiver shows DD5.1) have information in the two main channels only.

Digital sound could take any of the following forms.

DD1.0
DD2.0
DD5.1 (even when it says DD5.1, the actual encoding could resemble D2.0, DD5.0 (no sub content))

[Marty]

Ok, thanks for the clarification. I feel better now knowing my receiver and STB are working as they should. Thanks again!