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Old 30-09-2009, 18:38
XPC465
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Hello to you all again.

My tv system consists of a Sony Bravia 46" ceiling hung TV.
For the sound I have a Sony True HD AV Receiver, (model
STRDG820), which transmits through a set of Jamo good quality speakers, plus the base speaker.
Although when I purchased the tv new about 6 months ago, the technician who fitted it, said after taking 2 full half days to set up the sound system, that the sound system was fully 5.1 functional. I doubted it then, and was disappointed that a TV technician took two full half days to
set up the sound system.
About 2 months ago, I was upgraded to Sky High Definition, and at the completion of the installation of the HD, I asked the Sky technician if the 5.1. surround sound was fully operative, but he appeared very reluctant to discuss the matter, so I did not push it. He did say that I would only receive 5.1 surround sound on tv programmes which were transmitted in 5.1 surround
I only receive Sky HD, plus all the entertainment and all documentary channels, NOT Films or SKY Sports. The question I would like the answer to is: HOW can you tell which programmes are being transmitted in 5.1 surround, in order to check whether or not it is working correctly.
Being in my 70's, I am NO TV Expert, but having spent the money to upgrade my full system recently, I would like it working properly.
I would appreciate all help offered on this matter.
Many thanks to all who try to assist me.
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Old 30-09-2009, 19:57
Chris Frost
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Your system might be set up for 5.1 sound, but it looks as though you don't have a source (DVD/Blu-ray/Sky Movies) that will provide a true 5.1 soundtrack - unless there is a DVD player you haven't mentioned.

The sound from your TV is stereo. It can be made to come out of all the speakers by selecting DPLII (Dolby ProLogic) on the amp.

The sound from your Sky system is stereo unless you subscribe to the Sky Movies package. If not then the best you will get is stereo or Dolby ProLogic (once again, you should select DPLII on the amp).

If you had a DVD player with the correct Optical or Coax connection in to the amp then this would give you Dolby Digital 5.1 (DD5.1)or DTS 5.1 surround sound. The difference between DPLII and DD5.1/DTS5.1 is startling. Everything is much more precisely focussed.

When the amp recieves a DD5.1 or DTS 5.1 signal is will show DD or DTS on the front display.

I hope this helps.
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Old 30-09-2009, 20:49
XPC465
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Many thanks for that Chris, as you are someone who obviously knows what they are talking about, can you enlighten me on a couple of points:
I really only subscribed to Sky HD as I was of the impression that many of those programmes were transmitted in 5.1 surround sound. Can you confirm whether or not this is the case.
Secondly, you say that it will state DD if in 5. 1 surround.
Exactly where would I see this DD sign.
I also take it that IF I decided to subscribe to Sky Sports, or Sky Movies, that I would only receive the 5.1 transmission in these particual programmes. e.g. Sports or Movies.
I now feel I have upgraded my complete system for NO reason at all, as although I have got all the necessary equipment, I am not receiving any programmes which actually transmit in surround sound.
Many, many thanks for your help, and also your views on the above.
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Old 30-09-2009, 20:50
martysport
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Two 1/2 days?

The guy is takin the piss I think

I'd get a 2nd opinion from someone
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Old 30-09-2009, 21:02
Deacon1972
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Your system might be set up for 5.1 sound, but it looks as though you don't have a source (DVD/Blu-ray/Sky Movies) that will provide a true 5.1 soundtrack - unless there is a DVD player you haven't mentioned.

The sound from your TV is stereo. It can be made to come out of all the speakers by selecting DPLII (Dolby ProLogic) on the amp.

The sound from your Sky system is stereo unless you subscribe to the Sky Movies package. If not then the best you will get is stereo or Dolby ProLogic (once again, you should select DPLII on the amp).

If you had a DVD player with the correct Optical or Coax connection in to the amp then this would give you Dolby Digital 5.1 (DD5.1)or DTS 5.1 surround sound. The difference between DPLII and DD5.1/DTS5.1 is startling. Everything is much more precisely focussed.

When the amp recieves a DD5.1 or DTS 5.1 signal is will show DD or DTS on the front display.

I hope this helps.
XPC465 has Sky+ HD where 5.1 is available on all the HD channels they subscribe too - FXHD, Ch4, BBC HD, Nat Geo HD, MTV HD etc etc.


FAO - XPC465

You will need make sure you are connected via optical/coaxial (depending on HD box) to get 5.1, if the installer has connected to the amp via HDMI then you will only get stereo as HDMI on Sky doesn't carry 5.1.


To check whether you are receiving 5.1 it will be easier if you check one of the documentary channels as these transmit 5.1 99% of the time. The BBC HD channel carries 5.1 sometimes, it can be a bit hit and miss whether you catch a programme in 5.1, but if you tune to the promo loop between 1am - 4pm this is all in 5.1.

Providing the amp has been setup correctly, the correct audio mode has been selected and the right connection has been digitally assigned, the amp should display/indicate 5.1 is being received and the output is 5.1. The read out in the amps display normally says Dolby Digital or DD5.1, or it may have icons that represent the speakers and these light up showing you what speakers are being used.

Last edited by Deacon1972 : 30-09-2009 at 21:17. Reason: added more information
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Old 30-09-2009, 21:18
XPC465
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Thanks for your input to my query Deacon 1972.
I think you assisted me when I was considering upgrading my system some 6 months ago.
Just to clarify: My Sky HD box is connected to the amplifier by means of HDMI leads which was advised by the television
technician. I would like to have this problem solved, as I was NOT happy about the technician who was here for two half days. He seemed to be in doubt about how to set the system up, phoning his shop more than once to seek advice.
I did attempt to recall him recently, but he said he was sure it was in order.
Any advice on the matter would be VERY much appreciated, as I WOULD like it to work correctly on the HD documentary channels, which I am most interested in.
Thanks for any advice on the matter.
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Old 30-09-2009, 21:30
Deacon1972
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Thanks for your input to my query Deacon 1972.
I think you assisted me when I was considering upgrading my system some 6 months ago.
Just to clarify: My Sky HD box is connected to the amplifier by means of HDMI leads which was advised by the television
technician. I would like to have this problem solved, as I was NOT happy about the technician who was here for two half days. He seemed to be in doubt about how to set the system up, phoning his shop more than once to seek advice.
I did attempt to recall him recently, but he said he was sure it was in order.
Any advice on the matter would be VERY much appreciated, as I WOULD like it to work correctly on the HD documentary channels, which I am most interested in.
Thanks for any advice on the matter.
You will need an optical lead to go from the HD box to the amp to be able to receive 5.1 from the HD channels - HDMI doesn't carry 5.1.

You can keep the HDMI connection as it is (sky -> amp -> TV) or remove it and have the Sky HD box connected directly to the TV, it's upto you, there's no real benefit either way unless the TV has limited HDMI connections for other external sources.

Once you have the lead you will need to set the amp up so it uses this connection for the audio, give us a shout and I will guide you through it.

If you haven't got an optical cable to hand they are readily available online, just don't go spending a fortune on one, about £5 will do. I have used TV Cables in the past, they are fast and reliable.

Here's a 1m cable for under a fiver, longer lengths are available if needed.

http://www.tvcables.co.uk/cgi-bin/tvcables/TS001.html

In regards to what the amp shows when 5.1 is being received, there are speaker icons on the left hand side of the display, the L/C/R/SR/SL and SW will light up, the D at the top of the display, just to the right of the speaker icons will also light up.
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Old 30-09-2009, 21:57
XPC465
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Deacon 1972, your help is very much appreciated.
I do have several optical cables in my office.
Although I am in my 70's, I do build and repair computers for my family and friends, but just as a hobby.
When it comes to setting up this amplifier, I am stumped, as I find the amplifier handbook and instructions VERY technical, with SO many options available with the amp.
I thought about buying a book on setting it up, but I would not know what to look for.
I would VERY much like to take you up on your offer of advice on seting up the amp, but due to the time it will not be tonight. My wife would give me earache.
Can I post a message on here, when I have the cables to hand, and at a time suitable for setting up the amp.
Setting it up correctly would give me great pleasure, as I do not think it has functioned correctly since I bought it.
Many, Many thanks again Deacon 1972. As the saying goes "Youre a gent and a scholar".
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Old 30-09-2009, 23:03
Chris Frost
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Deacon is correct, the ordinary HD channels do carry some programmes in DD5.1, but you should check on the Sky TV Guide online http://tv.sky.com/tvlistings to find out which shows are in Dolby Digital 5.1 as many are just plain stereo.

Next, your Sky box isn't correctly connected to the amp for 5.1 audio. Deacon has detailed what cables to connect, but there are two other things that will need to be done...
[LIST=1][*]On the Sky box, go to Services > Audio setup and then change the audio output from Stereo to Dolby Digital. You must then use the Save feature at the bottom of the list to store the new setting. Incidentally, I also find that an audio delay of 20ms is correct.[*]You need to set up your amp so that it looks for sound from the Sky box on Optical rather than HDMI. There'll be something in the instruction manual about reassigning inputs. I don't know Sony amps as well as I do other brands so I hope you'll for give me if I don't walk you through this. [/LIST]
At this point I'm going to suggest you contact the dealer again and get them to send someone out to finish the install correctly. I presume you paid for that service. If it was one of my installs I wouldn't leave until the job was done right. I would expect a decent dealer to honour their obligation in a similar fashion.

Good luck
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Old 01-10-2009, 11:55
XPC465
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Many thanks for that Chris. I will check your information against my set up, and alter accordingly.
I did NOT pay extra for the set up, as when I purchased the new 46" Bravia, from the well established local store, I purchased it with the understanding that they connected the surround sound correctly. When the technician called to adjust and connect the amplifier, he appeared VERY unsure of what to do, saying that he had set up numerous amplifiers, but he was finding mine rather difficult to set up.
He actually called the store on more than one accasion, for advice on the matter. And it WAS a SONY represented store.
Anyway, I would NOT want to get the same engineer back,
for another TWO half days, and still NOT have it rectified.
I think I will start looking in the local ads for a certified technician, as I do not mind paying, just to have the job done right. I DO find the manual for the amp. very technical and difficult to understand, with the numerous options, and choices to make. If I could buy a book to help me I would, but I would not know where to start.
Anyway, many, many thanks for you help chris.
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