Apologies for derailing a thread
Normally I record the Freeview OTA channels to the HTPC, I use the internal TBS 6205 quad channel T/T2 tuner running NextPVR back-end and Kodi front. Works pretty reliably since the demise of Win 7 WMC.
We switched over to digital in the UK around 10 years ago, completed in 2012. I used to be able to record both Freeview and Freesat. These channels are duplicated on Sky satellite (their own box) which at least has more terrestrial HD content, but that has cost beyond the BBC license fee, which is still required. I replaced Sky two years ago with Netflix, Prime and Sky Now and have access to far more content at about a 1/4 of the price. The BBC are trialing 4K and HLG but no word on what audio will be. They did stream the 2018 World cup final live in 4k, I lasted a minute or two before have to drop it as it was unwatchable.
I stopped using iPlayer last year and the majority of the commercial station apps, mostly down to their insistence on signing in for tracking purposes. I effectively run my own catch up service now.
From what I've read, the majority of iPlayer content is stereo intended, for playback on phones and tablets. I've not seen any multi channel material on there before, but there could well be. I would have though the Proms would be a good bet and Glastonbury too, however this is music and that's normally stereo anyway. BBC Dvds normally sport DD 5.1 or Dolby stereo. They use Dts HDMA for the blurays and UHD so far.
I have no problems with the dialogue off any of the Tv channels whether in stereo or multi channel. Some of the Tv channels are down on the overall volume though, but not apparently the adverts. When the BBC showed Tommy (1975) that was in 5.1 OTA, a couple of years ago, originally Quintophonic in the cinemas.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073812/
I agree there are some bad centre speaker designs about, personally I am very happy with my Tannoy Eyris DCC.
