Can't get dolby digital sound from hdtv?

[audiolover]

I recently bought an LCD HDTV. I have HDMI running from the cable box to the monitor for video and for audio I have an optical cable connected from the cable box to the receiver. Video is working fine, I am getting HD but I cannot get dolby digital sound from any HD channel. I realize not every station broadcasts in 5.1 but I am not even getting 2.1 DD. It's like the receiver is not recognizing the optical cable. I can get DPLII, etc. but no dolby digital. What am I doing wrong? I do have it set to auto.

 

[Alex2507]

Go into the Audio Menu on your STB (set top box) and choose AC3 for your digital output. If that setting refuses to take, unplug your box for 10 seconds to reset it and try again. I recently had to have a STB replaced because of this 'known' issue.

 

[audiolover]

Thanks. I had to leave the house but will try this when I return home. It is a Scientific Atlanta HD DVR.

 

[Adam]

Which TV do you have? A lot of TVs will downmix audio coming from an HDMI source to two-channel audio when outputting sound from the optical connection.

 

[audiolover]

It's a Vizio VOJ320F1A. It's a 32" 1080p model.

 

[Adam]

I just realized how unobservant I am. I didn't catch that you're running the optical cable from the cable box to the receiver. I thought that you were running it from the TV to the receiver.

Alex has you looking in the right place, for sure. I just thought it might also be your TV. My bad.

 

[murl]

The audio menu may have an option with PCM or Dolby Digital, just try whatever is NOT PCM. They sometimes label the type of output it is differently but just play around with your options in the audio menu and you should be able to get dolby digital. Let us know if you get it, or if you need more help.

 

[Kai]

If your using the 8300HD and did your initial set up with "advanced" rather than "quick" setup you can access the audio selections by pressing the "menu" button to access the basics then press it again to get to the advanced settings. Go to the audio portion and make sure you have chosen "dolby digital" rather than any of the other choices. Once that is done the signal broadcast by the station/network is what it is...perhaps 2 channel or DD 5.1...I believe most if not all the HD channels are broadcast in 5.1.
My receiver's display, as others, will show what audio signal is being sent...
Let us know how you make out.