Confused about broadcasting formats??

[jayswizz]

Hello,
I am confused about how channels on television are processed by my processor. I first want to say I have Comcast Cable HD. When watchind TV sometimes the channel I am watching will say it is DD5.1 on the TV screen but it will only come through my front L and R speaker then on other channels it will come through all my speakers in a 5.1 setup. Other channels might say they are DD but only come through L F C speakers. Does this all depend on hoiw the channel is broadcast. Thanks

 

[MDS]

I assume you have everything setup correctly because you say you do get all 5 channels of sound on certain cable channels.

So the only thing I can think of is that when a program says 'Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Where Available' that does not mean that the cable provider will always broadcast that stream. It is available from the network if the cable provider chooses to use it.

 

[jcPanny]

Audio connections

Jay,
Just make sure your have a digital optical or coax connection from the cable box to the receiver and you will get the Full DD 5.1 when available. If you have the analog connections, you will always get 2 channels stereo.

 

[BMXTRIX]

There may also be a setting inside your cable box setup menus that you have to enable DD5.1 audio. I know on my cable box it is under something like...

AUDIO -> DIGITAL OUTPUT -> ON -> Dolby Digital

...or something like that.

Also, you will want to be on the digital channels and on the HD channels whenever possible since that could affect your 'Where available' option for better audio.

 

[jayswizz]

I do watch movies that are on cable and get sound from all five channels so I know that my connections must be right. I thought it may just be how the station you are watching does their broadcast.