Looking for info re: what audio are the broadcasters sending out

[alcraig]

I am new to this forum so don't beat me up if this is covered (I have had a look around but can't find exactly what I'm looking for).

Regarding Audio for High Def TV:
Is there a good article / link / white paper that describes what audio is applied to any given transmission path (OTA or Cable) and how that affects standard set top boxes or built in tuners? If a graphic appears at the beginning of a program that says Dolby Surround, do we need to adjust our settings within our tuners? If the program is in Dolby Digital, does the tuner sense this automatically and take command of the audio based on the metadata coming from the network (or affiliate)?
I have lots of questions but would rather not get heavily involved in forum debate at this early stage in my learning. I have not yet purchased an HDTV but will do so soon. I don't trust the information I may receive out of salesmen.

Any suggestions?

Ta

Al

 

[fractile]

I am new to this forum so don't beat me up if this is covered (I have had a look around but can't find exactly what I'm looking for).

Regarding Audio for High Def TV:
Is there a good article / link / white paper that describes what audio is applied to any given transmission path (OTA or Cable) and how that affects standard set top boxes or built in tuners? If a graphic appears at the beginning of a program that says Dolby Surround, do we need to adjust our settings within our tuners? If the program is in Dolby Digital, does the tuner sense this automatically and take command of the audio based on the metadata coming from the network (or affiliate)?
I have lots of questions but would rather not get heavily involved in forum debate at this early stage in my learning. I have not yet purchased an HDTV but will do so soon. I don't trust the information I may receive out of salesmen.

Any suggestions?

Ta

Al

I think most modern AVRs have an Auto setting that will find the right set-up depending on what the input format is. And you can also select manually.

 

[popotoys]

I'm also wondering about this... so same question only different.

Are all HD stations transmitted with at least a 5.1 signal? Isn't this part of the definition of HD?

 

[kriktsemaj99]

Are all HD stations transmitted with at least a 5.1 signal? Isn't this part of the definition of HD?

No, not all HD shows are broadcast with 5.1 audio. And if you have cable or satellite your provider also has a say in what you get (they can reduce the bitrate for example). I see 2.0 more often than 5.1 from my cable provider, and the highest bit rate I ever see for DD5.1 is 384kbps. That's less than DVD quality, so the sound is OK but not spectacular. Other people may have a better experience.

 

[popotoys]

No, not all HD shows are broadcast with 5.1 audio. And if you have cable or satellite your provider also has a say in what you get (they can reduce the bitrate for example). I see 2.0 more often than 5.1 from my cable provider, and the highest bit rate I ever see for DD5.1 is 384kbps. That's less than DVD quality, so the sound is OK but not spectacular. Other people may have a better experience.

The consumer is screwed again......