So…I think I've found the problem 
or…could be a coincidence…
DTV could've sent a patch, or update while I was checking this but, read on…
If you go back to the OP post #1, the 1st thing I eluded to was
while I was out of the room, and the fact that my wife didn't remember
doing anything to the remote…well, it appears that my hopes that a setting
could be off, is precisely what it was, or a fix was just passed down.
Just wanted to complete this thread before it gets any further.
On the remote, I tried to change the presets i.e.. Movie, Stereo, Game and Pure.
The colored preset buttons. When I selected one, I had been going back through
the DTV settings toggling between Dolby Digital on and off.
Anyway when I select STEREO on the preset buttons, I get the issue repeating
which determines a fix was not sent down I believe.
Honest mistake and admit it, but do tell…
why on Earth would this cause specific channels to fail audio?
I'm sure I never had this before and have used all the preset modes.
Whatever the reason, at least this might be a new issue of compatibility
with DTV, and if others experience it, then a simple fix.
Sorry for all the man hours put in on this, remember it if anybody else
experiences it.