Get Xbox 360 DD5.1 out of your TV's OPT OUT

[jT415Gz]

Shout out @ Astro Warblade - Thanks for moving this thread! :)

Ever wish your TV's OPT OUT (Digital Optical Output) allowed your XBOX 360 & Playstation 3 Consoles to pass-through a Dolby Digital 5.1 signal without descaling/stripping it down to Stereo 2-CH PCM, then having your AVR or Mixamp process it as Dolby Pro Logic II / IIx and not true Dolby Digital 5.1? Then try out these methods below and report/post your results in this thread.

Disclaimer: (However this may not work for everyone and their TV's) and (I will not be held accountable for any broken hearts/hopelessness/sleepless nights)


XBOX 360 Users:

1) Turn ON your XBOX 360 and get over to your >System Settings>Console Settings>Display>Display Discovery and Disable Display Discovery (Console will auto-reboot)

2) After your console is back at the Dashboard go back to >Display and manually setup your display configuration/settings as you wish.

3) Go to >Audio>Digital Output and select one of the three choices of audio formats (Dolby Digital 5.1 or Dolby Digital with WMA Pro)

4) Hook up your TOSLink cable that is coming out of your TV's OPT OUT (Optical Output) and hook it up to your Home Audio Receiver or to your Astro Gaming Mixamp.

Now you should be receiving Dolby Digital 5.1 out of your TV's OPT OUT that wouldn't allow it before. Most TV's usually don't allow HDMI 5.1 to pass-through untouched from your TV's OPT OUT (mine doesn't and it's a Samsung LED)



PS3 Users:

1) Go over to >Settings>Sound Settings>Audio Output Settings>HDMI>Manual and Enable Dolby Digital 5.1 Ch.>Save Settings

2) Turning the Audio Multi-Output setting ON or OFF is up to the End User. But is not necessary for this to work.

2a) BR/DVD Audio Output (HDMI) - Set this to >Bitstream.

3) While in the XMB it seems as though all of the audio is being sent out as 2-CH and not Dolby Digital 5.1. Once you are playing a game which supports Dolby Digital 5.1 that is when the signal is transferred out of your TV's OPT OUT port as Dolby Digital 5.1.

4) Hook up your TOSLink cable that is coming out of your TV's OPT OUT (Optical Output) and hook it up to your Home Audio Receiver or to your Astro Gaming Mixamp.


My working setup: XBOX 360 Elite (Dashboard: 2.0.12611.0) via HDMI 1.3, PS3 Slim 120GB (FW: 3.55) via HDMI 1.3, Samsung UN46B7100 - Native Support: Dolby Digital, SRS TruSurround HD, Not Supported: Pass-through (HDMI IN, OPT OUT), Astro 5.8 Mixamp (OPT IN, via Pass-through OPT OUT) and finally to Logitech Z-5500 (OPT IN) Supports: Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, THX, DTS, and DTS 96/24 processing.


Similar forum thread (a good read): CNET (http://forums.cnet.com/7723-13973_102-356344.html) and another CNET (http://forums.cnet.com/7723-13973_102-509351.html)


Future Notes & Updates:

NOTE: Samsung and Sharp Branded TV's have been confirmed to work with this method. And I don't think it has to do with the brand of TV itself. I believe that the XBOX 360 disables the HDCP & EDID going through your HDMI cable. Your TV would not necessarily need the OPT OUT Pass-through feature for this to work.

NOTE: After testing the sound qualities of Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Pro Logic II. It sounds as though Pro Logic II sounds louder in volume when compared to Dolby Digital 5.1. This is with my Logitech Z-5500 at the same set volume while quality testing both Dolby Digital 5.1 & Dolby Pro Logic II respectively.

Feedback: For those of you who have tested these methods, I'd appreciate it if you would kindly post your results/fixes in here with the make & model of your television set, audio video receiver and or Astro Gaming Mixamp used.






Best regards,
jT :)

[SocksWthSandals]

interesting... good info!

[jT415Gz]

as per what LuNaTiK said: native 5.1 would be more accurate than 2-CH upscaled to 5.1

So, this would allow you native 5.1, then upscaled to 7.1 via 5.8 Mixamp and older. Instead of 2-CH upped to "not as accurate" 5.1. :D

Try it out! I think your TV didn't allow OPT OUT pass-through either huh?

[jT415Gz]

Updated original post with a PS3 method

Is there a reason why Dolby Pro Logic II sounds louder in volume when compared to Dolby Digital 5.1 format?

[AcIdC0R3]

Updated original post with a PS3 method

Is there a reason why Dolby Pro Logic II sounds louder in volume when compared to Dolby Digital 5.1 format?

Actually, the Dolby ProLogic II and IIx are chipsets/technologies and Dolby Digital 5.1 is the format that the chips produce.

[ikeyes]

Dude if this works for my TV then +RESPECT!!! If it doesn't work that's cool too :)

I wanted to do exactly what you described so I wouldn't have to connect either my 360 or the PS3... I won't have my new Mixamp until next week but I'll try and post back when I test this out with my Sony KDS-60A3000.

[jT415Gz]

I hope it works with your setup!

Keep this thread posted with your results! :)

What kind of TV are you going to test?


EDIT: @AcidCore - Oh alright. The thing is I was using my Logitech Z-5500 "Theatre In a Box" which supports DTS, Dolby Digital, Pro Logic II and THX.
When it receives a 2-CH signal then it displays Pro Logic II and when it receives DD 5.1 it lights up with Dolby Digital.

I don't understand why Pro Logic II sounds almost twice a loud in volume compared to Dolby Digital. The Master Volume is set the same when playing both. Audio source is coming from a PS3.

[ikeyes]

"...when I test this out with my Sony KDS-60A3000." ;)

[jT415Gz]

oops. I thought that was a Sony AVR. lol

[ikeyes]

oops. I thought that was a Sony AVR. lol

Gotcha... for that I'm using an Onkyo TX-SR707 :D

[AcIdC0R3]

I hope it works with your setup!

Keep this thread posted with your results! :)

What kind of TV are you going to test?


EDIT: @AcidCore - Oh alright. The thing is I was using my Logitech Z-5500 "Theatre In a Box" which supports DTS, Dolby Digital, Pro Logic II and THX.
When it receives a 2-CH signal then it displays Pro Logic II and when it receives DD 5.1 it lights up with Dolby Digital.

I don't understand why Pro Logic II sounds almost twice a loud in volume compared to Dolby Digital. The Master Volume is set the same when playing both. Audio source is coming from a PS3.

Usually when you hear it play louder it usually means it's playing in 2-channels. When you're playing a 5.1 surround sound signal it doesn't sound as loud because the sound is coming at you from all sides and doesn't need to be as loud. That's how both the II and IIx chips operate. You can read up on the technology at Dolby Laboratories (http://www.dolby.com/).

[LuNaTiiK]

This will probably get buried pretty quickly in the Community Support forum. You might consider asking for the thread to be moved to the News and Events forum to preserve it.

[jT415Gz]

Good point there.
Just PM'd Warblade about a possible move or sticky.

[thebesttheworst]

I followed this guide for the 360 & PS3 but sadly it hasn't worked in my case.

The Pass through was just showing as Pro Logic no matter what I did.

My TV is a UK model Samsung LE32R87BDX model from a few years back.

I was hoping it would work as would save getting an optical splitter or changing Toslink cables constantly.

Has it worked for anyone else other than the OP ?

thanks

[jT415Gz]

I followed this guide for the 360 & PS3 but sadly it hasn't worked in my case.

The Pass through was just showing as Pro Logic no matter what I did.

My TV is a UK model Samsung LE32R87BDX model from a few years back.

I was hoping it would work as would save getting an optical splitter or changing Toslink cables constantly.

Has it worked for anyone else other than the OP ?

thanks

What kinds of audio/video/game media have you tried so far? (Bluray, DVD, HD-DVD, PS3/360 Game)
I updated the PS3 portion in my original post.

[thebesttheworst]

Thanks for your reply, so far I only tried it with a 360 game Black Ops and PS3 game Uncharted (which has Dolby Digital settings in game options) as I say neither worked so far.

I'm surprised more people haven't tried it yet and replied in this thread, I'm curious to know if its just me who can't get it working.

I think it has to do with my TV not letting it pass through - maybe due to the fact it's a Samsung model from 2007 ?

[ikeyes]

To be honest from what I've read on several other home theater related forums this doesn't work by design...

Most manufacturers only allow the 5.1 decoding to happen on the internal processor, so anything coming into the TV via HDMI wouldn't work, but when you watch say network HDTV it will pass DD 5.1 through your TV's optical output. Some HDTV's will do it... but from what I've read they are few and far between.

The only reason I have posted my results yet is because my new Mixamp is still on it's way... :)

[AcIdC0R3]

My TV comes right out in the manual and says it outputs a 5.1 signal as long as the originating source is a 5.1 signal. You might want to check your manual.

[jT415Gz]

I'll look over my User Manual and post back what I find.

EDIT: Still reading manual. However, on the web I encountered this CNET thread discussing a similar issue with confirmation (posts 15 and above). The entire thread is also informative (a good read). HERE (http://forums.cnet.com/7723-13973_102-356344.html) and HERE (http://forums.cnet.com/7723-13973_102-509351.html)

EDIT 2: From my manual, in regards to how my TV's Digital OPT OUT handles 5.1 signals is pretty much what ikeyes stated.
1) HDMI DD 5.1 >into TV >OPT OUT as 2-CH "By design" and should not pass-through.
2) DTV (Air Broadcast) >TV >OPT OUT as Dolby Digital 5.1 (in my area) "by design".

Last night a strange thing happened while trying to watch Die Hard Collection (part 1 of 4) Blu-ray from the PS3 HDMI >TV OPT OUT >Logitech Z-5500.
At the Main Menu of Die Hard it would Output DD 5.1 after I setup "English Dolby Digital 5.1" within that Menu, but once the movie starts it sends out a 2-CH signal (Pro Logic II)....?
So I am playing around with the movie audio settings...
I then choose "French Dolby Digital 5.1", then "Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1", then "Commentary Dolby Digital 5.1", and BAM, what do you know? I get Dolby Digital 5.1 (from all three audio tracks, except "English") displayed on the screen of my Logitech System. Hmm... WTH? lol I really don't understand it.

Gonna, test out other Blu-rays later today.

[ikeyes]

My TV comes right out in the manual and says it outputs a 5.1 signal as long as the originating source is a 5.1 signal. You might want to check your manual.

I just checked my manual, and it has confirmed I am SOL... :mad:

"Dolby Digital Audio signal from the HDMI input will be output as PCM. Dolby Digital Audio signal from digital channels will be output as it is."

Oh well...

[jT415Gz]

I just checked my manual, and it has confirmed I am SOL... :mad:

"Dolby Digital Audio signal from the HDMI input will be output as PCM. Dolby Digital Audio signal from digital channels will be output as it is."

Oh well...

By all means still test it out when your Mixamp arrives. We're in the same boat. lol

[ikeyes]

Oh I will still try it man, and I'll report back. Hopefully my new Mixamp will be here next Saturday if FedEx is up to the task.

Are you saying your manual says the same thing but that it works anyways with the "trick" you have outlined?

[jT415Gz]

Oh I will still try it man, and I'll report back. Hopefully my new Mixamp will be here next Saturday if FedEx is up to the task.

Are you saying your manual says the same thing but that it works anyways with the "trick" you have outlined?

You will love the new Mixamp, no doubt about it.

and to answer your question: Yes

[jT415Gz]

I played The Dark Knight on the PS3 last night and was receiving Dolby Digital 5.1 from all audio formats including Dolby TrueHD (showed Dolby Digital 5.1).

So I take it that Die Hard Collection's "English Dolby Digital Surround" was originally just a 2-CH signal, but all other audio formats were Dolby Digital 5.1 (still strange to me).

[AcIdC0R3]

I played The Dark Knight on the PS3 last night and was receiving Dolby Digital 5.1 from all audio formats including Dolby TrueHD (showed Dolby Digital 5.1).

So I take it that Die Hard Collection's "English Dolby Digital Surround" was originally just a 2-CH signal, but all other audio formats were Dolby Digital 5.1 (still strange to me).

Blu-ray's sound format is encoded differently than a DVD movie. What I've noticed on Blu-rays is that if you have Dolby TrueHD or DTS MA that all lesser formats fall in line behind it. I'm guessing they did this for compatibility concerns because not everybody has a bas-a$$ sound system like me. LOL No seriously that's why.

[jT415Gz]

Blu-ray's sound format is encoded differently than a DVD movie. What I've noticed on Blu-rays is that if you have Dolby TrueHD or DTS MA that all lesser formats fall in line behind it. I'm guessing they did this for compatibility concerns because not everybody has a bas-a$$ sound system like me. LOL No seriously that's why.

I see makes sense I guess and sounds like a positive thing.

[Josh]

Hi I have just seen your post and it all sounds very interesting, I am wanting to do the same thing, Connect my 360/PS3 at the same time without the need of using a optical switch or connecting and re connecting the cables every time I use the different consoles.

My setup is a Samsung LED tv with optical out, The manual says the same as yours, that it will pass through 5.1 via Cable or whatever but when using HDMI it will only use 2.0 sound.

So should this method work for me too? I have ordered a a40 headset with 5.8 mix amp along with a premium toslink cable, The question I have is on step 4) of your guide you say "Hook up your TOSLink cable that is coming out of your TV's OPT OUT (Optical Output) and hook it up to your Home Audio Receiver or to your Astro Gaming Mixamp".

Would I have to reconnect the cable every time and repeat all the steps for both 360 and ps3 or is it a one time process?

I hope you can answer please because I'm a little confused, but in conclusion yeah I want to use my TV to output my surround sound 5.1 360/ 7.1 PS3 (if game supports it) instead of using separate cables and an extra optical switch.

Also one more question, would there be any Audio Lag using the TV's optical output? or would it just be the same as connecting the optical cable direct to the console's?

Regards,
Josh

[jT415Gz]

Hi I have just seen your post and it all sounds very interesting, I am wanting to do the same thing, Connect my 360/PS3 at the same time without the need of using a optical switch or connecting and re connecting the cables every time I use the different consoles.

My setup is a Samsung LED tv with optical out, The manual says the same as yours, that it will pass through 5.1 via Cable or whatever but when using HDMI it will only use 2.0 sound.

So should this method work for me too? I have ordered a a40 headset with 5.8 mix amp along with a premium toslink cable, The question I have is on step 4) of your guide you say "Hook up your TOSLink cable that is coming out of your TV's OPT OUT (Optical Output) and hook it up to your Home Audio Receiver or to your Astro Gaming Mixamp".

Would I have to reconnect the cable every time and repeat all the steps for both 360 and ps3 or is it a one time process?

I hope you can answer please because I'm a little confused, but in conclusion yeah I want to use my TV to output my surround sound 5.1 360/ 7.1 PS3 (if game supports it) instead of using separate cables and an extra optical switch.

Also one more question, would there be any Audio Lag using the TV's optical output? or would it just be the same as connecting the optical cable direct to the console's?

Regards,
Josh

Hey Josh,

First off; thanks for bumping this thread to the TOP. I thought this thread was pretty much dead! :P

Secondly; what is the model no. of your LED TV?

The reason I mentioned connecting your Optical cable to either your receiver or Mixamp, is because not everyone will own both devices and this method would work on both, respectively and simultaneously.

Meaning (this is what mine is setup as now) to connect the Optical (from TV) into your 5.8 Mixamp's Optical Input, then have a second Optical cable come out of the 5.8 Mixamp's Optical Output and into your Home Theater Receiver's Optical Input, and finally power ON the 5.8 Mixamp *both RED buttons should illuminate). Your Home Theater Receiver should show that it is receiving a Dolby Digital 5.1 signal.

Hmm as far as Audio Lag....simple answer....as far as I know....possibly a little more than having your optical cables directly connected to your game consoles. But, in all honesty I can barely tell, if any, notice any Audio Que syncing and actual game play issues. I'd imagine there would be a higher Audio latency since this method requires more 'Interconnections' involved to achieve the goal in mind, but not by much.

Thanks for asking and be sure to let me know how it all went for you. So far I love my setup and have not any other way!!

Also, no you shouldn't have to reconnect your cables all the time! It is a set it and forget it solution!

JT

[Josh]

Hey Josh,

First off; thanks for bumping this thread to the TOP. I thought this thread was pretty much dead! :P

Secondly; what is the model no. of your LED TV?

The reason I mentioned connecting your Optical cable to either your receiver or Mixamp, is because not everyone will own both devices and this method would work on both, respectively and simultaneously.

Meaning (this is what mine is setup as now) to connect the Optical (from TV) into your 5.8 Mixamp's Optical Input, then have a second Optical cable come out of the 5.8 Mixamp's Optical Output and into your Home Theater Receiver's Optical Input, and finally power ON the 5.8 Mixamp *both RED buttons should illuminate). Your Home Theater Receiver should show that it is receiving a Dolby Digital 5.1 signal.

Hmm as far as Audio Lag....simple answer....as far as I know....possibly a little more than having your optical cables directly connected to your game consoles. But, in all honesty I can barely tell, if any, notice any Audio Que syncing and actual game play issues. I'd imagine there would be a higher Audio latency since this method requires more 'Interconnections' involved to achieve the goal in mind, but not by much.

Thanks for asking and be sure to let me know how it all went for you. So far I love my setup and have not any other way!!

Also, no you shouldn't have to reconnect your cables all the time! It is a set it and forget it solution!

JT

Your Welcome for the Bump :)

And my TV model is: Samsung LED UE32C6530 (UK Model TV) as I am from the UK,

And yeah I'ts all clear to me now thankyou,
Another question I have is how would I know if I receiving 5.1 True Surround, when my TV is connected to the mix amp via Optical out?

This is what it says in my manual
"DIGITAL AUDIO OUT (OPTICAL)
x When a Digital Audio System is connected to the DIGITAL AUDIO OUT (OPTICAL) jack, decrease the volume
of both the TV and the system.
x 5.1 CH (channel) audio is available when the TV is connected to an external device supporting 5.1 CH.
x When the receiver (home theatre) is set to on, you can hear sound output from the TV’s optical jack. When the
TV is receiving a DTV signal, the TV will send 5.1 CH sound to the home theatre receiver. When the source is
a digital component such as a DVD / Blu-ray player / cable box / STB (Set-Top-Box) satellite receiver and is
connected to the TV via HDMI, only 2 CH audio will be heard from the home theatre receiver. If you want to
hear 5.1 CH audio, connect the digital audio out jack from your DVD / Blu-ray player / cable box / STB satellite
receiver directly to an amplifier or home theatre"

And if this setup doesn't work can you give me some help on how I can connect both PS3/360 to the 5.8 Mix Amp at the same time, (Recommended Splitter or Switch)

My setup would be: Samsung LED TV, Xbox 360, PS3, 5.8 Mix Amp finally going to my a40's

I don't want or require a Home Theatre System.

Regards,

Josh

[jT415Gz]

Your Welcome for the Bump :)

And my TV model is: Samsung LED UE32C6530 (UK Model TV) as I am from the UK,

And yeah I'ts all clear to me now thankyou,
Another question I have is how would I know if I receiving 5.1 True Surround, when my TV is connected to the mix amp via Optical out?

This is what it says in my manual
"DIGITAL AUDIO OUT (OPTICAL)
x When a Digital Audio System is connected to the DIGITAL AUDIO OUT (OPTICAL) jack, decrease the volume
of both the TV and the system.
x 5.1 CH (channel) audio is available when the TV is connected to an external device supporting 5.1 CH.
x When the receiver (home theatre) is set to on, you can hear sound output from the TV’s optical jack. When the
TV is receiving a DTV signal, the TV will send 5.1 CH sound to the home theatre receiver. When the source is
a digital component such as a DVD / Blu-ray player / cable box / STB (Set-Top-Box) satellite receiver and is
connected to the TV via HDMI, only 2 CH audio will be heard from the home theatre receiver. If you want to
hear 5.1 CH audio, connect the digital audio out jack from your DVD / Blu-ray player / cable box / STB satellite
receiver directly to an amplifier or home theatre"

And if this setup doesn't work can you give me some help on how I can connect both PS3/360 to the 5.8 Mix Amp at the same time, (Recommended Splitter or Switch)

My setup would be: Samsung LED TV, Xbox 360, PS3, 5.8 Mix Amp finally going to my a40's

I don't want or require a Home Theatre System.

Regards,

Josh

Strange. I didn't receive notification via email of your reply.

What your manual states is about exactly what mine stated too.

I have a Logitech Z5500 (Theatre In a Box) and it displays on its LCD screen what signals are incoming.
If a 2-channel signal is being received then it will show Dolby Pro Logic II and if a Dolby Digital 5.1 signal is being received it will show Dolby Digital and the DD symbol. That is the only way I could dictate whether or not I was actually getting true Dolby Digital into the Mixamp and A40's, instead of "less accurate" upconverted Dolby Pro Logic IIx 5.1 surround sound. Honestly, I can't notice the difference between the two, which to me is a good thing. So if you have a device that will display what signal is coming out of your TV >Optical Out >TOS link cable, then I would say try it out and see what you get.

The 5.8 Mixamp requires a strong TOS link signal before it will process it, so therefore you would need to get an optical amplifier / booster or a powered optical splitter 2 x 1 or higher depending on your setup.

Here is a link with what others have recommended. (http://forums.astrogaming.com/showthread.php?p=28266&highlight=optical+splitter#post28266)

Here is what I've been barely successful with after some trial and error. (http://www.amazon.com/HDE-Optical-Toslink-Way-Switch/dp/B002CNB4L2/ref=sr_1_7?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1300918951&sr=1-7)

But I no longer have the need to use it having found a better solution, which is why I started this thread. :D

Hopefully you won't need anything else to get your desired setup. Let us know how it goes!

[lal102]

Hello all,

sorry for bumping this (and for english level i have), but i want to help people to achieve dd.51 through TV

I also have UE32C6530, i have the same configuration as jT415Gz told us.

First configure your Xbox and then go through your Samsung Menu. Menu => Audio => Additional Setting = SPDIF out

You will have two options, PCM or Dolby Digital, select DD an you will enjoy real 5.1 :)

P.D: DD option will be enable when you play games or watch TV, if you are on the dashboard you will have only PCM option.