Blu-Ray audio problems with non hdmi connection

cargill

I bought a panasonic blu-ray player but do not have hdmi capability at present. The video portion works fine, but the audio locks up into a pro logic mode when i insert a blu-ray disk. If I insert a regular dvd with DTS, I am able to get the full benefit of the audio presentation. I have to set the audio preferences to DTS-bitstream to get the desired effect.
The same is NOT true when I try a Blu-Ray Disk. Mighty frustrating. Does anyone have an opinion about brand of blu-Ray or is this going to be a problem until a upgrade to hdmi? Thanks

Loves2Watch

If you are currently using an optical digital connection for audio, I would suggest using the PCM or LPCM audio rather then the bitstream. That should solve your issues.

__________________
Theater 1 - Panasonic TH-85PF12U Plasma TV, 6 Conrad Johnson LP275M Amps, Anthem Statement D-2 Pre/Pro, 6 Thiel SCS4 Speakers, 2 REL T-1 Subs, Infinity Interlude 120S Sub, Simaudio MOON Orbiter Universal Disc Player, ELP Laser Turntable, 2 Dish Network ViP 622 DVR's, Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray Player, Onkyo DV-HD805 HD DVD Player.
Friends don't let friends buy Korean brand TV's.

WhatHappend

Don't listen to this advice. Optical and coax digital audio connections only allows a maximum of 2.0 channel PCM. For Optical and Coax legacy connections, bitstream is the best audio choice.

OP, Can you restate your exact issue? List you model and brand of player and AVR.

Loves2Watch

Not if it doesn't work...

__________________
Theater 1 - Panasonic TH-85PF12U Plasma TV, 6 Conrad Johnson LP275M Amps, Anthem Statement D-2 Pre/Pro, 6 Thiel SCS4 Speakers, 2 REL T-1 Subs, Infinity Interlude 120S Sub, Simaudio MOON Orbiter Universal Disc Player, ELP Laser Turntable, 2 Dish Network ViP 622 DVR's, Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray Player, Onkyo DV-HD805 HD DVD Player.
Friends don't let friends buy Korean brand TV's.

WhatHappend

I think he is saying the audio functions, but he is only getting Dolby Pro Logic and wanted DD5.1 or DTS5.1. That is why I asked him to restate the issue and equipment used. Your solution will make sure he only ever gets 2 channel Dolby Pro Logic decode on his AVR.

And honestly, who in their right mind that frequents a HighDef forum, would be happy with a 2 channel movie sound tracks. Might as well go back to a HiFi VCR.

Loves2Watch

So you are saying that PCM and LPCM are limited to 2 channels only? Is that what I am reading?

__________________
Theater 1 - Panasonic TH-85PF12U Plasma TV, 6 Conrad Johnson LP275M Amps, Anthem Statement D-2 Pre/Pro, 6 Thiel SCS4 Speakers, 2 REL T-1 Subs, Infinity Interlude 120S Sub, Simaudio MOON Orbiter Universal Disc Player, ELP Laser Turntable, 2 Dish Network ViP 622 DVR's, Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray Player, Onkyo DV-HD805 HD DVD Player.
Friends don't let friends buy Korean brand TV's.

cargill

I am using component connections. If I leave the settings to PCM, I really lose volume/clarity.

cargill

Further more, I am using a B & K Reference 30 processor
Thanks

cargill

My AVR is a B & L reference 30. The blu-ray player is panasonic, but I don't have the model number. The problem seems to be that the B&K is defaulting to a pro logic mode rather than using the newer technology such as DTS or DTS-HD. I notice the same situation when I try to use my Direct TV satellite feed from ESPN-2 . The video is HD GREAT, but the audio dumbs down??
Thanks
Brad

WhatHappend

For Optical and Coax digital connections, yes you are limited to 2 channels.

For HDMI you can have multi-channel PCM and have higher sampling rates and increased bits per-sample.

WhatHappend

The B&K Reference 30 Preamplifier supports DTS and DD and should handle all optical formats possible over optical digital audio connection.

The new codec like DTS-HD HR, DTS-HD MA, DD+, DD TRUEHD, and multi-channel PCM (not a codec) can't be sent over optical audio interconnects (only HDMI cables).

The only issue with Bluray you might see is that the DD5.1 bit-rate is 640K/sec which according to Dolby all licensed receivers/pre-amp should support (the only exception I have heard is certain SONY AVRd made around 2003). DVD max DD5.1 rate was 448K/sec and cable/satellite and OTA Hi-Def are only 348K/sec.

If you see Dobly pro-logic on your processor that means that the source is 2 channels like DD2.0 or PCM2.0. Some channels and shows on HiDef channel are broadcast in DD2.0 so you will see Dobly Prologic for those channels or programs.

I think you have your player setup incorrectly.

WhatHappend

You are talking about video connection here right? (Component is a video connection type not audio connection).

What is your audio connection? Discrete analog multi-channel 6.1 (7 RCA cables)? or digital coax or optical?

WhatHappend

Assuming you have a DMP BD35 or BD55 and are using a digital audio connection:

Try the following player settings:
"HDMI Audio Output" to "Off"?
"Dynamic Range Compression" to "Off"
"BD-Video Secondary Audio" to "Off"
"DTS/DTS-HD" to "Bitstream"
"Dolby D/Dolby D +/Dolby TrueHD" to "Bitstream"
"PCM Down Conversion" to "Off"
"Downmix" to "Surround encoded"

Online manual here: http://www.panasonic.ca/PDP/Operatin...-55-oi-eng.pdf

cargill

Thanks ....I try those settings. My blu-Ray is a DMP-BD30

cargill

Sorry about the component connection remark....I got confused. I am using RCA Plugs