Problem with audio using Optical output Please HELP! I'm Desperate!

jholty

I'm hoping someone here can please help me out, i'm desperate and frustrated, i've been dealing with this issue for almost 2weeks now and is quite annoying.

Let me start by telling you my setup:

Comcast HD/DVR Dual Tuner (Motorola DCT 6412) - connected to tv via component video and analog rca cables, also connected to my reciever using optical cable to input 1 of reciever

Sony 51" KP51W5520 Rear Projection TV

Sony DVPNS995 DVD Player - connected to tv via HDMI cable and rca audio cables, audio is also connected to reciever via optical cable to input 2 of reciever

Harmon/Kardon AVR635 Reciever

My PROBLEM is that on non-digital channels, i get no audio from my STB to my Reciever. I do get audio from digital and HD channels through the optical output of my STB to my reciever, but when you turn the channel to analog, i get nothing, except for audio to my t.v. via the analog rca cables. At first, i thought my problem was my reciever, but after hooking up my STB from a different room (Motorola DCT 6208 HD/DVR Single Tuner), the audio output to my reciever via the optical cable works on all channgels, digital or analog just fine. So, this tells me the problem lies with my STB. Now, here is where it gets interesing...if you unplug the power from the DCT 6412, let it sit for a minute, then power it back on and tune to a analog station, it WILL play audio via the optical cable to my reciever for about ONE minute, then i can hear the STB's Hard drive make some noise like it is working, then the audio stops and does not continue at all, unless i change the channel back to a digital channel, then audio works fine. I've already had Comcast replace the DCT 6412 once already,and i'm having the exact same problem. So What is the problem? Can someone PLEASE help me!

rbinck

Seems like I read about an update for Comcast boxes for this problem. That's all I know. You might try the Cable Providers forum.

WebSpyderz

Connect the RCA cables from your Comcast box to your A/V receiver not your TV. Then set your A/V receiver to autodetect (or whatever it's called on the H/K). The receiver should be able to detect when a digital signal is available and use the optical, otherwise it will send the sound using the RCA cables when no digital signal is detected.

Hope this helps.

**** EDIT ****

OK, may have misread this the first time, if so, sorry. Have a feeling my post didn't help much, oh well.

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__________________
50" Panasonic DLP (PT-50DLD64)
Yamaha RX-V750

jholty

webspyderz, thanks for the reply, but i've already tried that. My reciever does have an auto polling feature, but the problem is the optical audio output from the STB DOES send a signal to my reciever, which in turn is making the auto polling feature useless so to have my rca cables hooked up in addition to the optical cable does nothing. Basically the STB is constantly sending some type of signal to my reciever, but is only sending audio on digital channels for some reason.

fuzzybee

I have Comcast HD and when switching channels, I get a high pitched buzzing noise between screens. I have optical digital output and this is when it started happening. Anyone else have this problem. I'm running it through a Denon AV recvr.

The Vulcan

That's interesting. I just hooked up my first Home Theatre system from my LCD to the A/V and it sounds great. Apparently I'm getting Dolby Pro Logic now (4-2-4), and while it's not 5.1, it sounds great. I'm wondering if I should go the extra yard and get a digital audio cable (coaxial) AND RCA's and run them from my STB to the A/V? So most A/V's will automatically switch from digital to the RCA's when no digital signal is present? Thanks

WebSpyderz

In general, Yes. I would say anything of decent quality (Pioneer, Yamaha, Onkyo, Dennon, etc...) made within the past three to four years should have this ability. The digital signal, if present, will override the RCA and only that signal will be pushed through your receiver.

If a break in the signal or a channel without a digital signal is encountered, the receivier will automatically filter the sound through the RCA cables. On most good receivers this is a seemless, undetectible switch (not sound quality wise of course). However, I've seen/heard less expensive receivers institute a small gap in sound as the switch takes place. If you can, avoid these models as it gets rather annoying if there are frequent signal interruptions.

I say go for it, you'll notice an exponential difference with the digital coax/optical connection.

Hope this helps.

__________________
50" Panasonic DLP (PT-50DLD64)
Yamaha RX-V750