Dolby Digital 5.1 now available with HDMI

awol

I for one am thrilled to learn that with the new update rolling out to U-verse customers (New Total Home DVR and guide/menu visual update) you can now stream Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound to your audio/video receiver!!

This new option is not enabled by default. You will need to go to Menu>Options>Language/Audio Options>Digital Audio

Your choices will be Stereo or Surround. Pick surround, go back to start test, and you should shortly thereafter see the correct indicator on your AVR (if available), you should also immediately have surround sound if available on the program you're currently watching.

I was watching "Brothers and Sisters" from my DVR and it worked flawlessly.

Remember that if you have your AVR set for Dolby Pro-Logic or similar, you might need to remove that to avoid additional processing from your AVR.

Finally, I'm not sure if this affects those customers using the Cisco DVRs/STBs. We have the Motorola DVR.

Bigloww

Wow, they just now allow for this?? I am on the fence on getting U-verse (Advanced TV) due to my DSL 3.0 mbps suddenly acting up the last couple months and no one having a clue on what the problem is. But the U-verse package that rivals my current package (phone, enet and TV) through AT&T will cost me about $35-$40 a month more, but with 6 mbps e-net vs 3.. I love Dish but the DSL issues lately have me in a quandry.. I had DSL for 6 years with little to no issues and onlt paying $14.99 a month for it. And now this BS..

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awol

Well, they've always had it via optical connection. But the HDMI 5.1 is new for them. And yes, it's long overdue IMO.

I presume your DSL is through AT&T also? The reason I ask is if you're already having trouble with your AT&T DSL, I don't know that switching to U-verse is going to help. It could due to the nature of the fiber at the node, but I wouldn't think so. On the plus side, they don't have any contracts, and you can try it out for 30 days to see if you like it or not.

rbinck

U-verse uses different feeds to the V-rad nodes here. Only the copper from the V-rad to the house is reused for U-verse. U-verse internet is available separately here, so that could be a possibility.

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DreGun

Yeah, if you have been having issues V-DSL could greatly improve your connection. If you want me to put a package together PM me, and I'd be happy to, just let me know the state you live in so I can figure out correct pricing. (when I am back from Vacation on the 6th)

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Bigloww

Thanks for the offer Dre, but I was able to pull the packages together on AT&T's web site. I currently have a AT&T (SBC days) package from 4 years ago they still honor with Dish, phone and DSL..

I pay around $130 now for all 3 which is not bad. I got dish Dish Silver or whatever HD package with HBO and a Vip622/212 DVRs. I only get 3mbps DSL because I am too far away from the CO to get 6mbps. But when it is working well, that is really all I need.

The AT&T U-Verse bundle that is simular would be around $165 a month after tax. That includes around the same channels (U300) with HBO, HD package and such. But I would need 4 boxes and they charge like $7 a month for each 1 (the 1st box is free). The E-Net speed would be 6mbps though.Just not really worth the extra $35 a month for that I don't think. But I would also qualify for $200 cash back and free installation since I would be a new U-Verse customer.. But don't like the way they nickel and dime you with all the program packages and equiptment fees.

I think the intermittent drop outs and slow downs is with my DSL modem/router. They are sending me a new 1 and I will see. If that fixes it, I will probably stay with what I have since the price is rite and I really love Dish..

__________________
Commit to the Indian..

In Loving Memory of Junkie, The Rizz, Eagle and the Boys.. They are gone (wasted in fact) but not forgotten..

awol

I have to admit, I think this is complete bunk on their part. It wasn't always like that either. Used to be that your first four (including one DVR) was included in the price of your package. Then they started charging for them middle of last year, or first of this year - I can't remember. Anyway, IMO, it was one of their bonuses over cable since you had to pay for each box you had with cable.

DreGun

for about the first 8 mos the service was around 3 for free was the special. Then once the customer base had built they started charging for the extra boxes. Keep in mind unlike DirecTV you don't pay for the boxes upfront nd then also have to pay a lease fee. Also, if it needs replaced AT&T will do that (I know sometimes after much talking to and trouble shooting.)

I have had TW, Comcast, Direc and Dish in the Three states I have lived in. I wouldn't give my U-verse up, not just because I am an employee. Hell my service is in my Wife's name anyway.

__________________
Sharp 42" LC42D64U
Denon - AVR-588
Boston Acoustics - Horizon MCS 130
X360: ZDS Dre Gun -- Zombie Death Squad
PSN: Dre Gun (My Media Center)

mrcoolguy80

They not only gave 3 for free, any extra boxes were 5 bucks. They don't charge for installs, so I guess they have to make up their money some how.

DreGun

But if a customer did sign up when it was $5 it raised to $7. If they signed up under the original free boxes they are grandfathered in.

__________________
Sharp 42" LC42D64U
Denon - AVR-588
Boston Acoustics - Horizon MCS 130
X360: ZDS Dre Gun -- Zombie Death Squad
PSN: Dre Gun (My Media Center)