built-in player wont output 5.1 :( (1 Viewer)

[lanceuppercu]

MediaPortal Version: 0.2.3.0
MediaPortal Skin: bluetwo wide
Windows Version: XP SP2
CPU Type: C2D e4500
HDD: 500gb WD AAKS
Memory: 2gb
Video Card: Gigabyte 2400pro PCI-E (passive)
Video Card Driver: Catalyst 7.12
Sound Card: Soundblaster X-FI (PCI-E)
HTPC Case: Dell Vostro 200
TV: Samsung 40" LE40R51B
TV - HTPC Connection: VGA

i'm having a problem with the built-in player not being able to output 5.1 via SPDIF despite the configuration is set to use ac3filter which handles all my audio needs, my av receiver (yamaha vx-450) displays the signal its getting as just L,R.

however, i have no problem setting MPC (also set to use ac3filter) up as an external program to play the same file and my amp recognises that its getting a signal for L,R,C,SL,SR,LFE as it should but would like to use the built in player if possible.

any suggestions? thanks!

 

[SiLenTYL]

AC3Filter has configurable options..look up the config and click *use SPDIF*

the MPA audio codec can also be used ...change the settings for that in the MP config app

 

[lanceuppercu]

its already set to use SPDIF, as originally posted, MPC opened from within MP uses ac3filter and correctly outputs to all 5 speakers.

i found this thread: https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/enabling_5_1_through_spdif-t4710.html which is the same problem as i'm having, theres a screenshot under post #7 showing MPA under directshow filters, but i dont have that option on mine.

edit: never mind, found MPA/MPV now, turns out i deselected them when i originally installed as i had intended to use ac3filter!

edit2: same thing happens with MPA, outputs as 2.0 when opening using MPC from within MP outputs as 5.1, MPA configured to use SPDIF.

help!

 

[Andrew H]

Are you sure FFDshow's Audio filter isn't opening in the system tray? Filters will open based on your selection UNLESS they don't support the format -- then the merit will open another one. MPA and MPV are a real bad thing as they install with a REALLY high merit which tends to steamroll your system. Lower their merit to below middle and see if that helps to ALLOW the AC3Filter to run as it should.

 

[lanceuppercu]

aha cracked it!

ac3filter was loading in the tray, under the "main" tab, i always had the "output format" set to "3/2+SW", changed it to "AS IS (no change)" and it works, yay!

edit: its gone back to 2.0 again. what the heck is going on!

edit2: oddly, if i use MP in windowed mode, i can open ac3filter and can confirm that there are green bars on both input and output levels for all 5 channels. yet it will only play out of/send a signal to the left and right speakers and i wont get anything out of the center channel (ie voice).

edit3: no ffdshow icon in systray so its not loading ffdshow audio..