Issues with SPDIF output (1 Viewer)

[ltfearme]

MediaPortal Version: svn--06-09-2007--00-59-Rev14824
MediaPortal Skin: Blue Wide
Windows Version: Vista ultimate 32bit
CPU Type: Intel E6600 @ 2.4Ghz
HDD: 500Gb Western Digital
Memory: 2Gb Corsair 5400C4
Motherboard: Intel G965OT
Motherboard Chipset: Intel G965OT
Motherboard Bios:
Video Card: ASUS 8600GT Silent
Video Card Driver:
Sound Card: onboard
Sound Card AC3: Intel
Sound Card Driver: Intel
HTPC Case: Antec Fusion
Power Supply: 550W Antec
Remote: Harmony 360 / MCE
TV: Bravia 46-X2000
TV - HTPC Connection: DVI->HDMI


Hey Guys, I just setup my HTPC and having problems outputting in AC-3 to my receiver using Media Portal. I must be doing something wrong in the settings.

I have installed Windows Vista Ultimate, latest drivers for chipset and video. I've installed the latest ffdshow package (6th June) and Matroski Splitter.

I have configured windows to use SPDIF output, I have the optical cable going to a Pioneer Receiver and have set that to Digital/Auto. I think the problem lays somewhere in media portal as I can see AC-3 light up on the receiver when playing a DVD using PowerDVD (ie I can see all 5.1 channels light up on the receivers LCD).

When I play a AC-3 audio encoded file using Media Portal I don't see the AC-3 signal being received but I do here audio (I guess its in stereo and not very loud?). I have configured Media Portal so that the Audio Render is 'Direct Sound ...SPDIF (Singtel High Definition Audio). I set the Codec to ffdshow.

I've Tried DVDs, x264, Xvid files and they all experience the same problem.

Anyone know what I can try to fix this issue. I'm new too HTPC, so use to XBOX Media Centre. I tried MCE and hated the GUI and limited configuration, media portal was better but too much configuration.

Cheers
Damien

 

[ltfearme]

I think I have fixed the issue. I installed AC3 Filter on top of FFDSHOW and went into the configuration of AC3 and noticed some checkboxes for S/PDIF were unchecked.

Any who, I checked them amongst some other config changes and it now outputs in AC-3

I thought FFDSHOW includes AC-3, but I couldnt see any config options in the installer to set SPDIF.

Cheers
Damien

 

[ltfearme]

Ok, now I would like to find how to get AC-3 output from WMA 5.1. Audio, any clues on that?

Damien

 

[phunqe]

Ok, now I would like to find how to get AC-3 output from WMA 5.1. Audio, any clues on that?

Damien

You can't, if you are using the internal player. Tried to get an answer or feedback on this a while back, but none was given.

Using WMP as player at the moment.

 

[ltfearme]

Damn, thats no good. Thanks for replying anyway.

Would there be a way to selectively load a player based on file type? e.g. for all WMV files uses WMP and everything else MP.

Damien

 

[phunqe]

You can't do that either unfortunately. I suggested the possibility to at least add the option of entering a command line to run an external player (as you can with videos), but there was no conclusion there either.