SPDIF output: 2channel vs 5.1/7.1 (2 Viewers)

[Jura]

I got MePo hooked up to a DTS reciever via optical SPDIF. Now I noticed something I can not grasp. Hope you guys can explain this so I can find a solution.

When playing 2 channel video (avi) I can control the volume through the normal windows volume control on my remote or keyboard. But when playing multiple channel video (avi) or to DVD (both 2 channel or 5.1) I lose the ability to change the volume by means of windows volume. Therefore needing to grab the receiver remote.

Why is the output different?
Can I force both the outputs to go through the normal volume?

 

[mm1352000]

Hi Jura

My understanding is that software is not able to control the volume of digital outputs.

mm

 

[Owlsroost]

mm is correct - audio that is decoded in the PC can be volume controlled by the Windows sound mixer, but encoded audio (like Dolby Digital & DTS) that is 'bitstreamed' directly to the SPDIF output can't be volume controlled (because it must be passed unchanged from the source to the SPDIF output).

Tony

 

[Jura]

Thanks for you replies. I'll be modifying my volume control on the remote, making it control the receiver volume while in mediaportal modus.