Unable to control volume when playing DVD (1 Viewer)

[Spragleknas]

MediaPortal Version: 0.2.2.0 + latest SVN
MediaPortal Skin: Simplify
Windows Version: XP PRO SP2
CPU Type: Pentium M 725 (1.6 GHz / 2 MB cache)
HDD: Samsung 250GB
Memory: 2 x 512 MB GEiL Value (PC3200)@333 MHz
Motherboard: Well... whatever is on the AOpen EY855 (SFF)
Motherboard Chipset: Intel 855GME
Motherboard Bios: 1.05
Video Card: PNY 6200 / 128MB (AGP)
Video Card Driver: Latest
Sound Card: Onboard, ALC 665
Sound Card AC3: Coax -> Z-5500
Sound Card Driver: Latest from Realtek
1. TV Card: Hauppauge! 350PVR
1. TV Card Type: Analog HW
1. TV Card Driver: 1.18.21.22301
MPEG2 Video Codec: PureVideo
MPEG2 Audio Codec: MPA
Satelite/CableTV Provider:
HTPC Case: AOpen EY855
Cooling: Modded PSU-cooler
Power Supply: 270W AOpen - modified fan
Remote: MCE w/teletext
TV: 28"CRT crap
TV - HTPC Connection: S-video

I recently got myself Logitech Z-5500. These are connected using SPDIF (Coax). All is well (music, TV, movies) except the DVD.

I can not adjust the volume - when trying, the volume OSD indicates sound changes, but the output is the same (even when set to 0).

Tried using AC3 Filter, changing codec (MPA, PureVideo) and using both wave/master-out.

Searched the forums - but no luck.


Please help (my daughter, age 2 1/2, will be pissed when she tries to see Winnie the Pooh tomorrow).


Thankful for all help I can get.

 

[Taipan]

[I recently got myself Logitech Z-5500. These are connected using SPDIF (Coax). All is well (music, TV, movies) except the DVD.

I am surprised that the Mediaportal volume control works at all for you ...

It is my understanding that Mediaportal volume control does not / cannot change the volume of the digital audio stream that is sent via SPDIF - only the decoded analog audio volume can be changed.

Is my understanding incorrect?

 

[elorentz]

Basically it's like this

All streams that are passtrough (DTS, DD5.1 etc) you can not adjust the volume on, all other stream (Mp3,WMA etc) you can adjust volume on.

 

[joboehl]

That's exactly what you are going to have, independent of the SW.

When you passtrogh, there is no way for Windows to control the volume. The stream is just passed bit-by-bit to your receiver. Volume control needs to be done on the receiver.

Some audio cards re-encode not passtrough streams to PCM and redirect it to SPDIF. Since it's re-encoding it does have control over the sound volume.

There are some variations (some cards can encode everything to DD 5.1, but it's reencoding), but if you do have a passtrough (recommended for sound quality), you will not be able to control volume.

 

[Spragleknas]

Damn.. was afraid that this was the case. So no "workarounds"?

I think I am going to try to use a blaster to control the z-5500 volume level using and-81's MCE Replacement plugin.


Thanks for answering!

 

[Marcusb]

Since your remote has the capability to learn the volume controls for other hardware, if your new speakers have a remote control you can just learn the codes for volume up and down.
I have the same remote and the up/down buttons only control the TV speakers. Windows is always set for full volume.