V+ to 5.1

aohna · 12-04-2007, 21:21

hello members, could anybody enlighten me on connecting 5.1 home cinema system to my V+ installed last week. The VM-tech said at present V+ is not compatable but are currently working with software to address this issue. Although convincing I had a small doubt as the system was not VM property and therefore requesting additions to a V+ installion. The TV is HD, linked to V+ via HDMI cable but the home cinema is not until I upgrade. I apologise if this question has been raised before (new member)

Wedgeh · 13-04-2007, 07:04

I have my V+ hooked up to a 5.1 system via the optical output, you may need to enable the 'hdmi audio override' in the settings to get it to work correctly. There isn't a lot of content carrying a surround sound signal, but it works fine.

**David F** · 13-04-2007, 07:10

I must say the sound is markedly better through optical also a lot clearer

joglynne · 13-04-2007, 07:14

This is a link to the dolby 5.1 thread. Hope it's of some use.http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/10...ight=dolby+5.1

**David F** · 13-04-2007, 07:22

here is a link to an even earlier thread

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/10...und-sound.html

joglynne · 13-04-2007, 07:51

zinglebarb, I take it that it is only the V+ that supports 5.1?

Tod · 13-04-2007, 08:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by joglynne

zinglebarb, I take it that it is only the V+ that supports 5.1?

Yes it is

joglynne · 13-04-2007, 08:10

Thanks Tod.

aohna · 13-04-2007, 12:14

Thanks to all for your feedback,I must get to grips with finding archive material. Though I have not tested the use of optical yet, and assuming this meets my needs is there such a device as a optical splitter because I currently use the optical source to power a DAB tuner?

deek72 · 13-04-2007, 15:34

Here> I've got one of these linking both my 360 and DVD player into the same input on my amp. Works fine.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BRAND-NEW-HIGH...QQcmdZViewItem

Nikesh · 13-04-2007, 15:42

I have just a standard V Box (Samsung SMT-2110C) and I have it connected to my 5.1 system via the coaxial port. Even though I don't get surround sound I find it sounds better.

Alien · 13-04-2007, 18:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by aohna

The VM-tech said at present V+ is not compatable but are currently working with software to address this issue.

Some VM-techs know their stuff, like the guy who installed my V+ yesterday. However, some of them, like the idiot who installed my old Pace box, are useless.

Quote:

Originally Posted by zinglebarb

I must say the sound is markedly better through optical also a lot clearer

I have to agree with you there, the difference is definitely noticeable.

joglynne · 13-04-2007, 18:19

I know that they are but, Virgin web site still says that STBs are not 5.1 compatible. No mention of the V+.

Quote:

What are the sound options on the set top box?

All set top boxes output a standard stereo 2–channel audio that is Dolby pro logic compatible. Dolby 5.1 is not available as unfortunately, we are technically unable to support it on our STBs

Should we save Virgin some money on research, or have I got the wrong end of the stick?

Alien · 13-04-2007, 18:41

I know some people have said not everything on BBC HD is in 5.1, & when I checked the trailer bit they show yesterday it certainly wasn't in 5.1. I'm gonna watch that Superstorm thing on Sunday, maybe that might be. As I see it there's 3 possibilities:
1. They don't do 5.1 at all.

2. They do it for some stuff, but the signal doesn't carry the proper 5.1 flag which allows surround receivers like my Marantz to switch to the correct mode automatically.
3. They do it for some stuff & do include the proper 5.1 flag, in which case when I watch something that is in 5.1 my Marantz will switch into DD 5.1 mode automatically.

When I learn anything more I'll post my results. I've also just set it to record that Planet Earth series for me, so I'll see what happens when I watch it later.

spiderplant · 13-04-2007, 18:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by joglynne

I know that they are but, Virgin web site still says that STBs are not 5.1 compatible. No mention of the V+.

<snip>

Was that from the TV FAQ? It seems to be an old Telewest document that's hideously out of date (or just plain wrong). I've been trying to find someone to fix it but no success so far.

The V+ outputs 5.1 whenever it is being broadcast (currently only on BBC HD and some HD VOD content). The Samsung 2110 is capable of outputting 5.1, but because there is no 5.1 on any of the SD broadcasts you won't get it at the moment.