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Just got Verizon FIOS service. I have a 2 channel setup only. When I set the stb digital audio output to two channel (as opposed to mono or surround choices), my Benchmark DAC1 will not accept the signal.
By experimentation, I "solved" the problem by running the toslink cable from the tv's digital output to the Benchmark. It works. the stb feeds the tv by HDMI cable.
Anyone else have this problem? If the stb has an audio output format choice then why wouldn't the Benchmark accept it directly?
Any ideas? Paging Joe Murphy Jr.
Follow Ups:
Kal pretty much answered it.
You need to check the menu in the Verizon box for an option to select Dolby Digital or PCM as the output: select PCM. The box will convert the signal (if needed) to 2-channel as you have chosen, but will then also convert that bitstream signal into PCM (D-A converters only understand PCM). The display you are using no doubt has the digital output set to PCM, which it converts to from the bitstream output of the Motorola box. That's why the DAC works when you go that route.
Now, hopefully you have a menu option to do this. A few years back someone posted a similar question about their Motorola box. After reading the PDF for the unit, it was revealed that the dumbasses at Motorola did not include this option on the converter box in question!
It is possible that the QIP output is DolbyDigital which is not acceptable to most audiophile DACs and the output of the TV might be plain S/PDIF (PCM).
Hi Kal:
I'm in a rural area that only allows me 1.5 megs Internet download speed, which is too slow to stream movies to my television. What is the minimum speed I need for hi def movies? My research on this question has turned up a basket of conflicting information. (I'm getting answers that stem from 6-10 megs.) I ask because I'm considering a satellite feed for my internet that promises 10 megs for $58 per month. Do you know if there are any drawbacks to using a satellite feed as opposed to land line?
Satellite feeds usually have problems when the weather is bad. Other than that, quality is about the same as a cable feed.
Do you have access to a cable feed? If so, that may be a better option for you. If not, try out a satellite feed. They usually give you a few weeks to drop service without a penalty if the quality doesn't cut it for you, but ask first.
If you're in an area that's far from a telephone company's CO, there's little hope in streaming past SD. And even then you're likely to have problems. What you'd need is a DSLAM in the area to get you decent DSL speeds (a CO feed won't cut it). You might ask if there are any plans to put fiber in your area.
"Satellite feeds usually have problems when the weather is bad."
Yes, I'm aware of the occasional thunderstorm interruption. We've been DISH customers for 14 years.
"Do you have access to a cable feed?"
No. We are too rural.
"If you're in an area that's far from a telephone company's CO…"
Therein lies my problem. Ours is "the farthest house from the CO," according to Frontier's GM and he assures me fiber optic cable (for our area) is not going to happen in my/his lifetime. So satellite is my only option, but even then I'm not certain it will provide enough speed for high def movies. The satellite promo promises "up to 10 megs," which leaves them some wiggle room.
Thanks.
Kal,
What puzzles me is that this box has a menu choice for the digital audio output (mono, stereo, surround) and I set it correctly to stereo; and yet the Benchmark does not accept it. Strange.
Thanks to Kal and Joe for their helpful remarks. I think Motorola and Verizon need to correct this menu gaffe. Not all home theater is surround. I'd bet there's plenty of two channel film/tv out there; especially in the audiophile community.
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