HDMI 1.4 Audio Return Channel, with 2010 Panasonics.

[Odin75]

Hi guys, I was just wondering if anyone had a chance to test this at home yet, or at least explain to me in detail how it works.

I hear the 2010 Panasonics have a HDMI 1.4 port, so I wonder:
Can you use one, or maybe 2, HDMI cables to take advantage of this ARC feature (without a HDMI 1.4 receiver)?

I ask this, because the 2009 Panasonics only supported stereo with over-the-air signals. Or perhaps the 2010 models finally support DD & DTS over Optical?

Basically, all I want is to get 5.1 audio from over-the-air shows without having to download HDTV rips.

Thanks.

[raygendreau]

Originally Posted by Odin75

Hi guys, I was just wondering if anyone had a chance to test this at home yet, or at least explain to me in detail how it works.

I hear the 2010 Panasonics have a HDMI 1.4 port, so I wonder:
Can you use one, or maybe 2, HDMI cables to take advantage of this ARC feature (without a HDMI 1.4 receiver)?

I ask this, because the 2009 Panasonics only supported stereo with over-the-air signals. Or perhaps the 2010 models finally support DD & DTS over Optical?

Basically, all I want is to get 5.1 audio from over-the-air shows without having to download HDTV rips.

Thanks.

This is how it works:

http://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/hdmi_1_4/arc.aspx

HDMI 1.4 cable is not required. ARC enabled components such as the Panasonic 50" 3D Plasma TV are required.

[Steve]

I've also seen reports that alot of the upcoming 3D blu-ray players will feature dual HDMI outputs. One will be HDMI 1.4 for running 1080p 3D video to your 3D TV, and the other will be HDMI 1.3 for running lossless audio to your AV receiver. This is a great work around for people who don't want or can't afford to replace their AV receiver.

[Chris7277]

That is the big hang up for me. I wont jump into 3d until they get dual hdmi bluray players.

[Odin75]

Guys, I'm not asking about 3D, I'm asking about Audio Return Channel on Panasonics 2010 tvs.

raygendreau: I've already read that, but it doesn't tell me what I need.

Basically, lets pretend I buy a Panasonic G25 right now, and pair it with my Onkyo TX-SR606. Will I finally get 5.1 audio?

I'm more interested on people that have actually tried it, or at least direct to a link where I can see a demonstration. We all know that sometimes things just don't work how they are theoretically suppose to.

[raygendreau]

Originally Posted by Odin75

Guys, I'm not asking about 3D, I'm asking about Audio Return Channel on Panasonics 2010 tvs.

raygendreau: I've already read that, but it doesn't tell me what I need.

Basically, lets pretend I buy a Panasonic G25 right now, and pair it with my Onkyo TX-SR606. Will I finally get 5.1 audio?

I'm more interested on people that have actually tried it, or at least direct to a link where I can see a demonstration. We all know that sometimes things just don't work how they are theoretically suppose to.

ODIN75 I understand your interest in empirical evidence, but audio return capable receivers are just now becoming available. The Onkyo TX-SR608 is one of them. Since your 606 is equipped with HDMI 1.3a, it will not be able to accept the return audio from an ARC capable TV via HDMI. See list:

http://www.google.com/products?q=aud...ed=0CCAQrQQwAg

You will still have to use the optical output from your TV to get Dolby 5.1 audio with your current receiver.

[danfaz]

Originally Posted by Odin75

Basically, all I want is to get 5.1 audio from over-the-air shows without having to download HDTV rips.

You should be able to get DD 5.1 (assuming the channel is broadcasting it) with any S/PDIF audio connection.

I use the coax digital out from my TV to the receiver.

Using an ARC via HDMI1.4 will not give you any better audio, it's just one less cable.

[Odin75]

It's suppose to, but it only gives me Dolby Stereo. I've read that all 2009 Panasonics don't support more then Stereo over Optical. However, I'm not sure.

I just know, that when I download TV rips of shows like Heroes, or Fringe, they always come with 5.1 Dolby Digital. But, when I watch the show live, it only gave me Dolby Stereo.

Are those people getting the show from a source other than over-the air, or are they recording it inside a computer to preserve the original audio?

If I have to choose, I'll continue choosing 720p with 5.1 audio, instead of 1080i with Stereo audio.

Thanks!

[raygendreau]

Originally Posted by Odin75

It's suppose to, but it only gives me Dolby Stereo. I've read that all 2009 Panasonics don't support more then Stereo over Optical. However, I'm not sure.

I just know, that when I download TV rips of shows like Heroes, or Fringe, they always come with 5.1 Dolby Digital. But, when I watch the show live, it only gave me Dolby Stereo.

Are those people getting the show from a source other than over-the air, or are they recording it inside a computer to preserve the original audio?

If I have to choose, I'll continue choosing 720p with 5.1 audio, instead of 1080i with Stereo audio.

Thanks!

Now I understand your issue. In my case, I use the internal ATSC tuner in my Samsung UN40B6000 to receive over the air (antenna) digital HD transmissions. I use the optical out jack from the TV to optical in on my Sony STRDG720 7.1 rcvr. When a program is broadcasting a Dolby 5.1 audio signal it is indicated on my receiver with the notation Dolby 3/2.1 (5.1).

Your Panasonic should be sending bitstream when the program is available in Dolby 5.1 From a Crutchfield writeup on your plasma:

"Digital Audio Out: The rear-panel optical digital output allows you to send a Dolby Digital bit stream to a Dolby Digital receiver or decoder. If the program doesn't include a Dolby Digital soundtrack, a 2-channel PCM bit stream is output"

When programs are broadcast in Dolby 5.1 it is usually indicated in a disclaimer at the beginning of the program " broadcast in Dolby Digital 5.1 where available" the caveat being "where available". Here in Southern California, I am currently watching Ghost Whisperer in 5.1.

Could you possibly have a setup issue with your Onkyo? Is Digital Input set to Auto? See page 50 of the rcvr manual:

http://a248.e.akamai.net/pix.crutchf...580TXS606B.PDF

[BIslander]

Originally Posted by Odin75

I ask this, because the 2009 Panasonics only supported stereo with over-the-air signals.

I do not believe that is correct. Digital sets are required to support DD 5.1 output from their own internal tuners. It's the only way people using antennas for reception can get encoded surround sound.

Why do you say 2009 Panasonics only feed stereo from OTA sources that have DD 5.1 soundtracks?

Also, are you using an off antenna for reception? Most TVs only pass DD 5.1 from their own internal tuners. If you have a set to box attached to your set using HDMI and try to run audio out from the TV to your receiver, you will almost cerftainly get stereo. Very few sets pass DD 5.1 that way.

[Odin75]

Originally Posted by BIslander

I do not believe that is correct. Digital sets are required to support DD 5.1 output from their own internal tuners. It's the only way people using antennas for reception can get encoded surround sound.

Why do you say 2009 Panasonics only feed stereo from OTA sources that have DD 5.1 soundtracks?

Also, are you using an off antenna for reception? Most TVs only pass DD 5.1 from their own internal tuners. If you have a set to box attached to your set using HDMI and try to run audio out from the TV to your receiver, you will almost cerftainly get stereo. Very few sets pass DD 5.1 that way.

I'm using a powered antenna.
And I was asking, because I've read in other forums people complaining about the same thing, that they only get stereo in Panasonics using Optical.

I know Fringe and Heroes is 5.1, so I don't know why it never gave me more than Dolby Stereo. I also tried lots of shows, including Legend of the Seeker, and Ghost Whisperer. Nothing.

And yes, my receiver is set up correctly. It automatically recognizes all signals, it just never did it for signals coming from the Tv.

Can anyone here with a Panasonic 2009 model confirm that they get 5.1 from HD shows? And if so, what show, what tv model, and where do you live?

Thanks.

[BIslander]

I have an older Panasonic plasma that properly outputs DD 5.1 from its internal tuners - both off air and QAM.

Have you called Panasonic customer support about this? They should know if this is a known problem with the 2009 model sets.

[Odin75]

Originally Posted by BIslander

I have an older Panasonic plasma that properly outputs DD 5.1 from its internal tuners - both off air and QAM.

Have you called Panasonic customer support about this? They should know if this is a known problem with the 2009 model sets.

No, I never called. The S1 that had this problem is already returned (another reason). However, I'll be getting another Panasonic plasma next week. Lets hope that one gives me 5.1.

[Chindogu]

Right now I am watching my Panasonic V10, with a homemade antenna hooked up, and I'm receiving OTA HD. My receiver, a Sony STR-DG920, is connected to the V10 via an optical cable. The receiver is decoding the audio as Dolby Digital 5.1.

So I guess there's something funky with your antenna, TV, or receiver. I don't see why the S1 would be any different than the V10 in regard to OTA signals.