Hisense AX5120G issue

[BrokenGlass41]

I bought a Hisense AX5120G soundbar with wireless satellites on sale recently, and it works great, except for the fact that when mono or stereo content is played, the sound is replicated by the rears. Because I watch a lot of older movies this does get really annoying. does anyone know how to turn this off?

[Geode]

Originally Posted by BrokenGlass41

I bought a Hisense AX5120G soundbar with wireless satellites on sale recently, and it works great, except for the fact that when mono or stereo content is played, the sound is replicated by the rears. Because I watch a lot of older movies this does get really annoying. does anyone know how to turn this off?

With the purchase of rear speakers for my Samsung soundbar (the SWA-9100S kit) I"m finding that the same thing occurs in my new combined system. The sound level in the rear speakers remains relatively low, but I wish it wasn't there at all. I have to decide whether or not this necessitates a request for warranty service. Actually I think if it is a fault, it is most likely in the soundbar which is long out of warranty. But perhaps this is an inherent occurrence, and then I will have to decide if it bothers me enough to return the rears within the available 30 day return window.

[BrokenGlass41]

Originally Posted by Geode

With the purchase of rear speakers for my Samsung soundbar (the SWA-9100S kit) I"m finding that the same thing occurs in my new combined system. The sound level in the rear speakers remains relatively low, but I wish it wasn't there at all. I have to decide whether or not this necessitates a request for warranty service. Actually I think if it is a fault, it is most likely in the soundbar which is long out of warranty. But perhaps this is an inherent occurrence, and then I will have to decide if it bothers me enough to return the rears within the available 30 day return window.

I’ve learned to ignore it now, but it can be annoying if I’m sitting right in front of the speakers (which I rarely am.) Sorry your system isn’t working—it happens to the best of us.

[Geode]

Originally Posted by BrokenGlass41

I’ve learned to ignore it now, but it can be annoying if I’m sitting right in front of the speakers (which I rarely am.) Sorry your system isn’t working—it happens to the best of us.

What concerns me most is whether or not there is a defect in my system or if this is normal functioning. The surrounds seem to be functioning more like the matrix method that I had using a quadraphonic receiver in the early 1970s that fed the same signal to the surround speakers, but boosted it when you were supposed to hear them. Many movies were mastered for Dolby Optical Stereo using a QS matrix for two tracks on the film, very similar to two tracks on vinyl records using the same encoding. I was using surround speakers for watching movies on laserdisc in 1981 using a QS decoder. But when I was using an AV receiver the discrete tracks meant silence in the rear speakers at times.

[BrokenGlass41]

Originally Posted by Geode

What concerns me most is whether or not there is a defect in my system or if this is normal functioning. The surrounds seem to be functioning more like the matrix method that I had using a quadraphonic receiver in the early 1970s that fed the same signal to the surround speakers, but boosted it when you were supposed to hear them. Many movies were mastered for Dolby Optical Stereo using a QS matrix for two tracks on the film, very similar to two tracks on vinyl records using the same encoding. I was using surround speakers for watching movies on laserdisc in 1981 using a QS decoder. But when I was using an AV receiver the discrete tracks meant silence in the rear speakers at times.

Same here. I’m just ignoring it because no one else seems to have the same model as I do.

[Geode]

Originally Posted by BrokenGlass41

Same here. I’m just ignoring it because no one else seems to have the same model as I do.

I discovered that selecting a different sound mode on the soundbar killed the signal to the rear speakers. When selecting "STANDARD" the rears went dead. I went to the manual for the soundbar which conformed that 2.0 signals would not be sent to the rear, but indicated that 5.1 and other signals would result in activity in the rear. This is not the case. The rears are dead with any source used when the setting "STANDARD" is used. But it also shows that 2.0 and up (7.1 etc.) will all translate to 9.1.2 in all other modes, SURROUND, GAME, and ADAPTIVE. It appears this is like my old quadraphonic receiver that created or faked rear channel information.

[BrokenGlass41]

Originally Posted by Geode

I discovered that selecting a different sound mode on the soundbar killed the signal to the rear speakers. When selecting "STANDARD" the rears went dead. I went to the manual for the soundbar which conformed that 2.0 signals would not be sent to the rear, but indicated that 5.1 and other signals would result in activity in the rear. This is not the case. The rears are dead with any source used when the setting "STANDARD" is used. But it also shows that 2.0 and up (7.1 etc.) will all translate to 9.1.2 in all other modes, SURROUND, GAME, and ADAPTIVE. It appears this is like my old quadraphonic receiver that created or faked rear channel information.

I’ve gotta try that now. Thanks x20! You’re a lifesaver!

[Geode]

Originally Posted by BrokenGlass41

I’ve gotta try that now. Thanks x20! You’re a lifesaver!

Actually you might have an option that I lack. From the manual for your soundbar:

Hi.JPG

My remote doesn't have a SURR button. That button also controls the volume level of those speakers.

In my case I would like to use the STANDARD mode since it would seem that it would use only discrete signals and not also derived ones. Perhaps updating my firmware would correct what currently seems a defect in getting the rear speakers to work with 5.1.2 mastered soundtracks.

[BrokenGlass41]

Originally Posted by Geode

Actually you might have an option that I lack. From the manual for your soundbar:

Attachment 305144

My remote doesn't have a SURR button. That button also controls the volume level of those speakers.

In my case I would like to use the STANDARD mode since it would seem that it would use only discrete signals and not also derived ones. Perhaps updating my firmware would correct what currently seems a defect in getting the rear speakers to work with 5.1.2 mastered soundtracks.

That button does one thing: Nothing. But the firmware thing looks like it might work for you.

[Geode]

Originally Posted by BrokenGlass41

That button does one thing: Nothing. But the firmware thing looks like it might work for you.

It sounds as if both our soundbars may have quirks not identified in the specifications listed in the user manuals. In my case things seem to be more complicated than indicated.

I just turned on my system to find that mono sources were again showing up in the rear channels even though I was still set at "STANDARD." I switched to another mode, and then back and the sound in the rears had disappeared, but showed up when I played ATMOS and 5.1 demo clips on YouTube. But the same clips played from my Blu-ray disc had no surround signal. This is the same for other discs as well. Perhaps I will next try using a direct HDMI from the player into the soundbar again.

But I'm concerned that setting to STANDARD does not always give the same results. I might need to attempt that firmware upgrade. However, I finally have gotten every promised sound delivery, but not consistently. But I think I've established that the new rear speaker kit operates as promised. Any problem I have is with the soundbar.

[BrokenGlass41]

Originally Posted by Geode

It sounds as if both our soundbars may have quirks not identified in the specifications listed in the user manuals. In my case things seem to be more complicated than indicated.

I just turned on my system to find that mono sources were again showing up in the rear channels even though I was still set at "STANDARD." I switched to another mode, and then back and the sound in the rears had disappeared, but showed up when I played ATMOS and 5.1 demo clips on YouTube. But the same clips played from my Blu-ray disc had no surround signal. This is the same for other discs as well. Perhaps I will next try using a direct HDMI from the player into the soundbar again.

But I'm concerned that setting to STANDARD does not always give the same results. I might need to attempt that firmware upgrade. However, I finally have gotten every promised sound delivery, but not consistently. But I think I've established that the new rear speaker kit operates as promised. Any problem I have is with the soundbar.

Is your bar attempting to upmix regular content to Dolby Atmos or DTS:X? That could be the problem, where it’s trying but seeing only one or two channels and trying to fix that, but having no other information. On the Samsung website it says this:

The Q900T automatically optimises sound to whatever you're watching so you get a true sound experience, just as it was intended.

[Geode]

Originally Posted by BrokenGlass41

Is your bar attempting to upmix regular content to Dolby Atmos or DTS:X? That could be the problem, where it’s trying but seeing only one or two channels and trying to fix that, but having no other information. On the Samsung website it says this:

I don't think Samsung is attempting an upmix to Dolby ATMOS or DTS-X. I think they employ what they term DSP (Digital Signal Processing) to create what they call Acoustic Beam Technology, but I don't think they apply this to the height channels. My current understanding is that phantom channels are created on each side of the center channel in front and the sampling of part of discrete channels is also used to mix in to create 9.1.2 from a 2.0, 5.1.2 or 7.1.2 signal in modes other than STANDARD, especially using ADAPTIVE. From exploded views Samsung has shown of the interior I only count 12 driven speakers and what look like three passive cone radiators. I don't care for this playing around with signals, especially since voice ends up in the surround channels. At the very least this should have been filtered out. I would prefer to hear only the real "intended" signals and therefore wish to get the STANDARD option working consistently.

"The Q900T automatically optimises sound to whatever you're watching so you get a true sound experience, just as it was intended."

This sounds like their claim for the ADAPTIVE sound mode. I don't think the manipulation in this and modes other that STANDARD creates what I think the intended true sound experience should be.

Here is a chart showing what I have been talking about. The Q900T couldn't do the rear ATMOS channels to achieve 7.1.4. The next bar released, the Q950T could do so since its rear speakers had added some upfiring drivers.

modes.JPG

[BrokenGlass41]

Originally Posted by Geode

I don't think Samsung is attempting an upmix to Dolby ATMOS or DTS-X. I think they employ what they term DSP (Digital Signal Processing) to create what they call Acoustic Beam Technology, but I don't think they apply this to the height channels. My current understanding is that phantom channels are created on each side of the center channel in front and the sampling of part of discrete channels is also used to mix in to create 9.1.2 from a 2.0, 5.1.2 or 7.1.2 signal in modes other than STANDARD, especially using ADAPTIVE. From exploded views Samsung has shown of the interior I only count 12 driven speakers and what look like three passive cone radiators. I don't care for this playing around with signals, especially since voice ends up in the surround channels. At the very least this should have been filtered out. I would prefer to hear only the real "intended" signals and therefore wish to get the STANDARD option working consistently.

"The Q900T automatically optimises sound to whatever you're watching so you get a true sound experience, just as it was intended."

This sounds like their claim for the ADAPTIVE sound mode. I don't think the manipulation in this and modes other that STANDARD creates what I think the intended true sound experience should be.

Here is a chart showing what I have been talking about. The Q900T couldn't do the rear ATMOS channels to achieve 7.1.4. The next bar released, the Q950T could do so since its rear speakers had added some upfiring drivers.

I contacted Hisense, but until they get back to me, I slammed together an ad hoc solution by rigging the subwoofer and rear surrounds to a cable with a power switch, so I can now switch them off when watching stereo or mono content. It’s not perfect, but it works. I hope you figure out a solution for your problem. มีวันที่ดี

[Geode]

Originally Posted by BrokenGlass41

I contacted Hisense, but until they get back to me, I slammed together an ad hoc solution by rigging the subwoofer and rear surrounds to a cable with a power switch, so I can now switch them off when watching stereo or mono content. It’s not perfect, but it works. I hope you figure out a solution for your problem. มีวันที่ดี

It appears that we both have found at least a temporary solution to the problem. I found another review of the Q950T that describes the same fault I am finding with my Q900T. He also found that switching to the Standard mode doesn't always work properly, and had to toggle into another mode and then back again to get it into that mode correctly. He stated that he didn't like STANDARD because it was "too directional"....yes, I think not bunching the discrete signals together would have that effect.

I wanted to try another option, an app from Samsung called SmartThings that provides additional control. I hate phone apps in general as I have had trouble getting a high percentage of them to work. This one will not let me sign in, and sometimes a message says my browser is incompatible, even tough it is one listed that will work. I also can't sign into it on my Samsung TV on which it came already installed.

I wish you a good day as well.

I'm finding your Hisense soundbar to be interesting. Unlike mine it came with the rear speakers included. Hisense has marketed TVs here in Thailand for years, but not their soundbars.

BTW, did you see that Studio Canal is going to release "The Third Man" in 4K UHD September 18th in France? This is significant for me because I consider it to be the best film ever made.

[BrokenGlass41]

Originally Posted by Geode

It appears that we both have found at least a temporary solution to the problem. I found another review of the Q950T that describes the same fault I am finding with my Q900T. He also found that switching to the Standard mode doesn't always work properly, and had to toggle into another mode and then back again to get it into that mode correctly. He stated that he didn't like STANDARD because it was "too directional"....yes, I think not bunching the discrete signals together would have that effect.

I wanted to try another option, an app from Samsung called SmartThings that provides additional control. I hate phone apps in general as I have had trouble getting a high percentage of them to work. This one will not let me sign in, and sometimes a message says my browser is incompatible, even tough it is one listed that will work. I also can't sign into it on my Samsung TV on which it came already installed.

I wish you a good day as well.

I'm finding your Hisense soundbar to be interesting. Unlike mine it came with the rear speakers included. Hisense has marketed TVs here in Thailand for years, but not their soundbars.

BTW, did you see that Studio Canal is going to release "The Third Man" in 4K UHD September 18th in France? This is significant for me because I consider it to be the best film ever made.

Thanks for all your help, it means a lot. Hopefully you’ll find some sort of solution yourself. And yes, I did see The Third Man announcement, but I didn’t see the release date. It’s one of my favorite films as well, so it’s definitely going on my calendar.

[suspiciouscoffee]

I have the same AX5120G and the same problem. I’ve tried every setting imaginable between my player, my TV, and the sound system. There is also no “Standard” EQ mode, and the modes it does have all have the issue. However, I’ve noticed the issue does NOT occur with lossless (or at least DTS-HD) 1.0 tracks, only 2.0 dual mono and lossy 1.0. I tested this with the brand new Arrow 4k of A Fistful of Dollars, lo and behold the sound was only coming from front and center. But just about every other mono track I’ve tested has at least some sound coming from the rears.

My best guess, which is not a very good one, is that 2.0 dual monos are being treated like matrixed stereo, but that leaves out the lossy 1.0 tracks (unless the thing interprets ac3 “Dolby Digital” to always be matrix stereo Dolby Surround, which may seem to be the case solely from the light display text but I don’t see how).

So, sorry to bump without having an answer, but I did think that was an interesting (albeit slightly more maddening) wrinkle.

[suspiciouscoffee]

OK, after spending a long time mixing and matching settings, I’ve discovered a workaround! I had to do two things on my player. I have a Sony X700 (HDMI out directly into soundbar so no ARC) so your mileage may vary, but here’s what worked:

1. Set audio output to PCM rather than Bitstream (or Auto)
2. Perhaps counterintuitive, but enable DTS Neo:6. I assumed this steer things harder in the surrounds since it’s an upmixer, but it instead kept everything upfront.

I tested these settings with a few discs, including classic Doctor Who episodes with DTS-HD 2.0 mono and The Exorcist 4K’s theatrical mono (another DTS-HD 2.0 mono). I stood next to my rear speakers and sure enough, there was no sound. The surrounds were also much more balanced for matrix stereo tracks (The Transformers: The Movie 2.0, again DTS-HD) and sounded less like everything was just copied around.

This did have the effect of making everything display on the soundbar’s LED face as “Dolby Surround,” but it all sounded good enough to my ears for me to accept it for now.

UPDATE: Still seems to struggle with lossy DD 1.0, but otherwise still good.