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View Full Version : Audio questions (mixing HDMI and optical, confusion over Sony's "Auto Format Direct Standard Mode")


petethebohemian
12-26-2009, 12:55 PM
At first, I connected my 360 and PS3 using HDMI cables to my 46 inch Sony Bravia (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-BRAVIA-KDL-46Z5100-46-Inch-1080p/dp/B0020NITOO), and from there, I connected my HDTV to my receiver (http://reviews.cnet.com/home-theater-systems/sony-dav-fx900w/4505-6740_7-31789612.html) using an optical audio cable. Then, I set my 360 to output Dolby Digital 5.1. When I tested out the new set up however, I didn't hear anything coming out of the 2 rear speakers when I set the receiver to "Auto Format Direct Standard," which, the manual says, ""automatically detects the type of audio signal being input (Dolby Digital, DTS, or standard 2 channel stereo) and performs the proper decoding if necessary."

I did some research and found that, for audio, it is better to go straight from the device/player to the receiver, since 5.1 audio most of the time won't be transferred through the HDTV. Following this advice, I bought a 360 audio adapter which allows me to connect my 360 to my HDTV using HDMI and to my receiver using an optical audio cable. However, audio still isn't coming out the 2 rear speakers. Am I misinterpreting what "Auto Format Direct Standard" does or have I set up my home theater incorrectly?

Also, my receiver only has one optical audio input. Any recommendations for an optical audio switch so I can connect my PS3 to my receiver also? That way, I don't have to keep pulling the optical audio cable in and out of my 360 and PS3, which can't be good for the 360, PS3, or the wire.

EDIT: For more info, here's a link (http://www.sonystyle.com/wcsstore/SonyStyleStorefrontAssetStore/pdf/DAVFX900W.pdf) the manual of my receiver. The info. on the different modes is on page 37. Maybe I misread or misunderstood some of the options.

tehboris
12-26-2009, 02:10 PM
Did you set the Xbox to 5.1? Is it only the Xbox that does this?

petethebohemian
12-26-2009, 02:43 PM
Yeah, I did set the 360 to output Dolby Digital 5.1 and no it's not just my 360. When I set it to other modes, all 5 speakers work, but I assume it's just simulating surround sound and not actually giving me the the true 5.1 surround sound because of the description of the other modes.

nav13eh
12-30-2009, 02:18 AM
Try running a surround DVD on the Xbox and on a dedicated DVD player to see what your results are.