Hi.
I have a small issue / question regarding the Mini2.

My amp has optical and HDMI inputs. However, it doesn't support the latest HD audio codecs (Dolby True HD, DTS HD-MA). When playing back blu-rays with my PS3, it's not an issue as I have set the audio output to be multichannel PCM audio (so PS3 does the decoding, sending the decoded PCM stream to the amp over HDMI).

Seeing the Multichannel PCM option in the Mini2, I was hoping for the same thing, however, alas, it doesn't: I only seem to get a 2ch PCM downmix. If I set it to just PCM, I get the same thing. Shouldn't the Mini2 do the decoding and output multichannel PCM sound? Or is that something the box can't do? If it cannot do it, what's the meaning of multichannel PCM audio if I only get 2ch out of it?

As a workaround, I was hoping the optical would work. Of course, you don't get the bandwidth of full HD audio through the optical connector, but I was expecting to get the "core" DTS soundtrack for example (the 1.5Mbps element), but there again, I don't. I only get 2ch PCM stereo downmix.

So I'm hoping both cases are bugs that will be fixed soon. Can anyone shed any light on this?

Thanks!

edit: using 5440 firmware. Just saw the new v9.5.5.r6629 version. Will give that a go, just painfully slow downloading at 30kB/s...

Edit2: Just tried with the new 6629 firmware, same problem.
Multi-ch LPCM in the HDMI only appears if I have bitstream set up for the SPDIF. Switching the HDMI output mode to bitstream works with non-HD audio codecs (which my amp decodes). But the multi-ch LPCM only gives me 2ch

Hi,

basically you gave the answer yourself already, the mini2 can only 'passthrough' those surround signals. LPCM Multichannel for example is needed for AAC or FLAC surround files which are not passthrough formats. So yes in lpcm-multichannel those dts/dd formats will be downmixed as well as in LPCM.
For optical counts the same - optical can only passthrough those signals and because of bandwith limitation it will downmix dts-hd to stereo instead of outputting the core 5.1 dts stream. We do agree here that it 'should' output 5.1 Core but this is not possible due to the SDK limitations.

I don't know if this ever will be possible but for now it's like it is. Sorry but you will have to live with those limitations for now.


best regards,

Thanks Arne.

I have the same problem.

With DivX and XVid AC3 files (.avi) i have to change my HDMI audio setting to passthrough and my Onkyo amp then "sees" the Dolby Digital stream. For AAC (.mp4 and .mkv) files i leave it on LPCM multi channel (letting the POHD Mini 2 do the audio decoding).

A pain in the backside having to swap and change every time i know - but it works for me.

Any chance of getting this changed? Maybe an option when you press the audio key on the remote?

On the latest firmware you can press 'menu' while watching a movie and than choose audio settings to change this setting on-the-fly without having to enter setup menu first.


best regards,

Thanks Arne - works a treat and makes it much less hassle!!