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New Contributor
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Contour Digital Output Settings
The Contour DVR includes options for digital output (Settings/Audio & video/Digital Output) - they are Pulse Code Modulated (PCM) and Dolby Digital (AC3). The volume of the Dolby Digital signal is _much_ lower than for the PCM signal - I have to increase the TV volume significantly in order to listen to the TV program when the Dolby digital option is selected. If I route the Video/Audio signals via my Receiver (AVR), again the volume of the Dolby Digital signal is much lower - I have to increase the receiver volume to hear the signal. (Dolby Digital makes more sense when I am using my AVR - since the AVR decodes the bitstream and has many more sound field options - the PCM signal from the DVR appears to be just a 2.0 stereo signal.)
I just don't understand by the Dolby signal volume is so much less than the PCM signal. Has anyone else run into this? Anyone understand what is happening? Cox support - is this normal behavior from the DVR?
David
Tecknowhelp
Valued Contributor II
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Which DVR do you have? Have you tried changing the audio output from variable to fixed?
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AllenP
+4 more
Valued Contributor
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Hamster, you are correct, PCM only outputs 2 channel while DD is 5.1 or greater. I think the apparent difference in volume level is because Dolby Digital has a much wider dynamic range. I have noticed this too. I have my Contour box set for DD output but SD channels broadcasting in 2 channel appear louder then the same channel in HD broadcasting DD. I find DD produces a more natural sound, softer is softer, with stereo I don't find those normal volume changes.
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HamsterDR
New Contributor
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Yep, makes no difference. This setting only applies if you have the remote programmed to control AVR volume.
David
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HamsterDR
New Contributor
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Thanks. I have figured out that the regular HD channels are broadcasting stereo at best. I'm watching the Broncos game from yesterday that I recorded - and my receiver shows Dolby Digital 5.0 (the surround channels are supposed to be active, but I hear nothing - and very little from the front speakers - and no sub channel - everything is coming from the center channel. I think HBO is actually broadcasting "real" Dolby PL ii signals, and HBO movies do sound better. Basically, I can't see any value to using the AVR for normal channels from the DVR - I might as well just pass the signal directly to the TV.
David
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