AC3 - SPDIF audio dropping out.

[Folkboat]

Decided to hook up my SPDIF output using AC3.
Unfortunatly the audio "drops out" intermittently. It drops out whilst playing HD based DVD'S and also when playing recorded TV.

Anyone have similar problems - ideas???

Thanks

SageTV 6.3.5.159
SageMC 6.3.6b
Java 1.6.0_03

[bbig119]

Originally Posted by Folkboat

Decided to hook up my SPDIF output using AC3.
Unfortunatly the audio "drops out" intermittently. It drops out whilst playing HD based DVD'S and also when playing recorded TV.

Anyone have similar problems - ideas???

Thanks

SageTV 6.3.5.159
SageMC 6.3.6b
Java 1.6.0_03

I have a similar problem, although its associated with video slowing and frame skipping. During these intermittent periods, my receiver will flash back and forth between dolby digital and pro logic several times a second. After some period of time or if I stop and start video playback, it will often resume normal playback with dolby digital. I've noticed this on new and old recordings(ones that played back fine), but haven't seen it with livetv in sage- yet.

For completeness, I've got an intel E4500, gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L which I'm using the onboard realtek chip, ati 3850 and 2 gig of ram. Currently I'm using Vista and given the problems am inclined to see if XP might fix the problems as I didn't have this issue before I upgraded components and OS.

[Folkboat]

Having spent quit a bit of time searching the net, it seems as though this AC3/SPDIF "audio drop-out" is not all that common. Clearly this creates a lack of interest from the HTPC community.

I might try dowloading a trial version of NVIDIA's decoder and use it in place of the AC3 decoder. Other than that I'm not sure what's left to try!!

The difference in overall sound quality/dispersion with Dolby Digital 5.1 compared to analogue 2ch stereo is astonishing!! DUH!!!

I am running WinXP Pro SP2.

Hopefully someone can suggest something that I can try!!!

Thanks

[megamojo]

What are you currently using to decode the AC3? I would suggest AC3filter; it works great for me and many others and is extremely configurable.

[Folkboat]

Using AC3filter!!

Indeed plenty of options.