One for the TV techies.

Heddy · 22nd November 2013, 18:43

Hi, just got a cheap surround sound for the tv. It's fine playing dvd's but no surround sound from normal tv channels. It's linked to the tv with an hdmi cable, and also (trying to make it work) an optical cable too. Is it that surround sound isn't available in the broadcast? I just want to improve the sound from my tv. The tv is a Panasonic Viera and the surround sound is a Panasonic too. A PVR is used too but connected to tv through a scart lead. Any advice/help much appreciated, so frustrating when you don't know what you're doing

RovernearDover · 22nd November 2013, 18:56

As far as I'm aware, only Sky offer surround sound (and that's only on their movie package). Normal freeview only offers stereo sound. Not sure about freeview HD though.

Steve916 · 22nd November 2013, 18:58

I have a Panasonic Viera too and it's connected to my 5.1 sony amp. The Hd channels sometimes transmit in full 5.1 surround, but the normal channels don't.
My amp is set to give a forced imitation surround sound, so all the speakers are used, but it's nowhere near the same as full 5.1 DTS surround.

sworks · 22nd November 2013, 19:12

That's handy to know, I was looking at either a sound bar or 5.1 with an amp

Heddy · 22nd November 2013, 20:16

Ah, not going mad then. May just use the headphone socket and a couple of phonos then, thanks for the replies.

coolcat · 22nd November 2013, 21:43

Most programme material if not in Dolby Digital is still broadcast in Dolby Pro Logic Surround.
Check the specs of your sound system that it can decode Pro Logic as well as Dolby Digital, Dts etc.
If it can then make sure your Tv settings are correct for outputting Pro Logic on the Tv.
You may be able to change between bitstream or Pcm for instance

22nd November 2013, 18:43	#1
Heddy This is my second home None Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: None Posts: 5,556 Thanks: 465 Thanked 1,161 Times in 924 Posts	One for the TV techies. Hi, just got a cheap surround sound for the tv. It's fine playing dvd's but no surround sound from normal tv channels. It's linked to the tv with an hdmi cable, and also (trying to make it work) an optical cable too. Is it that surround sound isn't available in the broadcast? I just want to improve the sound from my tv. The tv is a Panasonic Viera and the surround sound is a Panasonic too. A PVR is used too but connected to tv through a scart lead. Any advice/help much appreciated, so frustrating when you don't know what you're doing

22nd November 2013, 18:56	#2
RovernearDover Gets stuck in Mk2 Rover 75 Connoiseur CDTi Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Deal Posts: 618 Thanks: 139 Thanked 46 Times in 43 Posts	As far as I'm aware, only Sky offer surround sound (and that's only on their movie package). Normal freeview only offers stereo sound. Not sure about freeview HD though. __________________ http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0f83d4ed.jpg 2005 55 Connie SE 2.5 Auto

22nd November 2013, 18:58	#3
Steve916 This is my second home Rover 75 1.8 Connoisseur SE and a Ford S-Max Titanium Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Huntingdon Posts: 3,756 Thanks: 70 Thanked 31 Times in 27 Posts	I have a Panasonic Viera too and it's connected to my 5.1 sony amp. The Hd channels sometimes transmit in full 5.1 surround, but the normal channels don't. My amp is set to give a forced imitation surround sound, so all the speakers are used, but it's nowhere near the same as full 5.1 DTS surround. __________________ Mods so far: Plenums, bonnet release mod, handbrake compensator (arctic), rear parking sensors, coolant level sensor (Vindaloo), DRL's, Fan resistor upgrade ( Jules), Marmite lighting, Auto dimming rear view mirror, twin horns, fog lights, real walnut dash, walnut gear knob, Sean DD unit with DVB-T, message centre ipk, electric sun blind, auto opening boot lid, walnut steering wheel, electric seats Link to my Auto Boot Lift Mod http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...d.php?t=114273

22nd November 2013, 19:12	#4
sworks This is my second home Rover 75 Tourer, Classic mini Cooper S, Abarth 595 competizione, MG TF and a Hyundai Tucson PHEV Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cumbria Posts: 13,082 Thanks: 1,033 Thanked 1,686 Times in 1,040 Posts	That's handy to know, I was looking at either a sound bar or 5.1 with an amp __________________ ................................................. 'Marmite' Possibly one of the most famous 75 tourers produced! left the production line as the last of only Three Rover 75 tourers produced in Trophy Yellow. 48 hours later Longbridge closed. The last sold ordered 75 Tourer. Paid for by the Phoenix Four and handed over by John Towers to the Warwickshire Northampton Air ambulance service as a Rapid Response vehicle

22nd November 2013, 21:43	#6
coolcat This is my second home Audi Q3 TDI S-Line Quattro Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Clacton On Sea/On the boat somewhere Posts: 51,332 Thanks: 9,890 Thanked 12,235 Times in 8,232 Posts	Most programme material if not in Dolby Digital is still broadcast in Dolby Pro Logic Surround. Check the specs of your sound system that it can decode Pro Logic as well as Dolby Digital, Dts etc. If it can then make sure your Tv settings are correct for outputting Pro Logic on the Tv. You may be able to change between bitstream or Pcm for instance __________________ Jeff.

22nd November 2013, 20:16	#5
Heddy This is my second home None Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: None Posts: 5,556 Thanks: 465 Thanked 1,161 Times in 924 Posts	Ah, not going mad then. May just use the headphone socket and a couple of phonos then, thanks for the replies.