921 Optical Out & Non-DD Q?

[Mark_AR]

I just switched out my ANALOG L-R audio outputs to an optical TOS-Link cable on the back of the 921.

I am impressed with the difference optical makes, BUT....

I switched to any one of a number of AUDIO ONLY channels - NO SOUND OUTPUT

I switched to several other channels that didn't have dolby digital(DD) in the Info screen - NO SOUND OUTPUT

I switched back to any channel that had DD and the sound came back. BTW, The Matrix kix serious ass in DD & optical!

So is it me, or is there a problem with the optical out on Non-DD programs?

Is this normal?

How do I work around this without going back to ANALOG L-R?

Do I have to connect BOTH?

The sacrifices we make to be on the BLEEDING edge....

 

[SimpleSimon]

Menu-4-4. Help.

When you're done kicking yourself around the room (or kicking me if I'm wrong ), remember that not all Dolby 5.1 from any source (sat, DVD, whatever) will be better than analog stereo - audio editors get drunk and lazy a lot more often than they should. If the 5.1 sounds bad, try playing with your stereo's virtual or simulated settings - you may be pleasantly surprised.

 

[Mark_AR]

Menu-4-4. Help.

Well that was enough to do it. I had it set for DD only.

As soon as I switched to to DD&PCM the optical out worked on all channels.

I also hooked up the ANALOG L-R to another input so I could hear side-by-side comparison.

In DD broadcasts, the optical kicks. There is a lot more sound seperation between channels and the highs seem crisper.

In non-DD broadcasts, I can't distinguish the difference either way.

As for experimenting with receiver setting, I have a few favorite modes. My receiver auto selects the optimal settings most times and does a fairly good job at it.

Thanks for the 411 or 4-4 as it were.