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DTS .wav -> S/PDIF - Can't make it work

Posted: 08 Jun 2011 23:46
by PhilUsher
Hi,

VLC version 1.1.10 + Windows 7 x64 Ultimate

I searched and read all the previous messages about sending DTS .wav content out the SPDIF connection and can't seem to find how to pass the digital audio to my Yamaha RX-V1 for external decoding.

I have at various stages of testing produced:
  • Firstly in the windows sound I have been able to send the DTS test audio to the Yamaha and it decoded correctly.
    When presented with a DTS .wav file VLC will play it offering 5.1, Stereo & Mono options. No SPDIF.
    I have the advanced setting "Use SPDIF when available" checked.
    I have also attempted various Output modules some of which caused the Yahama to rapidly cycle from DTS to PCM without playing audio.
    I have physically tried to set the Output frequency to 48,000hz which yeilds the A/52 over S/PDIF option - but again no sound.
    I tried inserting a Sound Blaster soundcard to validate there wasn't something amiss with the hardware - same results.
    I tried an alternative computer with the same results.
    I verified the dts wav data is OK by burning a CD and playing the CD through an LG BluRay player.
    VLC will also decode the DTS wav file output via computer connected speakers (correctly delivering multiple channels).
    When (afore mentioned) DTS CD was presented to VLC the same problem - can't send the unfettered digital signal to the Optical out.
So, where do I go from here?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Re: DTS .wav -> S/PDIF - Can't make it work

Posted: 09 Jun 2011 17:51
by Jean-Baptiste Kempf
Try the Waveout output module in preferences.

Re: DTS .wav -> S/PDIF - Can't make it work

Posted: 10 Jun 2011 01:33
by PhilUsher
Try the Waveout output module in preferences.
Thanks for the response. I reset all preferences.

Then changed Preferences/Audio/Output/Output Mode to Win32 waveOut extension output.
==> Playing DTS-.wav file did not offer A/52 over S/PDIF option. Ampifier received PCM w/o DTS encoding and played Stereo output.

Then I changed Preferences/Show All/Audio/Audio Output Frequency (Hz) from -1 to 48000.
==> Playing DTS.wav automatically selected A/52 over S/PDIF. Amplifier selected DTS Digital but it wasn't stable cycling to PCM frequently (but not continuously) - No audio was produced.

Any further suggestions welcome?

Re: DTS .wav -> S/PDIF - Can't make it work

Posted: 11 Jun 2011 23:41
by PhilUsher
For those who maybe following this thread and wondering about the progress. Here is where I am at.

Foobar2000 + WASAPI add-on component will pass a DTS encoded WAV file to the S/PDIF output and my Yamaha receiver will decode it.

This solves the immediate problem but still leaves the question open - how does one make VLC pass DTS encoded .WAV directly to the S/PDIF - I would still like to make VLC work.

Re: DTS .wav -> S/PDIF - Can't make it work

Posted: 20 Jun 2011 13:26
by Uthacalthing
Hi there,

I've been grappling with the same problem for a few days now - trying to play 6-channel DTS WAV files using SPDIF passthru.

My setup: Audiotrak Prodigy 7.1 LT, connected to Sony Receiver via coax SPDIF

I can do all of the following without issue:

- Play the DTS and Dolby Digital test sounds in Windows Sound Control Panel
- Play Dolby Digital and DTS encoded movie files in VLC using SPDIF passthru (AVI & MKV)
- Send raw PCM at various bitrates up to 24/96 via SPDIF
- Play the problematic DTS audio files in VLC using standard 6-channel analogue out, with all 6 channels playing properly

I have tried the solutions outlined in the provious posts, with similar result - my recevier just doesn't recognise the DTS stream. I also (with a fair amount of effort) reconfigured my soundcard for optical SPDIF, and connected to the receiver's optical port, and got exactly the same result - everything works perfectly except standalone DTS Audio.

I should state at this point that there is definitely _something_ streaming to SPDIF - the Prodigy's control panel has a level meter for raw digital out, and it's showing signal whenever I play the DTS files.

I've taken the troubleshooting a step further to completely eliminate the possibility of a corrupt DTS steam (even though VLC can play it OK via analogue) - I encoded the same DTS stream into a DVD, muxed with "black screen" video. Playing this DVD thru VLC or PowerDVD works perfectly - my receiver picks up the stream OK using either coax or optical SPDIF.

So, I think we can agree that there seems to be something wrong with the DTS-WAV -> SPDIF passthru functionality.

I'm happy to test any suggestions put forward.

-U

Re: DTS .wav -> S/PDIF - Can't make it work

Posted: 27 Jun 2011 20:07
by netrage
I was able to reproduce the problem and bring an alternate, i have exactly same setup win 7 x 64 outgoing to onkyo over spdif.

VLC does not play pure DTS file when output is spdif , ^+M shows that dts to spdif and no sound, demuxer is es.

however the same sound plays flawlessly when I use MPC x64 with ac3filter 1.63b x64 and passthrough spdif and prefer the filter.
no point banging your head , there is a flaw in vlc 1.1.10 , bcoz with the same setting home media center can play and VLC cannot ?

Re: DTS .wav -> S/PDIF - Can't make it work

Posted: 06 Jul 2011 08:42
by chuchomr
Hey!!! PhilUsher i've made my account here just for saying thanks! I was getting crazy... in XP i used VLC but now Im on 7 64 bits.. with a sb titanium hd + Yamaha amplifier dts 5.1 (optical OUT) and Foobar worked like a charm!!! so Thanks again. I'm now having problems for getting surround audio from ACC files... I encountered "POWER DVD 11" as the only way to decode movies with surround sound in perfect DTS or whatever.. except for those encoded in ACC audioformat
any ideas? thanks again to you or anyone that can help me. Mariano

Re: DTS .wav -> S/PDIF - Can't make it work

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 10:16
by netrage
I updated to VLC 1.1.11 and the problem does not exist anymore.

Great Guns VLC !!

Re: DTS .wav -> S/PDIF - Can't make it work

Posted: 03 Jan 2013 22:11
by Techna
Still trying to let my Connections work. Mkv files on my harddisk, dvdrips work but my wav dtsses don't. HELP!! I get only a stuttering sound. Whenever I go to 5.1 the sound is better but still stuttering. I tried win32 output. Installed ac3 and ffd.
I've got à NAD L76 optical connected to my multimedia Computer. I tarief almost anything. Anybody has an Answer?