Hello
I've searched the forums for this problem, but can't seem to find anyone who is experiencing it, so here goes:
I have my Apple hooked up via HDMI to my TV, which then passes the audio through to my 5.1 soundbar through another HDMI cable (using ARC). My soundbar has an LED indicator that illuminates any time a video has 5.1 surround sound. Otherwise, it just takes the stereo signal and "forces" surround sound to all of the speakers. One of the more recent updates to VLC for Apple TV allowed for audio passthrough using S/PDIF, which has been great for several files I have that use AC3 surround. When playing those files, the LED lights up and I get true surround from my system. However, when I play several files that I have that use AAC surround, I get audio, but the LED does not light up and I can tell by listening to the audio that the system is just taking stereo and sending it to all of the speakers. I've tried several files that have AC3 and they all work. I've tried several files with AAC and none of them seem to be sending the true 5.1 signal to my soundbar. I am positive that both AC3 and AAC files have 5.1 and not stereo, as I have a program on my computer that will analyze a file and tell you an incredible amount of detail about the file (MediaInfo Mac).
Has anyone else experienced this? Is this a bug? Is it a problem with my soundbar, not the file?
Basically, I've tried everything I know to try and can't figure out where the problem is. Any and all information you guys can provide would be immensely helpful.
Thanks