OS X settings for 5.1/7.1 Surround Sound to HDMI A/V Receiver and HDTV|||||| Posted: Last Updated: 5/28/2014 (Notes on Audio Setup, Subwoofer output) [ This article covers using a Mac's HDMI output for surround sound audio using an HDMI equipped A/V receiver. Info here should still be applicable to later OS X versions and newer Macs if using HDMI output. Also here's a later article with that includes Receiver HDMI Info, Tests and Tips on HDMI and HDCP problems in OS X.] (from a reader mail, reply bounced so posting here) 'OS X DVD Player HDMI Audio Question I finally hooked up my new mac mini to our receiver so we'd have surround sound possible with DVDs played in OS X. The OS X Sound pref pane set to HDMI Output ( see example below) and Audio/Midi utility configured correctly for multi-channel audio. (I think.) The receiver the mini's HDMI is connected to shows 'PCM' during playback and DVD movie (Dolby Digital 5.1) audio seems muffled compared to playing the same DVD in our home dvd player. We noticed the standalone player shows 'Dolby Digital' on the receiver's display - not 'PCM'. DVDs just sound much better from the home player than from the OS X DVD player connected to the same receiver. How do I get the OS X DVD player to send 'dolby digital' to the receiver to see if that helps? -Beth' First, I'm assuming your Sound Output (System prefs) is set to HDMI like this example: ( The TV Name is listed even when HDMI connected to AV Receiver) FYI: When set to HDMI audio output, the Mac's audio volume control is disabled. Volume is controlled from the connected device (i.e. Receiver or HDTV). DVC Media 5.1. MEDION DVC Media. It was originally introduced to Mac users in Mac OS 9. A Windows version has been available since the introduction of iTunes 7. As for changing the OS X DVD Player audio output to Dolby Digital (and not PCM) - it's a simple change in the OS X DVD Player settings. Set the OS X DVD player Prefs (in 'Disc Setup' options) Audio Output to 'Digital Out'. As you have it set (from the comments), the Mac/OS X DVD Player is decoding the Dolby Digital audio on the DVD and sending PCM audio to your receiver. Best background for mac 15 inch. (When set to Digital Out, it will bitstream Dolby Digital (or DTS) to the receiver for decoding.) I link to an apple doc on the about. Here's a (poor) screenshot from my OS X DVD Player Audio Output prefs setting. Cant eject my passport for mac. (A better screenshot is in the linked Apple Doc, although it shows 'Digital Out - Built-in.' , which you may have found confusing.) The 'Digital Output' option may also have info on the connected device appended to it. (My example above has 'Samsung' - the TV brand connected to the AVR. If not going through a receiver, you'd usually get only Stereo with direct TV connections.) As you can see in the screenshot, I also check the option to 'Disable Dolby dynamic range compression'. (I prefer maximum dynamic range although some may not, especially for nighttime viewing. A/V Receivers often have DRC options also.) iTunes Surround Sound Settings: The linked Apple doc also has info on surround sound setting in iTunes. Click the 'Speech Bubble' icon (see below) to see/select available audio options for the specific file being played. Apple says in iTunes 11 and later, digital surround sound is selected automatically for content that includes it. (Surround output still relies on proper hardware/configuration and options can vary depending on the media used.) I rarely use it and don't buy/rent iTunes content so can't comment on quality or specific recommended titles. OS X DVD Player (Subjective) Sound Quality (PCM vs Bitstreaming/Digital output) After Beth's comments on (PCM) DVD movie SQ, I checked this on my AVR (with TDKR DVD's Dolby Digital 5.1) and PCM output from the OS X DVD player seemed (by ear) about 5-6dB down vs Bitstreaming at the same AVR Master Volume setting.
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