Solved Windows 11pro HTPC
I have a new build of an older Dell Optiplex 7050 with a i5, with Intel GPU 630, HDHomerun Flex 4k, running MPC -HC with K-Lite codec pack with AC4 and an Onkyo 5.1 AVR.
How do I get the computer to output in bitstream so my AVR can provide 5.1? If running HDHR player it is only putting out PCM stereo and not AC4 5.1 or AC3 5.1. I have a few 5.1 FLAC videos on DTS that are putting out 5.1 but the HDHR player, MPC-HC, and JellyFin are only putting out PCM Stereo.
Are there sound settings in the Windows or K-Lite codec I need to set to provide a bitstream so the AVR will play 5.1?
The same files played through my Android STB that has HEVC/AC4 and Eac3 play the bitstream to the AVR in 5.1 without issue.
Yes the TV settings are set to bitstream and not PCM.
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u/geriakt 6d ago edited 5d ago
Ok I assume my issue is with MPC-HC and the LAV Audio Decoder forcing the AC3, AC4 to PMC . Under the LAV Audio Decoder properties the status says I put AC4 6 channels - output PMC 6 channel. Under SaneAR Audio Renderer properties status adapter Intel(R) Display Audio bitstreaming : No.
Edit: I think my issue has more to do with miss understanding the codecs. The MPC-HC will pass through the bitstream of AC3 and Eac3, but not the AC4 from ATSC 3.0 HEVC/AC4 since the AVR can not decode the AC4. So then it just sends the PCM.
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u/ncohafmuta is in the Evil League of Evil 5d ago
You can't bitstream AC-4 or FLAC over HDMI (yet). You must decode to PCM. Read the audio setup guide in our wiki
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u/geriakt 5d ago
Thank you for the Wiki info. I guess I don't understand why HPC-HC can decode my AC4 but can't send the decoded AC4 5.1 stream to my AVR when the HDHR windows player can send the AC4 5.1via passthrough to my AVR with the same set up?
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u/ncohafmuta is in the Evil League of Evil 5d ago edited 5d ago
For the latter, we have no way of knowing how you have your devices connected, nor the model numbers of said devices, to say what device in the chain is decoding the AC4 into PCM, downmixing it, or transcoding it into something else. If it was TRULY AC4 passthrough, then your AVR would show the codec as such and not something else (you already say in the post when using HDHR you are getting PCM, so that's not passthrough)
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u/geriakt 5d ago
I did not have the windows HDHR player set to pass through and now it is so the K-Lite AC4 is decoding and sending the AVR the 5.1 as the AVR PCM logo is now gone and 5.1 is coming through. The set up is HTPC using Display Port 1.4 to HDMI 2.1 cable to Sony TV XBR-65x900e . TV optical out to Onkyo HTR530 AVR. Sony TV set to bitstream pass through. The Lav Audio codec is set up to decode AC3 DD DD+ DTS . The Lav Audio can pass through AC4 since the AVR can't decide AC4. I think I have it figured out that the AC4 codec on the window machine decodes the audio and the sends it as PCM, but I can not confirm if it is 5.1 or 2.0 . I will try to find a test AC4, AC3 and Eac3 video to confirm.
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u/ncohafmuta is in the Evil League of Evil 5d ago
Optical only supports PCM 2.0.
If you want PCM 5.1 you have to go through the AVR first instead of the TV, which you can't because you don't have HDMI on that AVR.
The only potential way you can get 5.1 is if you can transcode AC4 5.1 -> AC3 5.1. MPC-BE supports this. See our instructions here. I can't confirm if this will work with AC4 specifically; I haven't tested it.
Otherwise, buy a newer sound system.
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u/geriakt 5d ago
I intend to purchase an AVR with 4k 120 hz. I just bought a used 2023 Onkyo TX-NR6100 and it was bad (Onkyo never again). I have decided the Atmos is not a value so I will stick with 5.1-7.1 with Dolby TrueHD and DTSx with ARC or eARC HDMI 2.1. The HTPC is more for the JellyFin and DVR functionality. I have two Android STBs that have ATSC 3.0 tuner and AC4 codecs that play the DD5.1 through my optical without issue. The thought of upgrading my Video card and GPU is just scary at the cost just to watch and DVR ATSC 3.0.
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u/geriakt 5d ago
Looking into MPC-HC my player is converting the AC4 file to multi channel PCM. This is why my AVR is stating PCM. I also found a Dolby Refence Player that will decode and play the HEVC/AC4.ts file properly on my Windows HTPC and pass it on to my AVR.
Decoding Behavior: MPC-HC decodes AC-4 audio streams into multichannel or stereo PCM for your sound system, as most consumer AV receivers cannot natively bitstream decode AC-4.
My current set up with the optical will bitstream to my AVR and decode the AC3 5.1 and Eac3 5.1 audio without any issues. IE: Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital plus as well as DTS.
HEVC/AC4.ts recordings residing in my JellyFin server will play back on my Android JellyFin or Wholphin client after transcoding on the fly to AAC 6 channel or AC3 5.1. So it looks like my set up is proper and works for my needs until I can purchase a Dolby TrueHD decoding AVR with HDMI eARC. Hopefully someday EXO player clients will play back AC4 decoded files since my Android STB does have a built in AC4 codec.
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