Xda-1 Help

[roadrunner]

The XDA-1 does NOT decode any of the Dolby or DTS outputs. Does your Comcast or whatever STB you use offer the option of "down mixing" the signal for output via digital coax connection. You may have to go into the service menu to find all the output options. The "down mix" would be a 2-channel PCM feed. Some STB offer down mix via RCA analog only; others offer options for down mixing to optical digital, coax digital, or RCA analog outputs. It is also posible that your STB just does not offer a PCM coax digital feed.

Vishal's post was right on the nose. Emotiva's techie was probably refering to the XLR/RCA switch on the back of all XPA series amps being in the wrong position -- not a switch on the back of the XDA-1. Good luck.

[bobbyt]

I wouldn't be surprised if all the cable box offers is a Dolby or DTS digital output rather than PCM. That lets them control the content--with PCM, you could just sit there capturing every song they streamed with perfect CD quality.

[CrazyBlue]

I have my DirecTV DVR connected to mine via coax and it works great.

Sounds like Comcast is the culprit.

[buzz]

Thanks everyone. I think I have 3 options for audio on my cable box. Mono,stereo & matrix. I am going to give Comcast a call & see what they say. I don't have much faith in them tho.


buzz

[wynshad12]

Feb 22, 2011 21:02:11 GMT -5 briank said:

Sorry Buzz, but it sounds like it may be an internal problem with your XDA-1. :-(

briank, "I agree with that statement he should call Emotiva "again"

[FlatEarth]

I'm having the same problem; swapped a DCT DVR for a DCX model no change. Comcast reps and techs have no clue. Talked to Motorola and they are saying the only way to get PCM from the unit is over HDMI via setup/LPCM; the SPDIF only do multichannel. I set to LPCM hoping the Tos' out on my Samsung LCD would transfer, still no luck.

UGH.

[buzz]

Just wanted to update. I was able to test my coax inputs with another device & they work. Problem is Comcast box, I contacted Comcast but they were pretty clueless. So I am currently listening to my tv speakers. I forgot just how terrible they sound! Thanks again for all the help!


buzz

[FlatEarth]

Well, I did find a solution. Comcast does not program their units to output PCM over the SPDIF ports, only compressed versions. The DVRs as produced by Motorola support it, but Comcast changes in their config - they apparently have built them for the LCD of the mass consumer using HTIB or (perhaps more likely) for the broadest base that may have older receivers with SPDIF but not HDMI for their surround. For those of us who relish quality 2CH or whose setup is thusly constrained, we lose on utilitarian grounds (my presumption).

So, what worked? In the DVR setup menu (STB, not DVR), one can set HDMI to LPCM vs multi. A step forward, but not the solution as now HDMI carries 2CH uncompressed, but the SPDIF ports remain unchanged. Several days of searching revealed a device that can take an HDMI signal and strip the audio signal off to Coax/Tos' or 8mm. It's a kludge, certe, but effective. The one I found is available at www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=5557&seq=1&format=2. The SQ so far is a matter of preference over the DCX's analogue, not as noticeable say vs my DVD or ATV, and maybe preferable via glass (well, plastic right now) - but allows me to route many sources over one connxn to my pre - ie less wire :-). NB - other cable providers apparently have the option to config their SPDIF ports (thanks again Comcast - wish the competition offered better product than you).

So, EMO - though the mission of your XDA may be met, would you could allow it consume XCH and not just 2CH (XSP?!?). Some of us don't need or want the bells and whistles of many speakers, et al. WAF, anyone? Overall, a nicely built product with pleasant sound - a true value. Now, if we could just allow the display to turn off as advertised in the manual.... firmware update?