was wondering if anyone knew if/when our backward broadcasters here (WIN, SC10, PRIME) are ever going to get Dolby Digital 5.1 audio on their HD channels?

At the mo all I'm getting is DD2.1 (at best), even during the HD demonstration pictures.

Yes, I am feeding DD out from the TV via optical into my receiver...

I'm sure in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, maybe even Bourke (!) they get some 5.1, but as usual it appears Canberra is way behind!

(remember Channel 10 analog never ever became stereo!)


cheers

Satz

WIN shows programs in 5.1 and that would explain why my VCR never lights up with STEREO when I tune it into SC10!

hooray for ABC Canberra!

On Sunday night watched the documentary at 7.30 about wildlife in China....in beautiful HD and in genuine Dolby Digital 5.1 sound!!!

Interestingly, noticed that even the SD broadcast of that programme had 5.1 audio!

cheers

S

At the moment, only ABC and WIN have the ability to screen programs in Dolby Digital 5.1. The HD channels default to plain old dolby 2.0 (aka stereo).

Prime, SC10 and SBS have the worst audio in Canberra - HD channels only manage a poor quality Dolby 2.0 (stereo) track that sounds pretty average.

In the major capital cities, Seven, Ten and Nine all broadcast a fair amount of programs with native Dolby 5.1 audio....its seems Canberra is still classed as regional area therefore second rate audio for the moment.

SC10 are apparently upgrading their transmitters to include 5.1 capability (this was meant to be ready by Mar 08, now its more like end of 08). No word on whether Prime will upgrade to 5.1.

All,
No transmitter modifications are required to transmit Dolby 5.1. It is a matter of installing AC3 encoders at the network play out centre. When they transmit HD they are supposed to transmit the AC3 signal. The complication for network affiliates is that they need one for each viewing area so that they can insert advertising. Afterall advertising pays for the equipment you want +++.


AlanH