[mythtv-users] AC3, Analog Cable and 5.1

[White Joe]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: mythtv-users-bounces at mythtv.org 
> [mailto:mythtv-users-bounces at mythtv.org] On Behalf Of Brad Benson
> Sent: Wednesday, March 22, 2006 5:23 PM
> To: Discussion about mythtv
> Subject: Re: [mythtv-users] AC3, Analog Cable and 5.1
> 
> On 3/22/06, White Joe <joe.white at consultant.volvo.com> wrote:
> 
> 	I have inherited a spiffy, if dated, receiver (Harman 
> Kardan DPR 1001),
> 	with a set of 5.1 speakers.  Un surprisingly, I am 
> trying to make sound
> 	(TV and DVDs) come out in 5.1 format.  The posts I have 
> read that touch 
> 	on the subject have confused me.
> 	
> 	Is it possible to do this with analog cable?
> 	
> 	
> 
> 
> It's possible to do this for DVD's (exactly how depends on 
> what program you're using to play the DVD's).  However, it's 
> NOT possible to do this for anything you record off of analog 
> cable.  The big reason being that analog cable doesn't 
> broadcast anything in 5.1 format.  Basically, MythTV can 
> output audio in whatever format it's recorded in (and 
> possibly lower formats, i.e. record in 5.1, output in 
> stereo), but it cannot convert something recorded in stereo to 5.1.
> 
> Most DVD's have 5.1 audio on them so you should be able to 
> get those working.  Post back and let us know what software 
> you're using to play DVD's and I can give more detailed info 
> on setting that up.  I can tell you right now that you're 
> probably going to want an SPDIF connection from your Myth box 
> to your receiver to get good 5.1 audio.  
> 
> HTH,
> Brad Benson
> 
> 

I am using xine for DVDs and have found a post that tells me how to set
that up for 5.1. 
http://www.gossamer-threads.com/lists/mythtv/users/44614?search_string=x
ine%20config%205.1;#44614

I found this thread that implies that some NTSC broadcasts may be
decodable into 5.1 using Dolby Prologic.  Is this true?  Practical?
Prevalent? Relevant?
http://www.gossamer-threads.com/lists/mythtv/users/160633?search_string=
dolby%205.1%20analog;#160633

jw