Right then results so far,
Sky box to home cinema via optical Dolby Digital works fine, via HDMI to TV then out via ARC to home cinema only stereo.
PS3 to home cinema via optical Dolby Digital works fine, via HDMI to TV then out via ARC to home cinema only stereo again.
So it looks like ARC will pass stereo only, I assume the output to the ARC, HDMI occurs after the processing for the TV’s inbuilt speakers and not directly from HDMI in to HDMI (ARC) out. (For info the TV & home cinema system are both Panasonic and have the latest firmware updates).
I intend to contact Panasonic again to try and clarify these results. {See below}
Hawkish, yes the blueray is built in to the surround sound, sets it self up when detecting disc and then sets the TV via Viera link, (lossless true HD / dts MA), superb sound and picture.
Panasonic have been quick to reply this time:-
"In response, the reason that the Sky audio is not 5.1 channel sound is that a Sky box does not output 5.1 channel sound via the HDMI output, for this I would suggest connecting the Sky box directly to the home cinema via optical cable, as you have done.
The console cannot connect via Viera Link and hence why it is not able to decode the 5.1 channel sound. I apologise as I may not have been clear in my previous email; the TV can output received 5.1 audio via the ARC if a Viera Link function is enabled and compatible."
So in conclusion:
1. Sky box "my bad" for the time being SKY don't put out 5:1 on the HDMI, it will have to stay on the optical input (luckily the sound sys will auto switch to one of the 2 opto inputs), but if it did due to item (2) is still wouldn’t work probably.
2. But as for the PS3? Well Panasonic passed the buck there and blame Sony for not being Viera compatible, what a load of B"^O@(ks, agreed standards my A£$e, lucky for me the kids know how to switch it over when they want it for the PS3.
3. HDMI (ARC) will pass through 5:1 sound [as long as all your items talk to each other], same manufacturer!!!!!!!!!!!
i'm no expert but hope this information helps others..
Nelly.
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