Are local channels in 5.1?

[ugyvel]

I recently installed my new Samsung T150 into my system and am now reveling in HDTV on Plasma.  Better than I expected!  However, my receiver indicates that the digital sound is only coming through as dolby digital (at least I think that's what it means when the indicator for the front three channels lights up)  The indicators for the surround channels do not light up, even for the HDTV broadcasts.  DVD and 5.1 pay per view over satellite (Sony TIVO) do come through and light up the back channels.  Three possibilities occur to me--one, I've hooked up the Samsung wrong (but the receiver definitely indicates a digital sound signal is being received and I've selected AC-3 on the Samsung menu).  Two--none of the HDTV programming I've watched has been broadcast in 5.1 (I've watched Leno, several of the CBS prime time and HDNET in 58's off hours).  Three, the local stations are broadcasting only in dolby digital.  Any thoughts?

[Gregg Lengling]

None of the local channels are sending 5.1 yet.  The only place I get 5.1 is from DVD's and Directv....HBO, SHOW, HDNET all have programming Dolby 5.1.

It'll be a while I think before the local stations put it in.  We'll see what 12 is doing in about 1-1/2 months to see if they have 5.1 equipment when they go on the air.


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Gregg R. Lengling
RCA P61310 61" 16x9
glengling@ameritech.net

[ugyvel]

Thanks--I won't try the reconnect for the third time tonite!!

[borghe]

Actually as long as 12 passes through the ABC signal unmodified, most ABC HD shows are in 5.1. I'll actually send an email about this.

Also, I read on AVS Forum that CBS is in the process of changing some equipment over so we they actually have 5.1 by next fall.

[Joseph S]

NBC(WTMJ) does broadcast in DD 5.1 when available. They did so during the Olympic opening ceremonies. Unfortunately my Hard Drive died so the demo material on that one to test my setup is now gone. Hopefully, we'll get it on future broadcasts later this fall.