DD5.1 and TWC

[kevbeck122]

I was just wondering what's all in DD?  Just certain HD channels at certain times?  I noticed that HBO HD was only sending a stereo/prologic II signal to my receiver (do they switch to DD during a movie?).  What about digital channels?  I've only seen stereo signals so far from them.  Sorry if this has been answered... I'm not in the mood for searching

[Mark Strube]

5.1 shows up only during certain movies on the main HBO, HBO West, and HBO HD (mostly only more recent films that would have 5.1 in the first place).

Not sure about Cinemax.

5.1 also shows up on ALL the Showtimes, ALL The Movie Channel/Encore stations, and ALL of the Starz channels, as long as the movie itself is available in 5.1.

INHD, INHD2, HDNet, and HDNet Movies are always in full 5.1, whether the show is ACTUALLY in 5.1 or not. (It seems that when a show isn't true 5.1, they have something that matrixes, or upscales the sound to make it sound sort of like 5.1, like what Pro Logic II does.)

None of the other "standard" digital channels are in 5.1.

Also, most of your prime time network shows or network movies on the HD locals are in 5.1, with the exception of CBS since the local affiliate doesn't have the equipment installed yet.

If your receiver is set up properly, it should kick out of Pro Logic and into Dolby Digital 5.1 when it detects the signal thru the digital coax or optical cable. With the exception of those HD premiums I mentioned that are always in 5.1, the rest of the stations don't actually go into 5.1 sound until a movie or show with 5.1 is actually playing.

I hope this helps!

[Drummerboy]

The premium channels broadcast 5.1 signal if the movie has a 5.1 track, but as soon as the movie credits start they typically switch to a 2 channel signal and continue until the next movie starts.
I have seen most of the locals broadcasting 5.1 at times  (I think 505 only sends 2 channel audio) and 512 (WISN) always sends a 5.1 signal but usually has a stereo or monorial audio through it unless the show has a 5.1 track (commercials usually have a monorial sound).
I believe channels 100 - 199 are all Pro Logic or less.

[kevbeck122]

Thanks for all the info.  I noticed later on HBO switched to 5.1 for Day After Tomorrow.  I was just wondering if I was limiting what was coming through by using a cheap composite video cable for my coax digital connection... I guess not.