Digital Audio vs HDMI - Airplay Music

I have an Apple TV2, and an Onkyo AV receiver with both optical inputs and HDMI. I get that I should use the HDMI for movies. Why use the
Optical audio input on the Apple TV2? Is it needed when streaming AirPlay from various iOS devices or will the HDMI output be the best choice? Why use the digital audio option if the HDMI is available?
Thanks!
Jeff

It's probably the best set up yes, although in some instances receivers might have issues switching HDMI sources if there are more than one and may not reconnect to the Apple TV, again in such circumstances a different set up might work better.
However generally speaking if it works ok, HDMI from the Apple TV to receiver and then from the receiver to the TV is probably the best set up.

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P7NGM-digital : audio over HDMI ?

Hello,
I read elsewhere that for this board, P7NGM-digital, audio over HDMI was not possible ?
Is it true ?
As it is not working for me.
JP

Problem solved. Uninstalled all windows updates and display drivers. Reinstalled windows updates in groups of no more than 5 at a time, restarting after each group. Installed latest Intel display driver, restarted. Works like a charm now.

Digital audio via HDMI cable

i would like to know if its possible to get dolby digital 5.1 sound from and 3rd gen apple-tv when i'm using an HDMI cable.
The HDMI cable should transport video and digital 5.1 sound...
is this possible?

are you 100% sure?
the apple homepage leaves no word on this issue?
thank so much

Multi-channel digital audio HDMI with Onkyo pre-pro

Trying to get the HDMI to play nice with my home theatre pre-processor, an Onkyo Pro PR-SC886. so far:
1. I am setting the Sound Pref Output to the Onkyo, which it sees.
2. Setting the Midi Pref to HDMI/Onkyo which it sees.
3. I would like to get a digital stream to the Onkyo which it can convert to Dolby Pro Logic II which is my preferred choice for stereo music. So far, I can only get Stereo which the Onkyo will not convert.
4. In the Midi Pref, I have selected 192Hz/24-8channel output and the speakers are set to 5.1. Everything seems to work there.
5. I was hoping to use the "Encoded Digital Audio" choice, but get no sound when I use it.
Is this an Onkyo problem and are others able to use the Encoded Digital Audio setting with another brand of pre-pro/receiver? Or is this choice used for something else?
Thanks for any insight.
Peter

It seems that Onkyo's HDMI components don't like the HDMI output from computers. There have been several threads in this forum and others where Onkyo owners report issues.
But do try the instructions listed here to see if it makes a difference...
http://www.cod3r.com/2008/02/the-correct-way-to-enable-ac3-passthrough-with-quic ktime/
An alternative media player option is VLC. And you need to turn on the SPDIF option in the audio preferences of this app.

Can't get Encoded Digital Audio to work with HDMI again

I like to connect my 15" Retina Macbook to my Pioneer VSX-1121-K receiver using a high speed HDMI cable (high speed for 3D). My sound settings for a long time have been very reliable; in Audio Midi Setup I had the HDMI output set to 48 kHz + "Encoded Digital Audio" and had no major issues. My encoded Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 signals were being passed through to the Pioneer receiver just fine.
So then I got Mavericks recently and everything seemed fine for a couple of days; when suddenly, Audio Midi Setup decided it never wants to allow the "Encoded Digital Audio" format to work.
I select VSX-1121 under System Preferences/Sound, but only get the standard blah PCM over the HDMI. Here's the weird part I don't understand: when I go to Audio Midi Setup and change the format from "2ch-24bit Integer" to "Encoded Digital Audio", it automatically switches the sound to Built-In Output and doesn't budge when I tell it to use the HDMI output.
I tried changing the sound effects & alerts to the Pioneer and back to Built-In Output, but that didn't affect anything. I've tried restarting, disconnecting the HDMI and plugging it back in, turning the receiver off/on, turning HDMI Control off/on, tried a different HDMI cable and receiver input -- all no dice.
It won't let me select 96 kHz for the HDMI either. What up with that? I was fooling around with FLACs in 192 and 96 kHz about a month ago with no problems whatsoever, and playing 5.1 DVDs without any of this weirdness. If it's somehow Mavericks' fault I want a big fat patch on this.
Other details: receiver's connected to a Panasonic VT30 that I use as a second screen with the Macbook for movies and stuff. Also have a current model AppleTV connected. I assume they're both not affecting anything.
Any solutions or insights would be appreciated.

I had a similar problem. Took me a while to figure out, but the problem was in the HDMI settings in the receiver, NOT the software.
My setup:
Macbook Air > Mini Display Port to HDMI converter into Onkyo Receiver > HDMI Out of Onkyo into Panasonic TV.
Symptoms:
I was getting stereo fine, but not 5.1 (options grayed out etc). You were on the right track; I unplugged the TV which opened up all the multi channel options for HDMI. Turns out the HDMI out settings in the receiver were set to pass Audio to the TV. So the Audio Device Settings on my Mac viewed the TV as the destination device. But as the TV only supports stereo, that's all I could select through Audio Device Settings and VLC etc.
Solution:
On the receiver I went to Setup > Hardware Settings > HDMI and switched the audio off for HDMI Out. Now the Mac sees the receiver as the final destination and I can select HDMI (Encoded Output) etc. from VLC. That sends proper Dolby Digital 5.1 etc. nicely.
Note:
I can select all the multi channel options for HDMI in Audio Devices Settings (as supported by my Onkyo Receiver), but I just left mine at 2ch-24 bit. Seems as long as you select Encoded Output in VLC it will send 5.1 perfectly and no issues with regular stereo playback for music.

Apple TV3 HDMI - DVI jack fine. TV has no DVI digital audio input.

I can buy a converter from HDMI to DVI for video, My TV does not have a digital audio input for the optical cable. I may be able to plug into my sony surround sound amp in to the SA-DC CD in optical port and just play through the surround sound all the time? Which would not give me sound if I used the TVs internal speakers? Or there may be a converter from an optical audio to a R & L DVI Audio Input Jack?

Before you do just note that HDMI is the only supported connection so there will be no guarantee with any converter used. If it does work you will be unable to view protected content, unless your monitor specifies HDCP compliance. Functionality could also cease at any time.
The optical port is for connecting to a receiver, which you would need to do as DVI doesn't carry audio.

Using a radio app to Airplay music through my Apple TV. Works, but after some minutes, the Airplay audio output setting switches back to iPad. Why? Solution?

I want to use a FM radio app to Airplay music through my Apple TV (by using the synchronizing function). Works, but after some minutes, the Airplay audio output setting switches back to iPad. Why? Solution?
Why don't use iTunes? Because this just needs to many handling in order to get it where i want it (in general, this whole idea of doing everything online just works likes... ). An app is easier (that's why it is invented).

Hey AKfishgirl,
Thanks for the question. The common variable here is your Wi-Fi router. Let’s check to see if the commonly used ports are being blocked by a firewall on your router:
Apple TV: TCP and UDP ports and protocols used
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2463
Well known TCP and UDP ports used by Apple software products
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT6175
Thanks,
Matt M.

Can I use HDMI port on my Macbook Pro for digital audio INPUT?

Trying to find a way to get digital audio input to my new MBP with retina. HDMI supports audio and video, so can I use that port as an input?

It is not recommenced to use TimeMachine in a partition, either on the boot drive or externals because of problems in the past with that arrangement.
You also need hardware protection in addition to software protection.
If you want to do what I do, which is have a second 50% partition bootable clone of the first.
1: Use BootCamp software to create yourself a 50% sized partition, then exit the program. (you also can do it in Disk Utility, but it's tricky)
2: Head to Disk Utility and select the BOOTCAMP partition and change it's name and format to OS X Extended Journaled.
(To map off bad sectors in advance, use Disk Utility Erase with the next to last on the right selection, improves reliability and makes for faster reads)
3: Download Carbon Copy Cloner, now select your Macintosh HD partition and clone it to the second partition.
4: Whenever you want to boot from the second partition, just hold the option key down on the keyboard to select it to boot from.
You can access the folders on the second boot partition as well, to grab deleted files you accidentally erased (which is a rare thing for most to occur) however you should leave it alone and as a clone.
You can update the clone when you need to, or schedule it to run automatically.
You should also do this occasionally with a external drive, as the internal drive can die and take both partitions with it.
I currently do this with my laptop, that way if I'm mobile and have a serious issue, I can boot from the cloned partition in seconds without carrying a drive around. If I need large space for something I wasn't aware of, I can erase the clone partition and later clone it again.
Software does all the work, just pick a time your not using the machine and let it work. Painless really.
Most commonly used backup methods

I am having issues with streaming music from iTunes on my MacBook Pro to my audio system through AirPlay. Works perfectly with my iPod Touch. The AirPlay icon appears irregularly in iTunes and when selected doesn't connect. Running latest IOS software.

I am having issues with streaming music from iTunes on my MacBook Pro to my audio system through AirPlay. Works perfectly with my iPod Touch. The AirPlay icon appears irregularly in iTunes and when selected doesn't connect. Running latest IOS software.

Try:
- Reset the iOS device. Nothing will be lost
Reset iOS device: Hold down the On/Off button and the Home button at the same time for at
least ten seconds, until the Apple logo appears.
- Unsync all music and resync
- Reset all settings
Go to Settings > General > Reset and tap Reset All Settings.
All your preferences and settings are reset. Information (such as contacts and calendars) and media (such as songs and videos) aren’t affected.
- Restore from backup. See:
iOS: How to back up
- Restore to factory settings/new iOS device.
If still problem, make an appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple store since it appears you have a hardware problem.
Apple Retail Store - Genius Bar
You said:
No, I do not want to "factory reset" my iPod. No I do not wish to do anything crazy long or hard to fix this.
That may be necessary, It is not what you want to do/not do but what is required to resolve your problem.

Can I use the optical digital audio cable to connect INSTEAD of the hdmi? My tv only has 2 hdmi ports, and they're both taken

Can I use the optical digital audio cable to connect INSTEAD of the hdmi? My tv only has 2 hdmi ports, and they're both taken

I'm afraid that's very misleading and inaccurate.
Firstly an adapter won't work, it would need to be a converter and then if it's a compliant converter it won't let you watch HDCP protected content such as that from netflix or from the iTunes Store.
Secondly, whilst I'm not going to debate whether component or HDMI is better, component is certainly not better if it's been converted from an HDMI signal. You can't make anything better by simply converting it to another type of signal.

Trying to find a way to inject digital audio into an HDMI path

There are lots of DVI to HDMI connection options out there, but I have yet to see one that allows one to incorporate digital audio into the HDMI path. Given that there are lots of early adopter video-only HDMI components out there that will be looking for a way to inject a digital audio feed into the HDMI path, so that a monitor can play HDMI video and digital audio natively, instead of either opting for analog audio (where it is available) or being stuck with no way to get audio to follow, one would think that there would be a big market for that sort of a device...
This gets a bit trickier with the Mac Mini when one considers that in order to have access to the TOSLINK, you are functionally locked into either using TOSLINK exclusively, or buying a TOSLINK splitter and then downconverting one of the splits to analog.
One would THINK that it would be in Apple's best interest to make a DVI to HDMI adapter available that would have a TOSLINK cable to plug in to inject the digital audio natively, so the whole thing would be seamless... it would be a very Apple sort of way to deal with it... but that doesn't seem to be in the cards at this point.
Any thoughts/suggestions/death threats?
Message was edited by: algor_langeaux

algor_langeaux wrote:
There are lots of DVI to HDMI connection options out there, but I have yet to see one that allows one to incorporate digital audio into the HDMI path. Given that there are lots of early adopter video-only HDMI components out there that will be looking for a way to inject a digital audio feed into the HDMI path, so that a monitor can play HDMI video and digital audio natively, instead of either opting for analog audio (where it is available) or being stuck with no way to get audio to follow, one would think that there would be a big market for that sort of a device...
This gets a bit trickier with the Mac Mini when one considers that in order to have access to the TOSLINK, you are functionally locked into either using TOSLINK exclusively, or buying a TOSLINK splitter and then downconverting one of the splits to analog.
As an aside I had hoped by now Apple as supposedly a seller of multimedia products might have switched to using HDMI as standard. It looks like they eventually might switch to using "DisplayPort".
Anyway, there are converters that will do what you want. Have a look at this as an example
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/dproduct.jsp?prod_id=3570
Before this particular one shipped their pre-launch information (and pictures) said it would support TOS-Link (which is what Macs use) but when it actually became available it was only for SPDIF.
However since then I have come to a realisation that these converters are probably a waste of time anyway. If you are going to connect directly to a TV which has HDMI then using such an adapter is not necessary because the TV itself only has stereo speakers so using a DVI-HDMI cable plus a mini-jack to pair of phono connectors will work as well even if it needs two separate sets of cables. If on the other hand you are going to connect the Mac mini via an AV Receiver, then all such AV Receivers can accept a DVI or HDMI video signal, and a TOS-Link audio signal and then pass the video out to a TV and the audio out to a set of 5.1 speakers. In effect the AV Receiver itself is such a converter.
This latter approach is the one I intend to use.
If you really do want to consider this approach then there are such converters, even ones which do support TOS-Link connections. A bit of Googling will show them up. In the mean time the one listed below
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/dproduct.jsp?prod_id=4298
would do what you want and also includes a 'scaler' to increase the resolution up to 1080p. This one has two HDMI and TOS-Link inputs. With a Mac mini you would use a DVI to HDMI cable and a TOS-Link cable, it would then output via a standard HDMI cable. It even looks a bit like a Mac mini.
However when you look at the price you can see you may as well use a full-blown upscaling AV Receiver like a Onkyo or Denon.

HDMI or Optical digital audio cable???

I have an ATV2 with cable box, Samsung sound bar w/blu ray DVD player, and a Samsung led tv. I have HDMI cables and also a optical digital audio cable from my cable box to the sound bar. My tv sound is fine but when I switch over to the ATV2 the tv sound remains on and no sound from the ATV2. I can't figure out what to do.
Message was edited by: Dman3284

Dman3284 wrote:
Shouldn't the HDMI cables carry the sound along with the video? Do I really need the optical digital audio cable at all?
yes they do, but you don't have your kit connected up so that it would do it.
if you wanted to use the HDMI to carry the audio you would need to connect the appletv direct to the soundbar - as it is just now you aren't doing that.

I want to find the digital audio output on my Pavilion vd6853ea notebook

I have spent far too long trying to find where this output is located.
I have a very good Hifi and at the moment am using a USB cable to connect to my DAC.
It looks like there is a realtec digital output somewhere on the notebook as it show up when I go into the playback devices and it tests ok visually.
The 3.5 jack plug is just analog and not a hybrid spdif.
Where is it????????
Please help as I am getting really fed up now!
This question was solved.
View Solution.

HI,
macapaca666 wrote:
Thank you so much for the fast reply.
I thought that may have to be the case.
Can I please ask you a few other questions?
If I want to get a digital audio output not using a HDMI (My DAC doesn't have this input), can I get a good result with something like a Musical Fidelity V link USB to S/Pdif converter or a M2Tech Hiface digital audio interface? Sorry, I cannot make a recommendation on either of those products as I am not familiar with them.
Is it possible to change the sound card with an optical or coaxial output? Your notebook's sound is an integrated solution. It is a chip soldered (integrated) onto the system board. It can't be updated.
Thanks again for the kind help!
John
Best regards,
erico
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2015 Microsoft MVP - Windows Experience Consumer

IPad 2 is not sending DD 5.1 Audio through HDMI cable

Hi,
I have an iPad 2 connected through Apple 30-pin Digital AV Adapter HDMI cable and I am not getting Dolby Digital 5.1 audio in my AVR while watching iTunes Festival 2014.
Is there any workaround for this?
Using Apple TV 3rd generation I get Dolby Digital 5.1 audio in my AVR.
iTunes Festival 2014 is all about music and I can't get DD 5.1??

You're right. There's such an option like this while playing iTunes Festival but no audio settings available for this.
I tried a movie and the movie did stream Dolby Digital 5.1 audio to my AVR, so there's no connectivity issues or capabilities there. But, Dobly Digital 5.1 is not available for iTunes Festival played from iPad 2!! so annoying because it's available from Apple TV. :S

Airplay music streaming and internal DAC bypass

Hello everyone, I'm an "audiophile" who loves high quality liquid music, and I need help about Airplay hi-fi music streaming.
I own an Apple TV 3gen linked with optical cable to my stereo amplifier internal hi-end DAC for optimal sound quality. Everything is fine when I play my iTunes network shared music using the Apple TV iTunes app or computer shared libraries, because the digital file is directly sent without manipulation to the hi-end amplifier's DAC.
When I stream music with my macbook pro to the Apple TV with Airplay, I notice that the macbook pro internal DAC isn't bypassed causing bad sound output. I also notice that because every audio control in the macbook is still active, so you can set the voume output and use the equalizer. This means that there is a Digital to Analog conversion (for sound control) and then an Analog to Digital conversion (for the Airplay streaming) made by macbook pro internal DAC.
As I said before, this workflow causes bad sound output, so is there a way to configure Airplay to stream untouched music files bypassing the internal device DAC (the DACs of iphones, ipads and macs)?

Max_Ram wrote:
Are there any hi-end devices out there able to manage a shared iTunes library (like the ATV 3 does) with bit perfect output?
And has the Airplay feature in some "audiophile grade" devices like NAD, Marantz, etc. the same behaviour?
I suspect you'll find many of the high-end audio devices use custom library software - they may not run with iTunes directly, but I suspect some will be able to access files stored in iTunes. The problem really is the AppleTV is not configurable to simply output what it is sent - I don't honestly know if for example iTunes downsamples hi def files before sending to AppleTV or if AppleTV does it internally.
In many ways it may not matter if AppleTV is not outputting as you want.
I think the problem with Airplay is that the technology is licensed from Apple for inclusion in those devices - from memory things like the first Zeppelin Air used to boast high-quality DACs but actually the Airplay stream that went to those devices was lower quality. I've not really tested any of these things for a while to be honest and am rather out of touch with current AV gear. Thinking about it I can use my Pioneer as an Airplay destination, but as you have noticed volume control/equaliser etc are active so the stream is not the original - must check on sample rate/bit depth though.
Airplay may or may not be capable of what you want now, but even if it isn't it may evolve to do so in the future. I suspect your best option will be to connect your Mac directly to the DAC if streaming won't work.
This is old and mentions some variably priced playback apps aimed at audiophiles:
http://www.headfonia.com/os-x-audio-players-amarra-audirvana-pure-music-fidelia- decibel-and-bitperfect/
BitPerfect is available in the AppStore - OS X removed some APIs for low level access to audio output some times ago - not sure if they are available again now.
Fidelia also in AppStore but has some in-app purchases.
Audirvana looked promising.
Not used any of these recently.
Amarra used to be very expensive.
In the past there have been several lively discussions here where people have moaned that AppleTV does not have a volume control - I have always argued that it is a 'source' device and volume etc should be controlled on the amp or TV as with conventional audio sources but many devices do have volume controls these days so consumers who like those features want them. They did actually add volume control to AppleTV 1 for stereo audio but you could disable it in Settings.

Digital Audio vs HDMI - Airplay Music

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