My goal is to playback video files with 7.1 surround sound via Plex, either utilizing pass -hrough (TrueHD and DTS-MA) or via LPCM. This has proven difficult so far, and was NOT possible on either the Xbox One or PS4. My only success so far was utilizing Plex Home Theater, but I would like the option to use a streaming media player. Is the Nvidia Shield the only capable device?
My testing seems to indicate problems with utilizing LPCM, in most cases only being 5.1 sound despite a 7.1 source. The issue varies depending on the device which seems odd. Have others experienced this problem? My audio receiver is a Yamaha RX-V671.
Testing configuration/ results:
PS4
Device Settings: HDMI Audio, Linear PCM 7.1
Results: My receiver indicated it was receiving 7.1 PCM, however the sound output was only in 5.1. The rear surrounds were completely silent. This was true for both TrueHD and DTS-MA sources.
Xbox One
Device Settings: HDMI Audio, Uncompressed 7.1
Results: My receiver indicated it was receiving 7.1 PCM, however the sound output was only in 5.1. This time the side surround speakers were silent, and sound was output from the rear surrounds. This was true for both TrueHD and DTS-MA sources.
PC Test 1
Device Settings: HDMI Audio, WSAPI 7.1, Boxes checked to allow for Pass-through
Results: My receiver indicated it was receiving both TrueHD and DTS-MA and it worked in 7.1.
PC Test 2
Device Settings: HDMI Audio, WSAPI 7.1, Boxes un-checked for Pass-through to force LPCM.
Results: TrueHD worked well via LPCM, all 7 channels working, however DTS-MA did not. The receiver indicated "DTS" and sound was only in 5.1.