X1 box and audio output via hdmi - stereo only

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@X110 wrote:

You are correct, this is a stupid problem. HDMI which is newer technology outputs only a stereo signal from X1 box, but the older format "Digital Optical" connector delivers 5.1 surround encoding. I've worked around it by running HDMI to the TV for picture and everyday sound, and also have Digital Optical run from the X1 box directly to receiver for when I want better surround audio like when watching a movie.

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HDMI is digital and is in the format(s) provided by the producer of the series. the optical connector can't do better than 5.1.  note that HDMI includes the up/down directions for ATMOS if the audio device is ATMOS enabled.

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@Gavin3 wrote:
Just got the new xg1v4 box and having same issue. Apple TV, Xbox, and Blu-ray have no trouble with Dolby digital pass thru. But new box only showing PCM stereo. Tried expert mode, too, but no luck. Very annoying. Maybe someone has had luck resolving? Thx

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please describe your hookup of set top box and receiver/sound bar? (names of ports, etc) and brand/model of TV/sound bar-receiver would be good, too.

New Xfinity user here, not to hijack the thread but I'm having the same exact issue.  I have an xg1v4 box, an older Samsung UN55f8000, Apple TV 4th gen, and Sonos Arc.  The Sonos is connected to the HDMI arc port, with the X1 box and Apple TV to two other HDMIs.  I've tried different cables, ports, etc.  The Apple TV gives me Dolby Digital, the X1 gives me stereo only regardless of channel.  My Sonos app only sees Stereo 2.0 and the Samsung TV only sees PCM as option with DD greyed out.

I was planning on upgrading to 4k TV but want to see if this is really a TV handshake issue or something with the XG1v4 box output.

The set top box and the apple tv are both connected via HDMI directly to the TV.  Regardless of what channel I select on the set top box, the output on the TV is only PCM (DD greyed out) and the Sonos only sees Stereo 2.0.  Auto Detect on the Xfinity set top box is always listing Stereo.

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@sandradecpa wrote:

New Xfinity user here, not to hijack the thread but I'm having the same exact issue.  I have an xg1v4 box, an older Samsung UN55f8000, Apple TV 4th gen, and Sonos Arc.  The Sonos is connected to the HDMI arc port, with the X1 box and Apple TV to two other HDMIs.  I've tried different cables, ports, etc.  The Apple TV gives me Dolby Digital, the X1 gives me stereo only regardless of channel.  My Sonos app only sees Stereo 2.0 and the Samsung TV only sees PCM as option with DD greyed out.

 

I was planning on upgrading to 4k TV but want to see if this is really a TV handshake issue or something with the XG1v4 box output.

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you did not state how the set top box is connected to your equipment. The TV is not involved in audio selection. if a channel or recording is in 2.0 you will not get more than 2.0 when playing that source. 

No receiver, just the Sonos Arc soundbar which is connected via HDMI to the TV HDMI ARC input.  I've also tried the digital optical connection with the same results.  I've tried to connect the set top box HDMI out to the Sonos Arc soundbar but wasn't getting any sound and obviously no video.

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@sandradecpa wrote:

The set top box and the apple tv are both connected via HDMI directly to the TV.  Regardless of what channel I select on the set top box, the output on the TV is only PCM (DD greyed out) and the Sonos only sees Stereo 2.0.  Auto Detect on the Xfinity set top box is always listing Stereo.

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do you have a sound bar or receiver? if so, try connecting the X1 to it  now you get 5.1 and above audio?

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@sandradecpa wrote:

No receiver, just the Sonos Arc soundbar which is connected via HDMI to the TV HDMI ARC input.  I've also tried the digital optical connection with the same results.  I've tried to connect the set top box HDMI out to the Sonos Arc soundbar but wasn't getting any sound and obviously no video.

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on their web site it says the current Sonos Arc is ATMOS, is that correct? if so, the X1 box must be connected to the sound bar itself. I was unable to locate a PDF from their site showing layout. Apparently you use the app to connect the DVR to the Arc and use the app to tell the Arc what you are adding. your TV should have an ARC labelled HDMI port (hope it is 4k capable). the other HDMI items connected to the TV as well as the TV's smart apps will use that ARC to send sound to the sound bar. ARC is old technology and so far is not capable of doing more than 5.1 DD (later models).  Will be interesting to see if there is an ARC+ or ARC2 in the future.

I am having the same issue and no one seems to have the answer.  Apple TV  as source indicates 5.1 signal thru TV ARCed to SONOS arc sound bar.   X1 box only shows as 2.0.  Have talked to tech support from xfinity, SONOS, and tv manufacturer.    I hope someone can find the solution to this problem.

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@Gmatthew wrote:

I am having the same issue and no one seems to have the answer.  Apple TV  as source indicates 5.1 signal thru TV ARCed to SONOS arc sound bar.   X1 box only shows as 2.0.  Have talked to tech support from xfinity, SONOS, and tv manufacturer.    I hope someone can find the solution to this problem.

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did you set the x1 audio to expert?

Yes, I have tried the expert mode but the X1 box still only shows up as a 2.0 input to the SONOS soundbar.    Apple TV shows up as DD 5.1.   Thank you.

Sorry to jump in on this but, the comcast cable box I have does not have an optical out connection. It only has 2 HDMI ports.