Can't get all speakers to turn on in AV-1 function

HDTV inherently provides a superior sound quality simply because the sound of HDTV is digitally transmitted. The difference in sound between an HDTV television and an analog television is rather noticeable. In fact, it is directly analogous to the difference between the music on CD's compared to the music on audiocassette tapes.

The difference in sound quality provided by HDTV televisions and programming does not end there. Many HDTV programs are also broadcast in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, but in order to take full advantage of this technology, it is necessary to have the right equipment.

Dolby technology has been created by Dolby Laboratories, Inc. This technology is the most renowned provider of digital audio technology. Also, Dolby Laboratories is known for reliable and superior products. For these reasons, Dolby Digital Surround has become the standard for HDTV. Many television manufacturers substitute their own surround sound systems, but they cannot live up to the reputation and performance of Dolby. Therefore, it important to check the specs on an HDTV television before buying in order to ensure that it uses Dolby Digital Surround.

When using Dolby Digital Surround Sound, there are three options for set up. The first option is to buy a television with high quality center channel speakers, woofers, tweeters, and Dolby technology installed in the television. With this option, it is unnecessary to buy addition equipment to take advantage of Dolby Digital Surround Sound.

Another option for taking advantage of the Dolby Digital Surround Sound with an HDTV is to connect an external set of surround speakers to the television. With this option, the surround sound set up includes a front pair of speakers, a surround pair of speakers, a center channel, and a subwoofer. Sometimes, the front speakers are "powered towers." This means these towers include subwoofers.

The placement of these speakers is very important for the quality of the surround sound. The Center Channel Speaker should be centered either above or below the television. The Front Left and Right Speakers should be placed in an arc formation in line with the Center Channel Speaker. The Surround Left and Right Speakers, on the other hand, should be placed to the left and right sides behind the listening position. Many people choose to wall mount these speakers.

The third option for taking advantage of the Dolby Digital Surround System included in an HDTV television is to use an external set of front speakers can be connected to the HDTV television. This configuration is useful if there is not enough room to set up the external surround sound system and the HDTV does not come with Dolby Digital Surround installed. This isn't true surround sound, but it is a viable alternative to those who can't take advantage of the first two formats.

The audio and video outputs of the DVD or VCR can be connected to the AV receiver's video outputs. If a separate DVD and VCR need to be connected, one can be connected to the VCR1 connection and the other can be connected to the VCR2 connection. The AV receiver's VCR video and audio outputs should then be connected to the audio and video inputs of the DVD and/or VCR. In this way, the DVD and/or VCR will be able to record video signals that come through the AV receiver and the VHS tapes and/or DVD's will be able to be viewed on the HDTV.

To take full advantage of the Dolby Digital Surround Sound technology, one of the video outputs of the DVD player and/or VCR needs to be connected to the AV receiver. The digital coaxial audio or digital optical connection must also be connected to the AV receiver.

How do I connect my CD player?

A CD player can be connected to an AV receiver. The CD player's digital audio outputs can be used to connect the CD player to the AV receiver. A CD-Recorder can also be connected the AV receiver by using the Audio Tape Record/Playback input/output loop connections. In this way, the CD-Recorder will be able to function much like a standard audiocassette deck.

What else will I need?

Besides the basic electronic equipment needed to set up Dolby Digital Surround Sound, it is necessary to have connection cables. This includes video, audio, and loudspeaker connection cables. These cables need to be at an appropriate length in order to set the speakers in the proper position for optimal surround sound quality.

PCM is what it's receiving from the DVD player. The player has output bitstream settings, too, maybe even speaker configurations and distances. Read its manual.

Chances are you are playing movies coded for Dolby Digital Surround. Depending on what kind of receiver your DVD player is plugged into, the receiver may not have the Center channel operating or turned up. Most all dialog comes from the center channel of a surround sound system. The receiver usually has a separate output for a center channel speaker, and a separate volume control as well. This will adjust the dialog volume up.
If you are not using a receiver, or plugged directly into the TV, check the audio settings on the TV. They may not be set up for the surround, hence why you are missing the dialog. Good Luck

surround receivers are supposed to be able to turn a stereo signal into a surround signal.  if the surround unit is producing just a stereo sound, then the tv is most likely outputting in mono, and not stereo; or there is no surround sound to decode..

goto your menue setings and slect sround sound and set up to external sound system.

use your t/v audio out with RCA cables to your reciever input like(vcr in, dvd in, dtv in)

If you have only Left and Right connected the receiver wont know what to send to the other speakers without some kind of DSP.
If you are using an optical or coaxial connection from a dvd player it may utilize the other speakers if the DVD player is providing that information.
If you dont like the DSP but still want to have all the speakers function while listening to non surround sound material try setting the DSP flat or to a reduced setting.

If you are listening to a DVD with surround sound information and the DSP off still provides no sound to the rear speakers check the manual for that receiver for a "auto surround detection" setting.
good luck.

To upmix 2-channel sound (such as that in a TV broadcast) into 5.1 sound, press AMP and then SUR. DECODE until "PL II Movie" is displayed. This will give you "cinema-like" surround sound from a 2-channel source.

You can also assign this to one of your "Scenes" by following the procedure for scene assignment on page 26 of your manual.

There are probably several sound settings on the receiver :
Dolby surround , stereo, theater, SACD etc.
Try another setting other than the one you have