Audio pass through not working for EAC3

[CodeGreen 1]

Hello,

 

I am finding that files with an audio track encoded EAC3 are not playing on my receiver in 5.1, but only in stereo.  In the display in Emby Theater for the show, it says the audio is 5.1 EAC3.  In the Audio Settings area, I have EAC3 pass through checked.  When inspecting the mkv file using MediaInfo, it shows the Format as E-AC-3, Codec ID: A_EAC3, with 6 channels.  When I play the same file using the windows Movie Player app, it plays in full 5.1 surround.  Other types, such as regular AC3 work fine in Emby Theater.  Any help would be appreciated!

 

Thank you,

Danny

 

 

[Luke 39648]

Hi, just to make sure you're on the latest, try installing the latest from the website. See if that resolves it. Thanks !

[CodeGreen 1]

Hello,  I updated and at am version 2.7.9 (which I think is what it was before).  This did not correct the problem.

 

Thank you!

Danny

[Guest asrequested]

Try a clean install.

[CodeGreen 1]

I uninstalled, and then reinstalled Emby Theater.  EAC3 still does not play 5.1.  I looked at the log file for Theater, but there was very little there.  How would I increase the logging verbosity?

[Guest asrequested]

Can you share a file? I can test it.

[Guest asrequested]

I've got your file, and I'm able to bitstream the EAC3 audio. I'm assuming that you have been successful, in the past? Can you post a screenshot of your settings?

[Guest asrequested]

Also, try playing the file with the standalone mpv player. Here's a zip file with mpv and a test config I made. Just double click on the player and drag 'n' drop the file onto it.

[CodeGreen 1]

Hello,

 

I used mpv, and it did not play 5.1 for me either.  I cannot say for sure if EAC3 ever worked before, I'm not sure how common the format has been (though this is the second show I've recently watched that had it, so maybe it is becoming more prevalent)?  Usually when I notice that stereo is playing, when I look I see there are only 2 channels, so that explains it.  It was just recently that I connect the EAC3 to not having 5.1.  I have researched, and to me it seems as though my receiver ( https://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio_visual/av_receivers_amps/rx-v379_u/specs.html#product-tabs ) supports it (seems like EAC3 is AKA Dolby Digital Plus).  Also, there is the fact that when I right click on the file, and choose OpenWith->Movies and TV, it plays with 5.1.  Is it possible that application is converting it to something else?  I am attaching the screenshot of my audio settings, as well as a screen shot of my receiver specs. 

Edited June 13, 2017 by CodeGreen

[Guest asrequested]

OK, I think we need to set you up with logging. When I get home, tonight, I'll check a few things and then help you with logging.

[Guest asrequested]

In your 'portable-config' folder you'll find the mpv.conf, file. Open it and add this line

 

log-file="E:\Downloads\mpv\portable_config\logs\log.txt"

 

But change the highlighted text to the drive/location that you have chosen. Play your file, then post the log on here.

 

Note: each time you play a video, that file will get written over.

[CodeGreen 1]

Hello!

 

I am uploading the log file.  I can see where it seems to be falling back to stereo, though the why of it is over my head, perhaps some codec is missing or my audio driver isn't up to par?  Hopefully it makes more sense to you!

log.txt

Edited June 14, 2017 by CodeGreen

[cirrusmedia 1]

Hi,  Sorry to hijack this thread but I am trying to find the audio settings on the web app that would give me the options as shown in the screen shot by CodeGreen but I cannot find it anywhere in the settings.  The reason I am asking this is because it does not seem to be outputting any LFE for the processor.  I know a LFE channel exists because when I use my WD Live media player it shows up and the processor handles it just fine, when I use Emby I do not have a LFE channel.  Does anyone know how I can unlock this setting?  Cheers.  I have also attached the screen shot that shows there six channel audio is in the file. 
 

[Guest asrequested]

They aren't in the web app. These are in Enby Theater desktop. If you have home theater, you should use that. You can find it in the download section of the site.

[cirrusmedia 1]

Thanks for your response.  I thought that was the case as I studied the screenshot.  It is a shame really because I find the web app to be good enough for most things.  Anyway, I will make the change. Cheers

[Guest asrequested]

I think I know what's happening.

[af] Audio filter chain:
[  41.780][v][af]   [in] 192000Hz stereo 2ch spdif-eac3
[  41.780][v][af]   [out] 192000Hz stereo 2ch spdif-eac3
[  41.780][v][af]   [ao] 192000Hz stereo 2ch spdif-eac3
[  41.780][v][ao] Trying audio driver 'wasapi'
[  41.781][v][ao/wasapi] requested format: 192000 Hz, stereo channels, spdif-eac3
[  41.786][v][ao/wasapi] No device specified. Selecting default.
[  41.789][v][ao/wasapi] Selecting device '{df81fab4-4902-4d8d-86fc-cfc7d868c774}' (Realtek Digital Output(Optical) (Realtek High Definition Audio))
[  41.789][v][ao/wasapi]

You're using optical spdif, aren't you? I don't think optical supports EAC3. You should be using HDMI. It's much superior, and is the only way to bitstream greater than standard 5.1. 

[Luke 39648]

thanks @ !

[Guest asrequested]

Some info on this.

 

https://www.dolby.com/uploadedFiles/Assets/US/Doc/Professional/dolby-digital-plus-faq.pdf

 

[CodeGreen 1]

Hello!

 

Ok, that sounds reasonable.  I will have to do some wiring (access behind my entertainment center is a challenge), but my system does now have a video card that has HDMI.  Also, just recently 'cut the cable', so I have an available HDMI input on my receiver where the cable box used to plug in.  I will let you know how it goes.

[Luke 39648]

Thanks for the feedback.

[CodeGreen 1]

Success!!  EAC3 is playing 5.1 now!  And I'm pretty sure the video is better also.  

 

Thank you very much for all of your help!

[Luke 39648]

Thanks @