PAL Speedup Reverse with digital output?

[H.Mulot]

Is there any possibility to get the PAL-Speedup-Reverse-signal from the digital outputs?
With PowerDVD it doesn't work when SPDIF is chosen. When I change to 2 speakers I get the speeded down signal from the digital output. But it seems, that it's kinda like poorly compressed, because the highs and high mids sound too sharp.
This works in some degree acceptable for mono- or stereo-signals but not for true 5.1-sound, because that is reduced to 2 channels.

I know, that the signal could (no: should!) come through the analog outputs, but I have the problem, that my subwoofer and my AVR start buzzing when the analog outputs are activated (electr. ground loop), and I'm not able to liquidate it.
So a true speeded down 5.1-signal from the digital output would be perfect for me.

Are there any chances to get it?

[James]

Is there any possibility to get the PAL-Speedup-Reverse-signal from the digital outputs?
With PowerDVD it doesn't work when SPDIF is chosen. When I change to 2 speakers I get the speeded down signal from the digital output. But it seems, that it's kinda like poorly compressed, because the highs and high mids sound too sharp.
This works in some degree acceptable for mono- or stereo-signals but not for true 5.1-sound, because that is reduced to 2 channels.

I know, that the signal could (no: should!) come through the analog outputs, but I have the problem, that my subwoofer and my AVR start buzzing when the analog outputs are activated (electr. ground loop), and I'm not able to liquidate it.
So a true speeded down 5.1-signal from the digital output would be perfect for me.

Are there any chances to get it?
Sure. Use the AC3encoder.

[H.Mulot]

Just a click on

"Use AC3 encoder for PCM sound"

and

"only with multi channel sources"

as well as on

"enable time stretching when slowing down media"?

I thought the "AC3 encoder for PCM sound" was only when PCM sound is the source. But DD5.1 as the source is already AC3.:(

[H.Mulot]

Setting the checkmarks on the boxes I mentioned in my last post doesn't work.
The only thing that happens is, that when I set the speed to 0,5x24 (because it is easier to check), that the sound plays for one second and pauses for another second while the picture is playing constantly in slow motion.
Setting the speed to "PAL Speed down" just a little stutter is audible every second but the sound isn't that deep as it should it be and as it is setting the audio output of PowerDVD to "2 speakers" .

What did I do wrong?

[H.Mulot]

I got it: I have to choose "6 speakers" in the audio menu of PowerDVD and set checks as well on PAL SpeedDown Media adaption as on Audio adaption.

But the sound gets worse: it sounds too shrill, too sharp compared it with the sound in the original speed.

Is this normal?

[James]

I got it: I have to choose "6 speakers" in the audio menu of PowerDVD and set checks as well on PAL SpeedDown Media adaption as on Audio adaption.

But the sound gets worse: it sounds too shrill, too sharp compared it with the sound in the original speed.

Is this normal?

1.) Disable timestretching
2.) Only set the media adaptation speed down box.

[H.Mulot]

O.k I'll try it.

Does this make the sound better?

I think I tried this settings with the effect, that the sound wasn't actually slower (and tuned down) but had a slight crack every second.

But I will try it again.

[H.Mulot]

Thanks for your advice. It works.
I tested it and can say that with your recommended setting that there is no worsening in sound audible at the moment.

Thanks a lot for your answer!

[radosuaf]

Will it work for the DTS sound as well?

So far I've tried PAL Speeddown with 5.1 analog and it's great with hardware acceleration ticked (the sound is choppy without it), but due to the distance between the PC and my plasma (~7m), I'd like to send the signal digitally.

[CraziFuzzy]

This should work with any PCM sound source that is passed to ReClock Whether it's DTS or DD doesn't matter, as it leaves PowerDVD as just 6-Channel PCM.. it will encode it into DD5.1 (AC3) to send to your receiver.

[radosuaf]

Yep, but that mean that if I throw DTS in, it will be output as DD, which probably means quality loss...

Apart from that - can I assume that a DD stream slowed down and output as DD will be of the same quality (without noticeable loss, let's say)?

[CraziFuzzy]

Well, there will be a quality loss with any audio reencoding. That being said, i have not noticed any real difference in the perceptible quality. Ideally, you'd have uncompressed audio going to your receiver (either Analog, or Multichannel PCM / LPCM).

[radosuaf]

Well, I do. But then, I have to move my PC each time I want to watch a DVD. I'd like to have a digital connection not to worry about the quality loss over cable and to have one cable instead of 3 :-).

[CraziFuzzy]

Use USB for your cable run, and then a USB 5.1 sound card in analog mode at your reciever... would be a nicer solution...

even better solution, would be to use HDMI as your only cable (HD Video + Multichannel PCM)

[radosuaf]

1. I already have SB Live! 5.1 and X-Fi at home (not counting onboard ALC889A), so buying another card would be too much...
2. Unfortunately, my Onkyo HT-R508 does not accept audio over HDMI :-(.

[radosuaf]

OK, tested today with the SB Live! (has digital coax and I don't have an optical cable) with resampling quality set to "Excellent" and AC3 encoder running. CPU load @21.8% (DVD playback with Avivo). Sounds good. I do like it :-).

In my case (PAL DVD playback only at the moment) the option "Accepted slowdown of media speed in PCM mode" can be left at default, right?