DVD audio output: bitstream vs lpcm

[sky captain]

When I play DVD movies on my Esa DVD VHS combo player, the audio sounds really bad. It sort of sputters in a chunky way during times of loud music and action.

I suspect there's something in the settings I can fix. I'm going out with stereo RCA cables to my TV's inputs.

So for audio out in the player's settings, I can choose Bitstream or LPCM. Does this make a difference? The instructions were no help.

[ixyk]

Bitstream and LPCM settings have NO EFFECT on analog outputs. These settings only apply to digital outputs, and generally I would say it's best to stick with Bitstream as there aren't very many discs out there (save for mostly music discs) that even have an actual LPCM track on them--at least commercially anyway.

As for the sound problems you're having, I'm not familiar with the type of DVD player you're using, but perhaps it has its own master volume control that is set too high?? Most players I'm familiar with have no volume control as that's generally up to the receiver or TV to handle. You might try changing the dynamic range settings (if there are any available), or possible there are even "3D" settings (either in the player or the TV) that are supposed to simulate surround sound, though IMHO they usually just make it sound bad... Best to stick with "STEREO" mode if simply going analog RCA to a TV.

Is it just certain DVDs? Do VHS tapes do the same? Speakers sometimes go bad too, especially if they're constantly over-driven. And most TVs don't bother putting good speakers in in the first place.

[sky captain]

There is a dynamic range setting. I'll have to check what it was set at, but my two choices are "off" and "full."

Yes, there's 3D sound somewhere. I glanced at it in the book, but didn't look for it in the settings yet. It's probably a button on the remote like my other DVD player.

I've only noticed the sound problem with DVDs, not the VCR. And it happens often enough that I hate watching DVDs on that system. Batman Begins, King Kong 2005, Equilibrium.

I don't have a separate speaker set-up with this TV. I think the TV speakers are okay -- they play fine for television channels.

I was afraid that it might be a 5.1 disc not playing right in stereo, but 5.1 plays okay on my other system -- a Toshiba DVD going to a receiver and stereo speakers.

[wulf109]

Look in the DVD players menu and see if there's an audio output option. There often is with settings for digital,analog,or both. If you have one set it to analog.