Audio problems on ver 4.0.4 and blackout problems on previous versions - MED400X

[muzu]

Hello

I solved the blackout problems with a some adjustment to the TV setup. I had the TV setup at the highest being 1080p @60 H but i think my TV does not like this setting so set it one lower and the problem has gone away.

Would still like the solution to the audio problems ver 4.0.4. though.

Hi

I have 2 problems though they could be interconnected, not sure?

1. I upgraded to ver 4.0.4 on the MED400X and all the movie files play great, the backround sounds come through perfect but when people talk, etc that is stifled to a large degree and echo-ee. It is a similar problem to what Jere_530 reported on the 15th June 2011 in the forum. I have the device connected to the TV via the HDMI cable and the sound to a surround sound amp via 2 x RCA cables (left and right).

2. Due to this problem i reverted to ver 3.0.5 (using the beta version install first). Everything plays (picture and sound perfect) except now i experience a screen blackout/flicker for a very short period like a second or so but every 10 to 15 minutes throughout any movie that i play - it is intermittent in other words but happens with every movie i play.

I then reverted to ver 4.0.4 but the same thing happens as with ver 3.0.5. This never happened with the software version that i had on the device when i purchased it but only after i upgraded to the latest version and due to the audio problems experienced, going back to the earlier versions.

[Maasbommel]

1. I upgraded to ver 4.0.4 on the MED400X and all the movie files play great, the backround sounds come through perfect but when people talk, etc that is stifled to a large degree and echo-ee. It is a similar problem to what Jere_530 reported on the 15th June 2011 in the forum. I have the device connected to the TV via the HDMI cable and the sound to a surround sound amp via 2 x RCA cables (left and right).

So you have both sound from your TV and from your Amp on?

Normal use would be:
- using TV sound, no amp
- using Amp, no TV sound

The echo you are hearing is because your amp is delaying the sound.
I guess you don't hear that echoing when you put your TV sound off?

[jer1956]

A possible issue here is that realtek keep adding standard mechansims for automating various functions. They have already added CEA-EDID, but a much older mechansim found on retail media are the "downmix coefficients."  These coefficients go into twe equations for left and right downmix sound.  So  Left has the form Left + X*center + Y*left rear etc. If these coefficients are not supplied, but used, then Left is just Left, without any center component, and dosn't sound as you expect.

If this has been implemented then stereo downmix from a DVD.iso should be OK, but a multi-channel MKV will be rubbish.

[muzu]

Hi

I dont use both if  thats what you meaning? In other words i use the sound through the amp only when i am watching movies and the TV sound is off. Its not really an echo (it just sounds like that). Its more that the sound is not right at all when people speak but the backround sounds are fine. I emailed a representative from this company and they feel there is a problem with the AAC 6 ch downmix in ver4.0.4.. Thats what i know thus far?

 

So you have both sound from your TV and from your Amp on?

Normal use would be:
- using TV sound, no amp
- using Amp, no TV sound

The echo you are hearing is because your amp is delaying the sound.
I guess you don't hear that echoing when you put your TV sound off?

[Maasbommel]

Yes, that was the idea, but now I understand you do not have both tv and amp audio on at the same time, as that can also give some simular effect.

Do you have both hdmi and spdiff setting on 2 channel?

[muzu]

Hi Massbommel

I am not really that good with this and maybe you can help me further if i explain this as i am currently running the device now on ver 3.0.5. and regards your last question - " Do you have both hdmi and spdiff setting on 2 channel? -" Maybe it will be easier for you to tell me what i should have them on then i can load ver 4 .0.4. and then select these settings and see how the sound behaves or rather listen. Currently i have the unit connected like this - the device (video) is connected to the TV via the HDMI cable and the sound to a surround sound amp via 2 x RCA cables (left and right).

If i load ver 4.0.4. what should the settings be in audio?

[Maasbommel]

When you have upgraded to 4.0.4, put:
HDMI video setting on : 1080p 50hz
HDMI audio settings both on 2 channel (hdmi and spdiff).

Then carefully check on what media files you have the effect, check with media info
http://mediainfo.sourceforge.net/en the media files and compare the used audio codec.

Post the output of one of the media here, I suspect you have it only with some specific audio codec.

[muzu]

Thank you Maasbommel, i'm going to give it a bash now.

[muzu]

Maasbommel, you the man! Its fixed but right now i cannot tell you which of your ideas fixed it. I loaded ver 4.0.4. and set  the audio as you stated. It was better than before with just an echo and then i muted the TV sound and BAM - fixed. Thank you kindly Sir, i can now watch (and hear) all formats with the latest version of the firmware.

Thank you Maasbommel for taking the time and giving me the assistance. THANK YOU!

[Maasbommel]

My guess is both spdiff and hdmi audio setting to 2 channel fixed your issue.
You might have had one on passthrough in the past.