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    does VLC automatically decode compressed audio to LPCM?

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by masterchef341, May 31, 2011.

  1. masterchef341

    masterchef341 The guy from The Notebook

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    If I connect my macbook pro to my digital receiver / soundsystem via displayport - I presume the macbook pro is only capable of sending LPCM audio. So, I have movies with Dolby (AC3) audio tracks in iTunes. Can I send this compressed audio to my receiver directly (the receiver could certainly decode it). If not- can VLC decode it to LPCM and send that? How do I get surround sound movies going? Thanks!
     
    masterchef341, May 31, 2011
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  2. cmczdub

    cmczdub Notebook Guru

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    cmczdub, Jun 1, 2011
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  3. kornchild2002

    kornchild2002 Notebook Deity

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    I can tell you that the 2011 MBP line (and I think the 2010 models as well) are fully capable of exporting digital audio via the minidisplay/thunderbolt port. I currently have my 13" MBP hooked up to my surround sound system via HDMI and then my receiver has an HDMI output to my HDTV for the video portion. In VLC, when a movie is playing, go up to the top program bar, click on Audio, and then click on Encoded Output. VLC displays three options for me: Built-in, HDMI, and HDMI (Encoded Output). The last one will send the raw, unmodified audio out to my receiver as-is so that it can decode it. This works with Dolby Digital and DTS lossy audio. I have not been able to try Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby lossless, or DTS lossless. When not using the Encoded Output option in VLC, it outputs the audio via stereo LPCM.

    iTunes is a little different. All you have to do is open a movie and move your mouse over the black play control area. You will see a white icon that looks like a though bubble, click on that. You will then see two or more options depending on the movie: English (Stereo Output) and English (Surround Sound). Simply click on the Surround Sound one and iTunes will output the Dolby Digital soundtrack as-is (ie without transcoding it) to whatever receiver you have hooked up to it.

    Just make sure that you are using the right connection for your receiver, otherwise it is not going to work.
     
    kornchild2002, Jun 2, 2011
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  4. masterchef341

    masterchef341 The guy from The Notebook

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    that's it- perfect.

    cmczdub, i already haave all the hardware, thanks both for helping anyway!
     
    masterchef341, Jun 2, 2011
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