Aron41

I finally got a system that can handle up to 7.1. I was wondering what everyone does with the soundtracks that are only 5.1. Do you owners of systems that can process more channels select the EX features so that you can get center surround activity or do you leave it at 5.1?

tonyc3742

I generally bump it up. They're back there, might as well use them. Depending on what I'm watching, I'll just toggle through all the settings and see what sounds best. I even do that for 2.0 or 2.1 content [usually tv shows]. When I listen to music as background music, I turn it on 'all channel stereo'.

BobDole42

Dolby PLII (or PLIIx if you have it) is great for tv. I usually use the movie mode, but have been experimenting with the music mode (for tv shows) with good results.

Spiky

I generally leave the receiver in 6.1 mode so it creates the rear center if necessary. If I'm doing critical listening, I decide on a movie by movie basis. Some sound good, others do not.

DJ_Longfellow

Yeah, I use 6.1 always. I didn't have the right layout in my room for 7.1, so I just use 6.1

Maxflier

I leave mine on 6.1.

digitalfreaknyc

I NEVER leave mine on 6.1 I once switched it off and re-discovered the 2 side speakers. I read online that everything has a tendancy (with some movies) to collapse to that center channel and I definitely agree with that. Use 5.1 unless it's an EX movie. You'll thank me later.

Maxflier

Hmmm, my receiver seems to play regular 5.1 as EX no matter what. I can't seem to figure out how to get it to just play it as regular DD.

digitalfreaknyc

There should be an option to have it constantly on, constantly off or to be triggered by the disc itself. Sometimes the disc isn't flagged correctly so you'll have to turn it on yourself.

At this point, since i'm in HD-land, that speaker is just sitting there not being used. Oh well.

SINGLE104

What does your manual state? Generally, A/V Receivers 6.1 through 7.1 soundfields are automatically outputed, if your surround back channel speaker is configured during the initial set-up process, and the surround back channel is turned on. To disactivate the 6.1 soundfield, you must access your set-up menu, and change your speaker configuration. Surround back channel encoded DVDs are not automatically flagged to be played in 6.1, they require a A/V receiver set-up modification.

Maxflier

I'll give the set-up menu a try. Thanks.

Just to make sure i am understanding correctly, once i deactivate it, i would then have to go through the set-up again to re-enable it if i watch a disc with EX?

digitalfreaknyc

If it's not properly flagged. There should probably be a setting where it's automatically detected.

SINGLE104

Yes, that's correct.

digitalfreaknyc

Depends on his setting.

Like I said, mine automatically turns it on if it gets the signal and I have it set to adjust.

Maxflier

Thanks for your help guys, i got it figured out and my SB channel is now set to "Auto".