DTS Passthrough issues (AC3 is fine), Shield TV

by ElektronikSupersonik

EDIT: Fixed the problem by rooting and editing audio_policy.conf to allow DTS.

My nVidia Shield is hooked up to the TV directly (HDMI 2.0) running 4k 60Hz. My TV has optical/SPDIF out to my old receiver (Denon AVR-889), and the Audio menu set to "RAW" output.

I am able to passthrough Dolby Digital (AC3) without a problem, but DTS tracks will not work at all. Depending on the method, either complete silence or noise. This is true in XMBC, Plex, Archos Player, and the stock Video Player.

Here is what puzzles me:

  • Using a Windows PC instead of the Shield in the same setup, with the same files, will passthrough DTS without a problem. This tells me the TV and receiver are both capable of passing and processing a DTS signal.
  • The Shield connected directly to the receiver via HDMI will play DTS fine (I would use this but my receiver isn't 4K capable, only 1080p).

Is there a fundamental difference to how a Windows PC and Android device passthrough DTS? I am stumped to why it doesn't work. I've contacted support and they don't know either. Any input would be much appreciated!

vanker

Connect directly to your receiver to get DTS to work. Most Tv's can't pass through anything but stereo audio.

Edit: I didn't get to the paragraph about your windows PC... My bad. That's odd. Have you tried hooking up directly to see that it's working correctly when hooked up that way?

ElektronikSupersonik

Just wanted to update this, I'm pretty sure the issue is that the TV EDID does not say it is DTS capable, so Android doesn't output it. I guess Windows is more flexible in having applications force it anyway, which is why it worked.