DisplayAudio Dolby Atmos reverting to stereo

[g00fy75dk]

On my HTPC, a NUC (8th gen), connected to the TV through an AVR using quality HDMI cables,  YouTube and Netflix will randomly experience problems with playing video content and audio-output is set to Dolby Atmos.

In YouTube, either when there is an add or it switches to the next video, audio  sometimes go silent and video playback is in slow-motion.

If I switch the AVR off and on, the video will play at normal speed and audio will return, but now only in stereo.

Another method is to switch audio output back to stereo (from dolby atmos) and then back to dolby atmos, this will then fix playback speed and audio returns.

System is running Windows 10 (2004) and the problem was there in all the previous versions also.

KODI and VLC doesn't have this issue (using WASAPI) so I suspect a driver issue in DirectSound?

The issue seems only to occur when dealing with Dolby Atmos, nothing else I've tried triggers it.

[g00fy75dk]

I've just read post 1186882 and maybe this issue is somewhat similar?

Also a NUC and also issues with Dolby Atmos.

Drivers loaded came with Windows 10 and are 25-02-2020 v.10.27.0.9

The package also contains v.11.2, but force-loading these results in no audio.

Tried a clean-install of the latest Windows, this did not change anything.

Setup:

HTPC(NUC8) > AVR(Onkyo) > TV(LG) using short quality HDMI cables.

[n_scott_pearson]

What specific Onkyo AVR?

[g00fy75dk]

Hardware information:

AVR: Onkyo TX-NR545 (straight decode / direct)

TV: LG 65SK8500PLA

HTPC: NUC8BEB (bios 0081)

[g00fy75dk]

It is probably important to mention that when it works, it works perfectly.

If a movie or some other video is first running, and there are no interruptions, it will play perfectly until the end.

Only if its interrupted (youtube add as an example) or if I pause a movie or if watching series on netflix and it switches to the next episode, will it sometimes cause the audio to go silent (youtube) or stutter (netflix).

[n_scott_pearson]

Ok, I have the TX-NR575; I will see if I can reproduce this.

...S

[Sebastian_M_Intel]

Hello g00fy75dk, 

Thank you for posting on the Intel® communities.   

In order to better assist you, please provide the following: 

1. Run the Intel® System Support Utility (Intel® SSU) and attach the report generated:  

• Open the application, check the "Everything" box, and click on "Scan" to see the system and device information. By default, Intel® SSU will take you to the "Summary View".  
• Click on the menu where it says "Summary" to change to "Detailed View".  
• To save your scan, click on "Next", then "Save".  
• Use the paperclip icon to attach the report to the thread. Please note that only one file can be attached at a time. 

2. What happens if you use an HDMI-HDMI straight connection from the NUC to the TV? Without using the AVR. 

3. This issue can happen if the HDMI firmware on the Intel® NUC is out of date. See HDMI 2.0 Firmware update instructions. 

Regards, 

Sebastian M.  

Intel Customer Support Technician.  

[g00fy75dk]

Hi,

I gad actually stumbled upon the HDMI firmware earlier and tried to see if an update here would change anything.

It is currently running the latest version to my knowledge:

Current on-board F/W Version: Bobcat App: MC2800 v1.77 (cut2.2)
CMDB: Ver:0.3 (Custom Ver: 1.1)

I've attached requested log and also screen-captures from the tray sound-settings. Normally it runs "dolby atmos" but when something goes wrong and I turn AVR off and on, it reverts to stereo.

Connecting the NUC directly to the TV and I do not have the option of selecting "dolby atmos", since the TV speakers do not support this.

When AVR is connected all modes are avaiable.

[Ronny_G_Intel]

Hi g00fy75dk, 

I have been looking into this issue but I haven't been able to replicate, @n_scott_pearson did you replicate it by any chance? 

@g00fy75dk can you update your system bios to latest version 0083, I see that your system is still running version 0081? Here is the URL: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/29798/BIOS-Update-BECFL357-86A-?product=126150

Thanks,

Ronny G

[n_scott_pearson]

Sorry, I totally spaced this (I am old(er) and forgetful; that's my story and I am sticking with it).

I will see if I can set it up tomorrow (oh fun, tearing the HT apart).

....S

[n_scott_pearson]

I was not able to reproduce this. It worked just fine running through the various Dolby Atmos demos on Youtube. Can you provide me with a specific sequence of activities that reproduce it?

...S

[g00fy75dk]

An update from my side.

It seems that the problem is happening for all applications, that is sound will drop whether or not its mediaplayer, kodi, vlc, youtube etc.

So at least that removes some of the mystery.

How to reproduce?

Once the TV and AVR are turned on, rebooting the HTPC and starting any player, the content will almost always playback flawlessly.

However, if the "sound" connection between HTPC and AVR goes idle (Onkyo has an audible relay that clicks), the playback is almost guaranteed to glitch randomly until machine is rebooted and all devices re-negotiate(?) a new connection.

So, when pausing a movie and resuming, the audio will most likely start glitching.

When playing youtube, if a commercial has different audio, it will most likely start glitching.

The problem seems to happen more often if CEC is enabled, but it still happens when disabled, so can't say for sure if its related.

If I disable my AVR and the HTPC then outputs audio through the TV speakers:

HTPC -> AVR(off) -> TV

Then its limited to stereo provided by the TV, but playback is flawless.

When I think about it... Could this be related to the wiring of my speakers?

You see, when we renovated the apartment I connected my 5.1 "incorrectly".

My rear speakers are positioned as if I have 7.1, so connected the "back" connector instead of "surround".

Not sure if the AVR can sense this and if that is the problem?

...but then again, why does a reboot fix the issues, at least until the  connection goes idle or for other reasons has a hiccup in the communication

Attached is a video of KODI playing a movie with the ONKYO OSD showing it loses connection as the audio glitches.

So the AVR senses that no audio is sent.

Problem *only* happens if Windows is configured with ATMOS speaker configuration!

Running it in STEREO and the problem is gone.

(Excluding KODI if it uses WASAPI as this bypasses DIRECTSOUND)

[g00fy75dk]

Hello again,

Attached this post is an example of how a youtube video plays in slow-motion when the audio is glitching.

After switching to stereo and back to atmos, it continues to play fine again...

I'm very curious to know what can cause such weird behavior.

[n_scott_pearson]

I am still having no luck reproducing this; it seems solid as a rock.

What are the steps to enable that onscreen display? 

...S

[g00fy75dk]

It gives me hope that you, with a similar setup, don't have any issues.

The cabinet where everything resides is super compact and I'll need to remove it from the wall to get proper access to all cables again, next scheduled maintenance is next spring

Once its down again I'll try different HDMI ports and see if that changes anything...

The OSD is the one from the Onkyo receiver when pressing the DISPLAY button (just make sure receiver is selected, in case CEC is enabled).

BIOS/Firmware etc. on TV, AVR and NUC are all running the latest version.

[n_scott_pearson]

Well, thing is, I am unsure that it is actually working right anyway. If there is anything coming from the surround speakers, it is awfully subtle...

...S

[Sebastian_M_Intel]

Hello g00fy75dk, 

Thank you for your reply. 

We will proceed to check this case internally, once we have an update I will share that on the thread. Please kindly wait for our response. 

Hopefully, our peer n_scott_pearson can also do the replication and let us know about the outcome.

Regards, 

Sebastian M. 

Intel Customer Support Technician.