Apologies in advance if this isn't a PlexConnect thing, but thought I'd ask first.
I have an mp4 file which contains two audio tracks, AAC format, one of these is 5.1, which I'd quite like to listen to. I have PlexConnect set to "Auto" for the transcoding option (the two options where I can specify the size, or whatever it is, is set to the 1080p 40MB options). If I play the file it will NOT pick up the audio as 5.1 (AV received would usually display Dolby D in this situation), I tried an mp4 file from a DVD I ripped, which also has 5.1, and that is detected and audio is picked up as 5.1.
If I change the transcoding option from Auto to "Transcode" then the 5.1 IS detected and played correctly.
The question of course, is "Why is this happening". I am guessing that the file does need to be transcoded for the 5.1 to be played back, but the auto option isn't somehow detecting that it should do this.
As said, I'm not sure if this is a problem with PlexConnect, I don't have anything else that would handle 5.1 apart from my AV setup, so I don't think I can reliably test on anything else, suggestions welcome though.
Almost no one supports AAC 5.1 audio, including Apple. Both XBMC and Plex will downmix multichannel AAC to two channels. If you want multichannel sound, avoid AAC 5.1. AC3 and DTS are better choices, but DTS passthrough isn’t supported by PlexConnect so it’s best to stick with AC3 for multichannel sound.
Have you tried playing about with the PlexConnect profile in PMS? If I remember rightly, for the auto setting, the PMS profile for the client determines whether it send the file as it or remuxes/transcodes. If you tweak this does it make any difference, if so we can request it to be updated with the next PMS release.
I didn't know there was a PlexConnect profile in PMS. Where exactly can I find it. Would it be in the "dlnaclientprofiles.xml" file found at ~/Library/Application Support/Plex Media Server/Plug-Ins/System.bundle/Contents/Resources/
I have opened that file and had a quick search for PlexConnect, AppleTV, and ATV but it does not find anything.
It is not that one, I can’t remember the file but try doing an advanced search for posts by Élan in this sub forum (it can up early on in the life of this app) or ask in the chat room - sorry on phone away from home at the moment.
Bit of a newb and currently at work, but where can I adjust the settings to make sure 5.1 DD Surround Sound is forced? Even when I go to play something on my Apple TV out of PlexConnect and it states AAC 5.1, am I right in thinking that this isn't true DD Surround Sound and in fact my receiver may be broadcasting the 2.1 over my 5.1 setup (super imposing in effect)?
Bit of a newb and currently at work, but where can I adjust the settings to make sure 5.1 DD Surround Sound is forced? Even when I go to play something on my Apple TV out of PlexConnect and it states AAC 5.1, am I right in thinking that this isn't true DD Surround Sound and in fact my receiver may be broadcasting the 2.1 over my 5.1 setup (super imposing in effect)?
Hello,
Have a read of [this](https://forums.plex.tv/topic/74257-ac3-51/?p=428057) post on how to enable 5.1.
That DOES work, as I've had files I have ripped from DVD with 5.1 sound play without issue. The problem I started the thread about could well be why you're seeing and issue with it not playing 5.1. In which case, the only solution so far that I've found is to change the transcoder settings in PlexConnect to "Transcode", which will allow that file to play the 5.1 correctly.
I've had no response on my other thread about how to modify the profile, and I did have another try over the weekend without any success, so I'm a bit stumped. At the moment it's simply one movie I've got this problem with, so not a big loss.
