PCM surround
DSM Surround Sound without DSP module
This page describes how to configure a surround sound system without using a surround decoder module in a DSM. In all the cases below, surround decode is performed in another device connected to the DSM by HDMI or HDMI eARC. Playback of PCM surround audio using SPDIF, TOSLINK or ARC inputs is NOT supported.
Non-encoded (PCM) surround audio playback is supported by the following DSM players
- Any DSM with HDMI and/or HDMI eARC inputs and Exakt outputs
- Selekt DSM (Classic and Edition) with HDMI and/or HDMI eARC inputs & 2 or more 2-channel modules
Summary
The most reliable configuration is as follows:
- access video streaming services (Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, etc.) through either Apple TV or Sony PlayStation connected to a DSM HDMI input. Switch the DSM to the HDMI[1…4] source for these
- access TV channels via eARC. Switch the DSM to the eARC source for these.
Many other configurations are possible. Some may be more appropriate for any given combination of TV, disc player and streaming device. More detailed notes on these are included below. Note that these configurations will need to be tested by the retailer or prospective purchaser case by case.
Definitions
- HDMI Source: Any device which can supply audio to the DSM HDMI input
- Set-top boxes such as Sky Q, Apple TV etc.
- Streaming devices such as Amazon Firestick, Chromecast, Roku etc.
- Blu-ray players, Games consoles etc.
- TV: Any video output device
- Television
- Projector
Configurations
(1) HDMI Source ⇒ DSM HDMI input : DSM HDMI out ⇒ TV
The HDMI source device must supply PCM (i.e. decoded) surround audio to the DSM over HDMI.
If the original content is encoded (Dolby/DTS), the HDMI source device needs to decode to PCM audio and then output to the DSM over HDMI.
(2) TV HDMI eARC out ⇒ DSM HDMI out
The TV must supply PCM audio to the DSM over HDMI eARC
If the original content is encoded (Dolby/DTS), the TV needs to decode to PCM audio and then output over TV HDMI eARC over HDMI.
(3) HDMI Source ⇒ TV HDMI input : TV HDMI eARC out ⇒ DSM HDMI
The TV must supply PCM surround audio to the DSM over HDMI eARC
- The same requirements as scenario (2) above
- Additionally, decode of encoded (Dolby/DTS) media may be performed on either TV or HDMI source before passing (decoded) PCM audio out TV HDMI eARC over HDMI.
NOTES
- Due to the vast array of available HDMI source and TV devices, it is impossible for Linn to specify whether any given setup will function as required. Even within devices from any given manufacturer, there are different hardware and software variants which can affect this functionality.
- Behaviour can differ between different streaming services within the same source device
Tested Devices - HDMI & HDMI eARC sources
- Table shows DSM audio output channels (PCM) when no DSP module fitted
- All devices and services tested are UK specification
Device Device Source Sat / Aerial Blu-ray Game Prime Video BBC iPlayer Netflix Plex 7.1 Track External HDMI Amazon Firestick 4K --- --- --- 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 --- Apple TV --- --- --- 5.1 2.0 5.1 5.1 --- Sony PS4 --- 7.1 7.1 5.1 2.0 5.1 5.1 --- Sony PS5 --- 7.1 7.1 5.1 2.0 5.1 5.1 --- Nvidia Shield --- --- 5.1 5.1 5.1 --- Oppo Disc Player --- 7.1 --- --- --- Sky Q 2.0 --- --- 2.0 2.0 2.0 --- --- LG eARC TV --- --- 2.0 2.0 2.0 7.1 Sony TV eARC TV --- --- 2.0 2.0 2.0 7.1 Panasonic eARC TV 2.0 --- --- 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 Samsung eARC TV 2.0 --- --- 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Other options
Panasonic / Pioneer / Samsung all offer streaming Blu-ray players that the manual states can output encoded audio over HDMI as up to 7.1 PCM. Other devices will no doubt offer this to but not all devices, please check the manual for the required settings.
Apple TV info
Example setups for multi-channel PCM:
- You get the HDMI sources to either detect the coding required or turn OFF the "Passthrough" option.
- Apple TV 4
- Apple TV > Settings > Video and Audio > Audio Format > AUTO
