PcmSurround

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. HDMI ARC does not support PCM surround.

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 box such as SkyQ, 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
• Playback of PCM surround audio using SPDIF or TOSLINK inputs is NOT supported

Tested Devices HDMI sources

• Table shows DSM audio output channels when no DSP module fitted
• All devices and services tested are UK specification

Device	Media Source
	Sat / Aerial	Bluray	Game	Prime Video	BBC iPlayer	Netflix	Plex 7.1 Test Track	External HDMI source
Amazon Firestick 4K				2.0	2.0	2.0	2.0
Apple TV				5.1	2.0	5.1	5.1
Sony PS4/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 TV (eARC)				2.0	2.0	2.0		7.1
Panasonic TV (eARC)	2.0			2.0	2.0	2.0		2.0
Sony TV (eARC)				2.0	2.0	2.0		7.1

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