WTF am I doing wrong?

shawn474

I just got a B&K Reference 50 to replace my Outlaw 950. I have it all set up; DVD and CD player are outputting sound fine. I get a picture on the TV for my FIOS connecetion, have the B&K set to TV and have an optical cable connecting the FIOS box to the Reference 50. I feel like I have tried everything (different cables, different optical outputs, etc.) My brain is fried.......am I missing something?

Thanks in advance,
Shawn

F1nut

What's the problem?

shawn474

No sound while watching FIOS. Can't figure out why.......

RuSsMaN

What connection do you have from FIOS to the TV? Maybe Mark will pop in, he knows that FIOS system.

shawn474

Component cables from FIOS to TV. Then Optical from FIOS to Preamp. I get picture but no sound. Hooked up the exact same way I had the Outlaw and can't for the life of me figure out what's going on. I am thinking that the optical ports might be no good. Is that possible? I have my blu ray hooked up via 5.1 and cd hooked up via RCA's. Might try cd player with optical and see if that works.

shawn474

Just tried optical to cd player......no dice. Shouldn't the optical output have light shining through once the doors are opened on the back of the preamp?

dorokusai

shawn474 wrote: »

Just tried optical to cd player......no dice. Shouldn't the optical output have light shining through once the doors are opened on the back of the preamp?

Its an output setting on the BK.

shawn474

dorokusai wrote: »

Its an output setting on the BK.

I tried scrolling through the god damned menu and can't figure it out for the life of me. I have the DVD player and CD player working fine. Why in the holy blue hell can't I figure this out?:mad:

ben62670

The FIOS should have the light on and not the B&K.

dorokusai

shawn474 wrote: »

I tried scrolling through the god damned menu and can't figure it out for the life of me. I have the DVD player and CD player working fine. Why in the holy blue hell can't I figure this out?:mad:

Because the GUI for all BK gear sucks. It's the worst user interface I've used. You need to verify and ensure that the input is optical....tough to figure it out without being in front of it. I've had the same issue when setting up my AVR317. You have to make sure the input type is assigned to the GUI in system settings....I think.

Are you using OSD or unit menu?

shawn474

dorokusai wrote: »

Because the GUI for all BK gear sucks. It's the worst user interface I've used. You need to verify and ensure that the output is optical....tough to figure it out without being in front of it. I've had the same issue when setting up my AVR317. You have to make sure the input is assigned to the GUI in system settings....I think.

Are you using OSD or unit menu?

Yeah, i am using the OSD menu. But the only option is component video. There isn't a way that I can see to choose coax, optical, etc.

dorokusai

shawn474 wrote: »

Yeah, i am using the OSD menu. But the only option is component video. There isn't a way that I can see to choose coax, optical, etc.

Yes there is, you can assign the inputs and connections.

txcoastal1

Let's talk a little about features and functions. The Reference 50 has seven audio inputs, using either line audio, optical digital, or optical coax connections. There are a matching number of video inputs that use either composite video or S-Video connections, plus three component video connections. One nice thing about the Reference 50 is that it lets you assign any video input to any audio input, so it's easy to mix and match components.



Take a breath and read the link below...Doro is right...

http://www.peachpit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=411463&seqNum=3

dorokusai

txcoastal1 wrote: »

Let's talk a little about features and functions. The Reference 50 has seven audio inputs, using either line audio, optical digital, or optical coax connections. There are a matching number of video inputs that use either composite video or S-Video connections, plus three component video connections. One nice thing about the Reference 50 is that it lets you assign any video input to any audio input, so it's easy to mix and match components.



Take a breath and read the link below...Doro is right...

http://www.peachpit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=411463&seqNum=3

Exactly. The inputs can go anywhere and are assigned via the menu driven device.

polkatese

is it possible that his unit has the same optical issue with mine?

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75228&highlight=ref50s2+optical

shawn474

txcoastal1 wrote: »

Let's talk a little about features and functions. The Reference 50 has seven audio inputs, using either line audio, optical digital, or optical coax connections. There are a matching number of video inputs that use either composite video or S-Video connections, plus three component video connections. One nice thing about the Reference 50 is that it lets you assign any video input to any audio input, so it's easy to mix and match components.



Take a breath and read the link below...Doro is right...

http://www.peachpit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=411463&seqNum=3

Thanks for the link. I read that before. I guess my question would be is where do I get to the assignable connections part of the menu. I think I have looked everywhere. I did not have to assign the DVD player to the multichannel and did not have to assign the cd player to RCA's. So how would I assign the FIOS to optical? Once I can find out how to do that, I am sure my problem will be solved. Thanks again to all for taking the time to help

dorokusai

polkatese wrote: »

is it possible that his unit has the same optical issue with mine?

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75228&highlight=ref50s2+optical

That was a binaries problem solved w v2 and I'm not sure what version Shawn owns. Good point Polkatese.

dorokusai

shawn474 wrote: »

Thanks for the link. I read that before. I guess my question would be is where do I get to the assignable connections part of the menu. I think I have looked everywhere. I did not have to assign the DVD player to the multichannel and did not have to assign the cd player to RCA's. So how would I assign the FIOS to optical? Once I can find out how to do that, I am sure my problem will be solved. Thanks again to all for taking the time to help

I believe it's in system setup. The inputs that worked off the bat may have been setup previously....as I'm sure you didn't reset the unit. What your using is common and the extra input may have never been setup from the start.

Get the manual or DL it as it goes step by step in regards to assigning inputs. One wrong click and you'll get no sound.

shawn474

dorokusai wrote: »

I believe it's in system setup. The inputs that worked off the bat may have been setup previously....as I'm sure you didn't reset the unit. What your using is common and the extra input may have never been setup from the start.

First thing I did was reset the unit and start from scratch. I believe I have Series 2

ben62670

Is the FIOS light on in the optical out jack?

txcoastal1

polkatese and Doro...is this the problem you are referencing???

http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/r21714592-HD-SPDIF-not-active-on-all-my-FIOS-boxes

dorokusai

shawn474 wrote: »

First thing I did was reset the unit and start from scratch. I believe I have Series 2

I'll come over tomorrow and figure it out with you, if you have time.

shawn474

ben62670 wrote: »

Is the FIOS light on in the optical out jack?

Yes it is.

dorokusai wrote: »

I'll come over tomorrow and figure it out with you, if you have time.

I am out of town tomorrow, but going to Mullinix Mill Sunday. You in?

djperez81

Have you tried to unplug and reset the fios box? Then go into your audio output setting on the fios box and make sure its set to optical.

shawn474

djperez81 wrote: »

Have you tried to unplug and reset the fios box? Then go into your audio output setting on the fios box and make sure its set to optical.

No, haven't done that. But considering I had it hoked up to my outlaw the exact same way right before I hooked this up, i would be surprised if this was the prolem. I think Doro and everyone else is right. I need to take a step back and cool off. It has to be a setting that I am missing somewhere.

shawn474

polkatese wrote: »

is it possible that his unit has the same optical issue with mine?

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75228&highlight=ref50s2+optical

Plokatese,
I looked at the unit again; it is not a series 2. It is a Reference 50 series 1 I guess. But I haven't ever got the preamp to output sound. I do have a 15 foot optical cable, so do you think that could be the issue?

polkatese

Shawn,

from owning REF50 original and REF50S2, both seems to exhibit weak Optical. I ended up with this converter:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77093&highlight=optical+coaxial+converter

and solved the problem period. Coax inputs in REF50 has zero issue.

Just to rule out other possibility, do you have the REF50 manual handy?

txcoastal1

Do you have another optical device PC, or DVD/Bluray you can output to AVR??? To test cable

shawn474

polkatese wrote: »

Shawn,

from owning REF50 original and REF50S2, both seems to exhibit weak Optical. I ended up with this converter:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77093&highlight=optical+coaxial+converter

and solved the problem period. Coax inputs in REF50 has zero issue.

Just to rule out other possibility, do you have the REF50 manual handy?

I have the manual but it is worthless. I have hooked up many different HT set-ups and never run intgo this problem. I just hooked up the FIOS box vis RCA cables to the TV input on the back of the preamp. IT WORKS!!!!! So it seems to me anyway that the RCA output is the DEFAULT. I cannot for the life of me figure out how to change the default from RCA to OPTICAL or is the pre supposed to recognize that automatically?
I also tried the SPDIF connection from the FIOS box to the TV coax input on the back of the pre. No sound with that either so it must be that the RCA connection is the default correct? If so, how do I cghnage that?

txcoastal1 wrote: »

Do you have another optical device PC, or DVD/Bluray you can output to AVR??? To test cable

The cable has been tested and works. I just for the life of me can't figure this out if it isn't a setting that I am missing. The manual is next to useless.

mdaudioguy

Shawn - I don't have FIOS, but I did a little research for you... I could be way off base, but it's worth a shot. Maybe the same process will work for you.

Ed

For better or worse, the first level of Verizon Fios TV chat support was not much help [sent trouble ticket off to network group after they originally suggested that I swap boxes :smileysurprised:], so I resorted to solving this on my own :smileysad:

For some reason, the 1.7.1 (Build 09.97) whacked my spdif optical output out of commission on my QIP6416-2.

I was able to restore it by going to the hidden Motorola 'User Settings' [see below] and modifying the 'Additional HDMI Settings' to re-enable the output, which could not be fixed by just resetting the box.

1) Original [HDMI worked, Optical spdif did not]

HDMI/DVI MODE: HDMI
Color Space: RGB
Audio Output: AUTO

2) Toggled setting [HDMI did not work, Optical spdif worked]

HDMI/DVI MODE: DVI
Color Space: RGB
Audio Output: N/A

3) Toggled setting back to original [HDMI worked, Optical spdif worked]

HDMI/DVI MODE: HDMI
Color Space: RGB
Audio Output: AUTO

For reference, this page is really handy:

What Information Can My Set-Top Box Tell Me (#15925)
http://www.dslreports.com/faq/15925

Your FiOS (and cable TV) Set-Top Box (STB) is a device that needs to be able to process signals in real-time, record (if you have a DVR), respond to your remote, and send video and audio out to your display and stereo in a number of different formats.

There's a lot of information that your STB would like to tell you. It's available in the Diagnostic menu. You don't really need to know about this menu. But for those with a technical curiosity, or, need to troubleshoot something, this is the menu for you.

If you are looking to change your STB's output resolution, aspect ratio, closed captioning, or HDMI advanced settings; that's the setup menu. With the STB On, hit "Power, Select, Menu" in quick sequence.

To enter the diagnostics menu: With your STB powered On, hit "Power, Select, Select" quickly in sequence from the front panel or remote. To exit the menu, hit "Power" to turn off the STB. The next power up will be back to normal.

I wish there was a top level menu (similar to my PS3) which would allow direct access to the HDMI/SPDIF audio output settings. It would have made things a lot easier.

Reference: http://forums.verizon.com/t5/FiOS-TV-Technical-Assistance/Lost-spdif-optical-audio-output-after-1-7-1-Build-09-97-upgrade/m-p/172589

polkatese

shawn474 wrote: »

I have the manual but it is worthless. I have hooked up many different HT set-ups and never run intgo this problem. I just hooked up the FIOS box vis RCA cables to the TV input on the back of the preamp. IT WORKS!!!!! So it seems to me anyway that the RCA output is the DEFAULT. I cannot for the life of me figure out how to change the default from RCA to OPTICAL or is the pre supposed to recognize that automatically?
I also tried the SPDIF connection from the FIOS box to the TV coax input on the back of the pre. No sound with that either so it must be that the RCA connection is the default correct? If so, how do I cghnage that?




The cable has been tested and works. I just for the life of me can't figure this out if it isn't a setting that I am missing. The manual is next to useless.

It sounds like the source (FIOS) setting is the issue here. I don't have any experience with FIOS. Once you're done with troubleshooting to have your optical output from FIOS "alive" then you can try again. The symptoms with REF50 is that it will work momentarily and then it will loss the lock. Unplugging and replugging the optical cable usually resolved it, until the next time it happens again. That's when I decided to use the Opto-Coax converter to fix it. I don't have REF50 anymore though.