How to get surround output on Xrt12?

bort

Three of XM Radio's new channels are available in 5.1 surround (76 Fine Tuning, 113 Classical Pops, and 200 XM Live), with more to come. Is there a way I can get my Polk XRt12 to decode the surround information?

The XRt12's product description claims it should be able to do this:

Hooking up is a snap. It features both Optical and Coaxial digital outputs for easy connection to surround receivers and processors. If XM goes multi-channel-you'll be ready!

Also, is there a newer firmware that solves problem #1 mentioned here? My receiver does this, too.

Thanks,
bort.

Zen Dragon

Not completely familiar with the Polk unit, however if the channels are broadcasting in the 5.1 format there should be some sort of indication on the unit it recognises the 5.1 signal. You will have to have either the coax digital output or the optical digital output hooked to your receiver.
I'm assuming the Polk unit decodes the 5.1 signal. There is probably a funtion on your receiver to let it know it will be receiving an externally decoded signal. Make sure that is enabled.
If you are still having trouble you may wish to contact Polk.

dorokusai

polkcs@polkaudio.com.... 800-377-7655

fireshoes

I haven't got to try it out yet, but the new lower line Yamaha receivers say they have Neural Surround, which is supposed to be the 5.1 for XM. Maybe the receiver has to have the decoder? I'm unsure.

bknauss

Can't get the 5.1 off the XRt12 unless Nueral or someone else comes out with a standalone unit.

disneyjoe7

bknauss wrote:

Can't get the 5.1 off the XRt12 unless Nueral or someone else comes out with a standalone unit.

Huh, you mean the XRt12 will not or can't send 5.1 down it's optical output?

bknauss

Uh... don't know how to answer that question. Unless the Yammy allows an external signal other than XM to go to the Nueral decoding hardware/software (which I would doubt they allow), there is nothing on the market that I know of that could use the XRt to decode the signal from it.

There was a magic black box at AES 2004 that used the XRt12 and decoded the XM 5.1 signal, but I don't believe that's on the market. Looks like everything that is coming out with the ability to decode is an AVR.

disneyjoe7

OK I understand.