since 1.04.22, there is the problem that no stereo-encoded files will play via optical output any more, only via ordinary stereo (analog) connection. Had to downgrade to 1.04.17 to be able to listen to these files (MP3s, YouTube etc.) via optical output again. I tried audio output settings, but neither “optical” nor “stereo” worked.
It would be highly inconvenient to connect the WDTV through analogue and optical connectors and then have to switch around on the receiver depending on the media played.
Does no one use optical output and listens to MP3s or YoutTube with this device or how did you solve this problem?
I currently have the box connected into my yahama rx1300 via an optical cable. I have zero issues with it. I have played surround sound(netflix, dvd iso, m2ts), and stereo music (mp3, radio, youtube).
What is the other end of the optical cable plugged into?
Thanks for your prompot reply - I have a TOSLink cable connected from my WD TV Live to my 10 year old Yamaha receiver’s optical input (don’t have the exact model description here at work).
Surround-encoded files still work with newer firmwares (DVD-ISO’s for example), but stereo-encoded (MP3-web radio etc.) don’t. The latest firmware to do the job is 1.04.17, every one after that (1.04.22 and onwards) refuse to work.
And yes, I have set Audio output in system settings to “Digital”.
Anything else on the receiver’s side that I would have to keep in mind?
Well, the question which encoding format is superior is secondary here, as it’s not just MP3s that are not working, but live streams on the internet as well (YouTube, Mediafly etc.).Thus the firmware “upgrade” seems to have removed the stereo-enconding and doesn’t let me play these media anymore. If there was a sensible reason, I wouldn’t bother, but removing a feature with no need is not acceptable.
BTW: In the audio-settings, I can only select Stereo, Digital and Digital (HDMI). Where do you select Digital Pass Through?
Thanks for the screen-cap, it seems to have been renamed, I just remembered the previous labels ;).
Unfortunately, both settings still do not work. The strange thing is that there is no red light coming out of the TOSLink cable when I use either of these settings - unless I play 5.1 encoded material such as DVDs. Anything encoded in stereo, the light remains off.
Only when I downgrade to 1.04.17, all audio plays fine and I can see light coming out of the cable at all times.
Any idea why this is the case?
And what is the difference between “Digital Pass Through” and “Digital Pass Through via Optical Only”?
I have a Yamaha RXV-1500 receiver (2005 vintage) and use the fibre optic connection to the WDTV Live. I’ve never had any problems with the two channel audio output in MP3s or any of the online radio services like 360 Live, etc. It worked fine for me throughout all the firmware versions, including the current 1.05.04_V.
As suggested by the previous poster, you need the Digital Pass Through selected (or Digital as it was called in older firmware releases).
The Digital Pass Through via Optical Only option means you will only get audio via optical and not HDMI (the other option will give you both).
Also as an observation, on my WDTV Live the red light on the fibre optic output is always on, regardless if I’m playing something or not.
Sorry for the late reply, I was away and could not check on the device.
The thing is that I have a Yamaha RXV-396 (2000 vintage or so ) connected via fibre optic connection.
This is so strange. I have updated the WDTV for a number of times (five times at least, including 2-3 times to the current 1.05.04), and I never got stereo output working, neither MP3, nor YouTube, nor video files.
Now, in order to write down step-by-step what I have done, I upgraded again - and now it’s working! Digital output was set in both cases to “Digital without HDMI audio” (1.04.17) and “Digital Pass-Through via Optical Only”, so this can not have been an issue.
The only thing I could think of is whether 1.05.04 has been fixed since the last update, but then they would usually increase the version number, wouldn’t they?
Maybe something went wrong during previous upgrades and this might explain why some people have this issue and others don’t. So if my experience is of any relevance, multiple tries of upgrading might help ;)…
) connected via fibre optic connection.