Tech Tuesday: Unlocking the Power of Dolby 5.1

[RyanWithWiiM]

@RyanWithWiiM In both highlighted cases, shouldn't the text be "input" rather than "output"??

Both output and input are correct here, but I'll rephrase the question and answer so it's more clear.

 

[RyanWithWiiM]

Appreciate this guide Ryan but it is a bit confusing:

Gather Your Devices: You'll need at least two or three WiiM devices, such as the WiiM Ultra or WiiM Amp Pro.

But then it states:

Q: What devices do I need to set up a 5.1 surround sound system?
A: You will need at least one WiiM device that supports 5.1 audio, currently the WiiM Ultra or WiiM Amp Pro.


I think the picture is misleading as well, on that it looks like the Wiim unit works as a Center speaker, and there are no Front R/L speakers.

My take is that if you own an Ultra or AMP, and a set of Audio Pro A10 MKII and C10 MKII (for center) you can use this to get Dolby Digital surround with 5.1 channels.

Questions that arise are, if you lack a center speaker, can the Wiim Ultra downmix that to Front L/R?

Thanks, I cleaned those bits up. The primary WiiM device that's running the surround sound handles the front channels and sub. If it only includes stereo speakers, it'll mix the center into the right and left channels to simulate a center channel.

And the WiiM Edition Audio Pro support is rolling out starting this week.

 

[dominikz]

@RyanWithWiiM Are there any plans to introduce support for surround duty to WiiM Mini?
That would allow one to add surround quite cheaply to an existing WiiM Amp Pro or Ultra based system.

 

[RyanWithWiiM]

@RyanWithWiiM Are there any plans to introduce support for surround duty to WiiM Mini?
That would allow one to add surround quite cheaply to an existing WiiM Amp Pro or Ultra based system.

I'll check with the team, but my first inclination is that the Mini doesn't have the necessary hardware specs to be able to support the configuration.

 

[dominikz]

I'll check with the team, but my first inclination is that the Mini doesn't have the necessary hardware specs to be able to support the configuration.

Thanks for looking into it, appreciated!

My assumption was that most of the processing would be in the main device. But I should know better than to assume, since assumptions often result in dissapointment in my line of work.

 

[kwolter]

Thanks for the update. Is there a dedicated center channel yet?

 

[hgo58]

Thanks, I cleaned those bits up. The primary WiiM device that's running the surround sound handles the front channels and sub. If it only includes stereo speakers, it'll mix the center into the right and left channels to simulate a center channel.

And the WiiM Edition Audio Pro support is rolling out starting this week.

The pictures in the FAQ and WiiM Home App are still misleading regarding the front speakers. It looks like there is only a center speaker. It could just be the perspective but a better picture with separate front speakers would be good.

 

[harkpabst]

One more question:

According to tests performed by others it the LFE is currently ignored and left out from the stereo downmix when playing Dolby Digital content to a 2.0 or 2.1 speaker system connect to the Ultra.

Can you confirm this and if yes, is it going to change with the new Dolby 5.1mode?

 

[hgo58]

I'll check with the team, but my first inclination is that the Mini doesn't have the necessary hardware specs to be able to support the configuration.

The old FAQ below may also create confusion with the Mini.

 

[Redredbettyz]

I don't know if it has been answered already or not, but what is the plan for implementing a physical center channel? I would be interested in adding a center channel for dialogue over a "phantom center" type downmix.

 

[DG77]

@RyanWithWiiM will this feature also support already decoded 5.1 sound in PCM format?
That would open it upp to so much more then jus DolbyDigital.

 

[harkpabst]

@RyanWithWiiM will this feature also support already decoded 5.1 sound in PCM format?
That would open it upp to so much more then jus DolbyDigital.

That's not Dolby Digital anymore then, so for the time being I read the FAQ as a no to that question.

 

[wplynx914]

Wish the regular wiim amp was supported.

 

[Burnside]

Wish the regular wiim amp was supported.

As answered here, not possible

Post in thread 'Beta Dolby digital Wiim Amp?'
https://forum.wiimhome.com/threads/beta-dolby-digital-wiim-amp.6260/post-105493