FiOS TV One VMS4100 Audio Pass Through Only Passing 5.1 Channels
mtk12002
Enthusiast - Level 3

I have been a happy Fios subscriber for the better part of 10 years and recently upgraded to the new Fios TV One VMS4100. I also am a former home theater technician/programmer/installer. Previously when I accessed the BUI Main Menu and changed the Audio Output to Pass Through (green button for 5+ seconds>User Settings>Additional Settings>Audio Output) on not just my box but my customer's also, it would pass the proper audio through to the AVR (audio/video receiver). When the station was broadcasting 5.1 channels, 5.1 channels would be sent via HDMI to the AVR and it would be decoded properly for the system that I or the customer had set up. If it was a stereo broadcast, the same would happen and it would be decoded and play on all speakers. Since I got the new box this isn't the case. Whether I set Audio Output to Pass Through or Auto, all I'm getting is 5.1 channels. This is a problem because all programming isn't in 5.1 channel surround sound. For example, MTV is broadcast in stereo and it should be passed to my AVR as such, but it's not. It's being sent from MTV to Fios in stereo then to my AVR from the VMS4100 as 5.1 channels but the broadcast is in stereo so the only speakers that work are the left and right front speakers regardless of what decoder I select on my AVR. The other 3 channels are missing so the AVR, or any AVR for that matter, can't decode channels that aren't there. The only way to make the audio acceptable is to switch the Audio Output to L-PCM when watching a show or program I know is in stereo every time which is a hassle and is definitely not acceptable since this wasn't an issue I've ever had with any Fios box previously. How this was overlooked is beyond me. I've spoken to/chatted with Fios Support regarding this issue and they told me that the VMS4100 was being developed and tested for 3 years and nobody noticed this flaw? They also didn't really understand what I was saying nor were they aware of when a firmware update might be rolled out to fix it. What's up and is anybody else experiencing this?

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clem21
Community Leader
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@ari2419 wrote:

Thanks, I went a cheaper route, but it looks to be the same thing: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XBSGFDG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hopefully this will give me Dolby Digital when watching TV over my Fios box... but how will it work if my son is playing some old Wii video games?  That is connected to TV using component cables I believe.  Will the audio from the Wii just play through the TV speakers?


Looks like it should be fine.

For the Wii hookup, either use the optical from the TV hooked into the Logitech box and select the other optical input (I believe the Logitech has 2 optical ins), or hook RCA audio from the Wii to the Logitech box, you'll need an RCA to 1/8 stereo adaptor or cable and select that input for sound. If you want Wii sound from both the TV and Logitech,  get a pair of RCA Y cables and split the Wii's audio outs to feed the TV and the Logitech if you dont want to use another optical cable.

Bwangster12
Newbie

If I don't care about having the Wii audio coming out of the Logitech speakers, can I just leave the Wii component cables plugged into the TV and have the TV speakers output the Wii audio?

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clem21
Community Leader
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@ari2419 wrote:

If I don't care about having the Wii audio coming out of the Logitech speakers, can I just leave the Wii component cables plugged into the TV and have the TV speakers output the Wii audio?


Yep, as long as you run a pair of audio cables to the TV from the Wii and have them go to the Component input too.

Bwangster12
Newbie

That's how I have it connected now, but the Wii audio does come through the Logitech speakers.  I assume that's because I have the optical cable going from the tv to the Logitech speakers? I take it once I get the adapter, and move the optical cable going from the adapter to the Logitech speakers that won't work. 

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clem21
Community Leader
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@ari2419 wrote:

That's how I have it connected now, but the Wii audio does come through the Logitech speakers.  I assume that's because I have the optical cable going from the tv to the Logitech speakers? I take it once I get the adapter, and move the optical cable going from the adapter to the Logitech speakers that won't work. 


Get another optical cable when you buy the adapter. The Logitech will accept 2 optical ins, so you have one coming from the adapter, the other from the TV which sends audio from the Wii through the TV the way it is now. You choose audio source on the front panel or remote of the Logitech box.

Bwangster12
Newbie

You're right... just ordered one.  

Really appreciate your help.  While some of this seems basic, talking through it helps a lot.  Thanks!

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clem21
Community Leader
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@ari2419 wrote:

You're right... just ordered one.  

Really appreciate your help.  While some of this seems basic, talking through it helps a lot.  Thanks!


Just took another look at the box you ordered, you may run into an HDCP issue. The Fios boxes usually need to see HDCP2.2, the box you ordered specifically states NOT 2.2 compatible. I'm not sure but if you set the FIOS box up to ONLY output 1080i, you may be ok. Just don't be too surprised if you don't get video out of the box. Just a heads up, a bit late. Or it just might work as we hoped! If not, this should work:

https://www.amazon.com/NEWCARE-Extractor-Converter-Optical-Adapter/dp/B083DDGGZ4/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1...

Bwangster12
Newbie

So, I'll know I have an HDCP issue if I don't have a tv picture?

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clem21
Community Leader
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@ari2419 wrote:

So, I'll know I have an HDCP issue if I don't have a tv picture?


If you first set the Fios box to 1080i, and then connect the converter box you have a good chance of having it work. If you get no picture after hooking up the Fios box through the converter, you probably have an HDCP issue and have to get a different converter box. Not necessarily going to happen, just a heads up.

Bwangster12
Newbie

Alright,  well... it's from Amazon, so not a big deal if I need to buy a different box.

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Bwangster12
Newbie

Just was re-reading the info for the product I bought: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XBSGFDG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It says...

If your source device is 4K@60hz(HDMI 2.0 and HDCP2.2),please set up the resolution to 4K@30hz or 1080p@60hz to use this HDMI audio extractor.

How to set the resolution to fit our HDMI audio extractor:

a). Connect your "4k@60hz HDMI 2.0 input device" directly to the TV

b). Then go to "setting-picture-resolution(choose "Auto")-then go to "HDMI Color Fomat"(choose "Auto")

 

So it looks like I can leave it on 1080p in the Fios video settings?

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clem21
Community Leader
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@ari2419 wrote:

Just was re-reading the info for the product I bought: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XBSGFDG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It says...

If your source device is 4K@60hz(HDMI 2.0 and HDCP2.2),please set up the resolution to 4K@30hz or 1080p@60hz to use this HDMI audio extractor.

How to set the resolution to fit our HDMI audio extractor:

a). Connect your "4k@60hz HDMI 2.0 input device" directly to the TV

b). Then go to "setting-picture-resolution(choose "Auto")-then go to "HDMI Color Fomat"(choose "Auto")

 

So it looks like I can leave it on 1080p in the Fios video settings?


Shouldn't be a problem then. When I looked at the page on Amazon it said in bold letters "NOT HDCP2.2 COMPATIBLE". Guess they changed the specs since that was written.

Bwangster12
Newbie

Yeah, it's weird... I see where you read it's not compatible... but lower down the page it says what I wrote.  My TV isn't 4k, but I guess we will see.

I also see that it says its not compatible with Netflix... so I wonder if it won't work on for Netflix on Channel 838.

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clem21
Community Leader
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@ari2419 wrote:

Yeah, it's weird... I see where you read it's not compatible... but lower down the page it says what I wrote.  My TV isn't 4k, but I guess we will see.

I also see that it says its not compatible with Netflix... so I wonder if it won't work on for Netflix on Channel 838.


I have a feeling that Netflix issue is with Netflix apps, not the same as the Verizon Netflix channel.

Bwangster12
Newbie

Alright, so the device works and my Logitech speakers say Digital... however, the Netflix channel shows no audio input and I get no sound.  Is the thinking that one of these other extractors would work for Netflix? Is this an HDCP 2.2 thing? 

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Bwangster12
Newbie

Or is it a Dolby Digital Plus issue. Looks like that's what Netflix streams in.

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clem21
Community Leader
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@ari2419 wrote:

Alright, so the device works and my Logitech speakers say Digital... however, the Netflix channel shows no audio input and I get no sound.  Is the thinking that one of these other extractors would work for Netflix? Is this an HDCP 2.2 thing? 


Can't say for sure, could be , but I doubt you'd be seeing video if it eas an HDCP issue. Probably more like the DD+ not working with the adapter. Does your TV have Netflix built in? Or a Bluray player? Try one of them and see if you get the same issue. Also try going into the service menu in the Fios box and change audio to LPCM.

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Bwangster12
Newbie

I have a Roku Ultra connected to the TV, and with that I can get Dolby Pro Logic II... But not the Digital signal.  So I guess that's better than nothing.

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clem21
Community Leader
Community Leader

@ari2419 wrote:

I have a Roku Ultra connected to the TV, and with that I can get Dolby Pro Logic II... But not the Digital signal.  So I guess that's better than nothing.


Did you try LPCM in the service menu on the Fios box? Do you get DD5.1 from CBS or HBO?

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Bwangster12
Newbie

When I change it to LPCM I lose the digital signal.  I do get it on Passthrough or Auto, but Netflix audio doesn't work on either.  Interestingly, when I put on YouTube 837, the Logitech speakers go from Digital to Dolby Pro Logic II, presumably because it seems there is no digital signal. It feels like because Netflix is putting out a DD+ signal it just goes to no audio.

I can't figure out if it's because speakers don't support DD+, the TV or the extractor... And a different extractor would at least give me sound. 

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clem21
Community Leader
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@ari2419 wrote:

When I change it to LPCM I lose the digital signal.  I do get it on Passthrough or Auto, but Netflix audio doesn't work on either.  Interestingly, when I put on YouTube 837, the Logitech speakers go from Digital to Dolby Pro Logic II, presumably because it seems there is no digital signal. It feels like because Netflix is putting out a DD+ signal it just goes to no audio.

I can't figure out if it's because speakers don't support DD+, the TV or the extractor... And a different extractor would at least give me sound. 


Well then, I'd say your best bet is to leave it on passthrough, and not worry too much for now. I know it's always good to get what your equipment is capable of, but sometimes it's more problematic than its worth. And I know Verizon is working on audio issues so just hang in there.

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