TX-NR616 Choppy Audio using HDMI with Dolby Digital 2.0 only!

When I connect my STB (ATT U-Verse) and have channel advirtising Dolby Digital 2.0, no matter what upconversion, downconvertion or direct, I hear choppy audio. This only happens with Dolby Digital 2.0 sources, 5.1 sounds fine. I have tried multiple HDMI cables and I know the STB is okay because the audio comes through fine on my older Onkyo Receiver. I googled this and it looks like a few users are having this problem, but haven't figured out the solution. I guess I could try optical for audio, but I'd rather use HDMI only.

Hi ofacetx,

Our engineers are currently looking into this.

It has been a couple weeks and the audio is unbearable on DD 2.0 channels. Is their a firmware update that fixes this?

Hi ofacetx,

Unfortunately I have not heard back from our engineering department on this problem but I will resend again.

I am experiencing the exact same problem using a TX-NR818. I have multiple audio Onkyo receivers to test with in different rooms. My TX-NR809, TX-NR708 and TX-NR1008 do not have this issue. All from the same dolby 2.0 source.

You can email me at steedf <at> gmail.com if you need to get in touch with me. I'm about ready to return my TX-NR818 to Bestbuy.

I will contact you via email, as you suggested, but also want to inquire what source device are you using that is exhibitng this issue? Are you using a Cable set-top box and what cable provider/ cable box manufacturer and model number? We will need further information to further assist you.

Forum Moderator

Just took delivery of my 616 today (Oct 23rd) and the audio is totally choppy. Updated firmware but guess you guys haven't address. I need an answer or this thing is going back to amazon. Edit AT&T uverse TV

Have you tried other source devices that output also in DOLBY Digital 2.0 and noticed the same issue(s)? We haven't been able to replicate this issue currently; but would appreciate any and all information to further develop a resolution to this issue.

Thank You;

Forum Moderator.

I have not. Uverse is out primary system. Everything works fine with an iPod but that's different I guess. I called onkyo support and was told the 10/8 firmware was a fix. Spent quite a but of time doing this and it's loading now. Is this not a fix? If so, expect a DOA return from amazon tomorrow. To anyone else reading this with the issue - have you found a fix or better product?

Have you reviewed the following from AT&T regarding this issue: http://forums.att.com/t5/Features-and-How-To/5-1-audio-dropout/m-p/2779169/highlight/true#M68534. This is an issue AT&T is still addressing with their set top box.

Forum Moderator

That's certainly one interpretation of that thread. You might note, however, that every receiver in question is an Onkyo device and OPs report similar issues on other modalities. I was replacing a 5 year old Denon that never once dropped audio or had and HDMI video issue. I trust the content coming off the PVR box. Sorry to say your unit went back for a refund and a Yamaha is on the way. More money but why play Onkyo said and ATT said with my valuable free time when your competitors aren't having the issues.

Did you research further in the threads of the AT& T forums? This issue is not only noticed by Onkyo receivers: http://forums.att.com/t5/Features-and-How-To/5-1-audio-dropout/m-p/2779169/highlight/true#M68534.