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Hi - I have a Humax Freesat box and with this I can get BBC HD. I have the Humax connected to my surround system, so can receive 5.1 sound (when available). My question is, how do I find out which HD programmes are transmitted with 5.1 sound - without switching the surround system on all the time?? Is there any way of telling on the Humax EPG, or is their a TV guide online? I can not find the detail on the BBC's own HD website either!  Can anyone advise?

On the Humax Freesat box, the Programme Information i-plate should indicate whether or not Dolby Digital is being transmitted.

Dont go off the info on the i bar, this will only tell you that the sound is being transmited in Dolby Digital. However it will not display the info 5.1 or 2.1, If your home cinema amp is conected and set up right. The amp will automaticaly decode 5.1 when transmitted.

Tip. Leave your amp in Dolby Pro-Logic II setting this will give you 5.1 sound all the time. And when the BBC HD transmit in Dolby Digital 5.1 your amp will decode this sound and return to Dolby pro- Logic II when the BBC return to Stereo or 2.1.

PJPro:

Perhaps I've got mine set up wrong then. I watched Star Wars tonoght on ITV HD and expected to get 5.1. I didn't and had to use Dolby PL II.

Was Star Wars transmitted in 5.1?

PJPro:

OK. Thanks. Probably means I'm alright then. Wonder why they didn't bother?

I rarely watch ITV HD because very little of their output appeals,and i like to watch films in entirety and not cut 'n' shut with advert's.But i've yet to come across anything that's had 5.1 audio  when i have watchted ITV HD.