Streaming problems

[ebjazz]

Hi everybody;

I get intermittent audio popping when streaming Netflix on every show. Sometimes the audio drops out altogether.

Amazon needs to reload occasionally but no audio problems.

Here’s what I’ve done so far in my troubleshooting:

Had Comcast bring me a new router & modem. Signal is strong.

I pick up the wireless signal with my Sony blue ray (BDP5590). Everything checks out.

I even bought a wireless booster and it didn’t help.

Replaced HDMI cable from Blu-ray to TV (Panasonic).

Replaced optical cable from Blu-ray to receiver (Onkyo).

The TV needs an adapter to stream, so my only source is the Blu-ray.

Played around some with the Netflix audio settings for each show, changing from 5.1 to stereo. Still got some popping in stereo mode.

At this point I am thinking the blu-ray is not working, but wanted to see if you had any ideas before buying another.


Thanks for your time.

 

[Kartajan]

Do you have the same issue when playing optical media?
Alternatively, you could always get a 2016 Roku stick to get your stream on...

 

[ebjazz]

Hi; What is optical media?

 

[Mike64]

Hi; What is optical media?

DVDs and BluRays (and for that matter "enhanced" CDs, if those are still a Thing)

 

[ebjazz]

Thanks! No problems there. Only streaming.

 

[Kartajan]

OK. So the fact that optical media plays fine, that rules out the basic audio HW as a likely cause. Your exact problem is still unusual, as I never saw issues pop up with audio without corresponding issues in video from a BD/ DVD player before.
Point: Most BD players/ Smart TV's have relatively weak processors. This is why standalone streaming boxes came to exist.

*I doubt that your internet connection is a factor, as that would typically result in video AND audio issues.

I assume that your AVR does not have HDMI in, thus the optical connection.. If you move the optical from the BD to the TV does anything change?

 

[fralexandr]

The BDP-S590 should have an ethernet port in the back.
Have you tried streaming it on ethernet with the bluray player?

Does your onkyo have HDMI? I'm guessing it's older and doesn't, since you're using optical -> receiver instead of hdmi -> receiver.

have you tried hooking up a computer to your receiver? and seeing if the issue is still there?

if this still happens on computer there should be a way to show playback statistics, it will probably depend on which browser you use though

i.e. on firefox
control + shift + right click -> show controls -> control + shift + right click -> show statistics

 

[ebjazz]

Thanks. Don't have a long enough cable to hook to the Blu-Ray and no HDMI on the Onkyo.
So how do I hook up a computer to the receiver and what am I looking for?

 

[ebjazz]

OK. So the fact that optical media plays fine, that rules out the basic audio HW as a likely cause. Your exact problem is still unusual, as I never saw issues pop up with audio without corresponding issues in video from a BD/ DVD player before.
Point: Most BD players/ Smart TV's have relatively weak processors. This is why standalone streaming boxes came to exist.

*I doubt that your internet connection is a factor, as that would typically result in video AND audio issues.

I assume that your AVR does not have HDMI in, thus the optical connection.. If you move the optical from the BD to the TV does anything change?

I do have some video problems, notably on Amazon. Sometimes the show needs to reload.

 

[fralexandr]

should hook up like the blu-ray player
computer hdmi -> TV
computer optical -> receiver

you'll want to go to sound options (right click speakers in the notification area at the bottom right -> playback devices -> and set the optical output as the default device. Realtek Digital Output is probably the most common, though it will depend on your motherboard.

 

[Kartajan]

I do have some video problems, notably on Amazon. Sometimes the show needs to reload.

Noted, but the problems I meant are constant buffering, jittering (audio + video) playback, inability to display HD content, etc. Occasional reloads are more of a inconsistent connection (which would still suck, but not address your audio problems).

Did you get a chance to try using the TV as your digital audio source vice the BD player to see if the problem persists? If one of my theorems is correct that could resolve your issue and not require any purchases on your part...

 

[ebjazz]

Hi everyone and thanks for the help.
My TV does not have an optical input, but I streamed Netflix for an hour with just the TV audio (HDMI) and no problems. Then I went back to the receiver (opt input) and there was popping.
As a reminder, I did replace the optical cable.
So I am ready to hear your theorems, Kartajan.

Eb

 

[Kartajan]

My no cost theorem is no good if the TV has no optical out.

since you only have popping when the optical input on your receiver is being used, and you replaced the optical cable but the issue remains, I see 2 possible answers to why your popping is happening.
1) The cheap one: the optical port on either the receiver or the player is dirty. If you can manage to get in there with alcohol/ q-tip try cleaning the optical ports.
2) The expensive one: Your AVR's optical transceiver has taken a dump on you. repair/ replace the AVR.

 

[Kartajan]

Also, the lack of HDMI on the receiver also limits your ability to fully utilize any advanced audio encodes on some Blu-Ray disks, as optical's data rate prevents most of the HD-Master audio tracks from being sent

http://www.avsforum.com/forum/15-ge...game-rooms/1451946-optical-cable-vs-hdmi.html

 

[ebjazz]

Thanks! But wait! I do have an optical OUT on the TV. Should I got from there into the receiver? I'll get surround sound with that connection?

 

[Kartajan]

Thanks! But wait! I do have an optical OUT on the TV. Should I got from there into the receiver? I'll get surround sound with that connection?

That is precisely what I was wanting you to do (no cost theorem). The TV may/ may not give you different processing, but the theory would be that you still should hear DD+ surround. (If you get the popping still, refer to my earlier post)

 

[ebjazz]

Hi Kartajan and others. So far it has worked with the optical out from the TV>> receiver. No popping!
So does this mean the optical output on my Blu-ray is bad?
And I haven't tried listening to a CD yet, but I am thinking I will need the TV on? I might see if I can hook up the stereo outs on the Blu-ray for music.
Thanks for all the help!!

 

[Kartajan]

YAY! Clean the port on the BD player (where the optical cable gets plugged in). If after cleaning the popping returns when plugging the BD Player to the receiver, you have proven where the problem lies- and can feel confident replacing the BD Player at your convenience...