Why MP3s on XBOX 360 can't be played in more than 2 speakers?

[120inna55]

When playing MP3s via my XBOX360 (either wirelessly from my PC, thumb drive, or on HDD), they are only played in 2 channels.

I have the console connected via optical to my Sony STR-DE995.

Any other source to my Sony can be made to matrix into 3, 5, or 7 speakers regardless of the actual encoding of the audio. (My choices are: ProLogic, PL II Movie, PL II Music, DTS Neo: 6 Cinema, DTS Neo: 6 Music). For instance, when I select, "DTS Neo: 6 Music" typically the receiver will matrix the audio into 6 speakers. However, it won't do it with MP3s from the XBOX 360.

Yes, gaming from the console is 5.1.

Any reason why I can't force the Sony receiver to do this from the same source? That's what leads me to believe it's the fault of the console---since I can change the matrixing with games from the same console. It's only MP3's that are the problem.

 

[mikley28]

When playing MP3s via my XBOX360 (either wirelessly from my PC, thumb drive, or on HDD), they are only played in 2 channels.

I have the console connected via optical to my Sony STR-DE995.

Any other source to my Sony can be made to matrix into 3, 5, or 7 speakers regardless of the actual encoding of the audio. (My choices are: ProLogic, PL II Movie, PL II Music, DTS Neo: 6 Cinema, DTS Neo: 6 Music). For instance, when I select, "DTS Neo: 6 Music" typically the receiver will matrix the audio into 6 speakers. However, it won't do it with MP3s from the XBOX 360.

Yes, gaming from the console is 5.1.

Any reason why I can't force the Sony receiver to do this from the same source? That's what leads me to believe it's the fault of the console---since I can change the matrixing with games from the same console. It's only MP3's that are the problem.

My guess would have to be the MP3s. Since they are ripped from CDs which are 2 channel stereo, thats all you get. 2 speakers. not to mention the compression to cut file size down. I would try ripping from a music DVD which are in 5.1 if you have any.

Don't feel so bad. My friend's PS3 does the same as our X360. he only gets center, left and right but his games are in 5.1.

 

[120inna55]

I found a solution...albeit a clunky one, and I probably won't do it every time:

On the XBOX360 dash: SYSTEM/CONSOLE/AUDIO. Change to "Digital Stereo". Then the receiver can virtualize any format.

Unfortunately, this hobbles 5.1 audio in gaming and video, so you have to change it back.