Microsoft KB Archive/929515

= When you use Media Center to watch Live TV on a Windows Vista-based computer, you cannot always hear the audio =

Article ID: 929515

Article Last Modified on 3/15/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Windows Vista Home Premium
 * Windows Vista Ultimate
 * Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit edition
 * Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit edition

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SYMPTOMS
When you use Windows Media Center to watch Live TV on a Windows Vista-based computer, you cannot always hear the audio.



CAUSE
This problem occurs because Media Center always tries to play any AC3 (Dolby Digital 5.1) audio stream that is present in a broadcast. The AC3 audio stream provides the highest quality audio experience. Some stations broadcast the required primary stereo stream and the optional AC3 audio stream. If Media Center detects that an AC3 stream is available in the broadcast, Media Center selects that available stream. Some broadcasters may occasionally broadcast empty or muted AC3 streams. Therefore, if a broadcast contains an AC3 stream, but no audio data is present, Media Center has no sound for that specific channel.



MORE INFORMATION
Currently, Windows Vista does not have an option to force Media Center to use the primary audio stream when a muted AC3 stream is present. However, you may contact the broadcaster and report the muted AC3 stream.

Keywords: kbexpertisebeginner kbtshoot kbprb KB929515

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