Does Powernode 2i (with HDMI) downmix multi-channel audio?

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7 comments

  • Official comment
    Tony W.
    Product Support Manager

    The POWERNODE 2i does not decode multichannel audio.

    It simply plays back the PCM 2.1 alternate audio channel. If you want DOLBY, you want a PULSE SOUNDBAR.

  • Rodger

    Thanks for the speedy reply. I changed my TV config to send only PCM to the Powernode (regardless of the original encoding format) and I hear stereo audio now for all my videos. Which is all I needed. Please direct Crutchfield to update their product description of the Powernode since it isn't true. 

    This Powernode replaced FIVE pieces of equipment in my cabinet (amp, pre-amp, dac, bluetooth reciever, sonos connect).

    I love living in the future!

     

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  • Alex

    "It simply plays back the PCM 2.1 alternate audio channel. If you want DOLBY, you want a PULSE SOUNDBAR."

    So in the first example shown on the Bluesound 'home theatre" page (powernode 2i + 2 x Pulse Flex 2i (LR and RR):

    https://www.bluesound.com/home-theater/

    what is actually sent to the rear speakers?  The example seems to indicate support for a 4.1 setup (FL, FR, LFE/sub, RL and RR)

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  • Tony W.
    Product Support Manager

    As of 3.10 and our recent firmware release (last week), you will now get DOLBY Decode with the POWERNODE 2i w/HDMI. The center channel is blended for an LCR experience. DOLBY has certified this as a 4.1 setup with a second POWERNODE (any generation) or a pair of PULSE FLEX acting as the rears.

     

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  • Alex

    Thanks Tony. That's great news. It might be worthwhile including this information in a more prominent place like the product spec sheet, the above mentioned home theatre configuration page, and release notes. I am sure there would be many owners interested to know.

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  • Erik C.

    Because I am looking for a decent solution to upgrade the sound of my TV (LG OLED C9), i am considering upgrading my stereo amp to a Powernode 2i and connect the Powernode by HDMI (eARC) to my TV. I would like to get high-ress audio (like Dolby TrueHD or DTS HD MA) to my speakers. 

    As there is not much information published on the website of Bluesound about the supported codecs on the Powernode 2i, I started looking on this forum and found a relevant question in this topic and in one topic about the soundbar (https://support1.bluesound.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/360037994273-Future-Firmware-Updates-Dolby-Digital-Plus-and-Dolby-Atmos).

    So the Powernode 2i can decode a Dolby bitstream but it doesn't downmix it into a 2.1 setup? Does the Powernode 2I also supports the other codecs (DTS, DTS HD MA) mentioned by the topic starter?

     

     

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  • Sam R.

    Hello Erik, 

    The POWERNODE 2i with HDMI only reads Dolby bitstreams while in a Home Theatre Group (so unable to decode Dolby when on its own in a 2.1 setup).

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