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What does it mean when your DVD player says decoder off?

By Daniel Rodriguez

What does it mean when your DVD player says decoder off?

For example, if your DVD player sends a Dolby Digital signal to the receiver the receiver will see that and automatically activate the Dolby Digital decoder. If the decoder off message is accompanied by a loss in picture and/or sound, we would suggest double checking all your connecting cables between the source component and receiver.

Why do I get a decoder off message?

If the decoder off message is accompanied by a loss in picture and/or sound, we would suggest double checking all your connecting cables between the source component and receiver. Just one bent or damaged cable or connector can cause a loss in picture and/or sound.

Why does my PCM say decoder off when not playing anything?

If so change it back to “Auto”, then hopefully it will allow the receiver to do the decoding instead. Decoder Off is displayed when the receiver is not actually receiving an audio bitstream from your playback device. When you are not playing anything, the screen should say decoder off. This is normal and not a fault.

Why does my Yamaha decoder off message Go Away?

At the same time as the noise from the speakers I see a “Decoder Off” message on the amp momentarily. After the message sound from the playing device comes back on and the message goes away. The whole thing takes under a second. It also happens when adverts come on while watching TV through the Youview box.

For example, if your DVD player sends a Dolby Digital signal to the receiver the receiver will see that and automatically activate the Dolby Digital decoder. If the decoder off message is accompanied by a loss in picture and/or sound, we would suggest double checking all your connecting cables between the source component and receiver.

If the decoder off message is accompanied by a loss in picture and/or sound, we would suggest double checking all your connecting cables between the source component and receiver. Just one bent or damaged cable or connector can cause a loss in picture and/or sound.

If so change it back to “Auto”, then hopefully it will allow the receiver to do the decoding instead. Decoder Off is displayed when the receiver is not actually receiving an audio bitstream from your playback device. When you are not playing anything, the screen should say decoder off. This is normal and not a fault.

How do you turn on a decoder on a receiver?

In either case the receiver would not need to turn on a decoder to play sound. You can toggle this informational display by pressing the INFO button on the front panel of the receiver or on the remote control (depending on your model receiver) – you will have three choices: DSP Program, Audio Decoder, and Input.