Play 5.1 Audio(AC3, DTS) in iTunes
Yes, it is possible to get a 5.1 audio output from iTunes if you have a compatible receiver. There are a few posts floating online, but this is the easiest way i could get it working. This method was proposed by Graham Broker.
- Install Perian (download link).
- Connect your digital audio receiver. I use an optical connection to my Logitech receiver.
- Change to audio output to 48000.0Hz, 2ch-16bit in ‘Audio Midi Setup’.
- Enable DTS and AC3 passthrough from terminal
- Enable AC3 passthrough
defaults write com.cod3r.a52codec attemptPassthrough 1
- Enable DTS passthrough
defaults write org.perian.Perian attemptDTSPassthrough 1
- Disable AC3 passthrough
defaults delete com.cod3r.a52codec attemptPassthrough
- Disable DTS passthrough
defaults delete org.perian.Perian attemptDTSPassthrough
- Enable AC3 passthrough
- Restart iTunes if already running and play the file with 100% volume.
- Verify chanel layout - Quicktime Player->Show Movie Properties->Select audio track->Audio Settings