Bitstream signal from PC to AVR - how?

[Sounding]

Been doing my head in trying to figure this out.

Relevant info on current hardware:

Intel 10i3FN NUC as media server PC, WIN 11, 16GB RAM, Intel UHD Graphics.

Device Manager shows both Intel Display Audio and Realtek Audio as sound controllers.

Yamaha RXA8A receiver.

5.2.2 surround system.

LG OLED display.
Plex, with pass.

Quality HDMI cable.

A few NAS for storage of media.

The NUC sound output settings shows the output device as LG TV-2 which is the only device.

 

If it's useful as a solution, I also have a new Apple TV, though I almost never use it. Bought on a whim and am told it won't do what I'd hoped.

 

When streaming anything saved on my storage, or streaming live content via the PC, the AVR shows the audio stream as PCM.

I have installed the Dolby Access app and its free demo is now expired. I played with it and the sound settings, and was able to get the Atmos demo tracks to go through to the receiver in high res (not PCM). But this also involved changing the sound settings to Output Format - Dolby Atmos. This meant I got no sound from any other source than the Dolby Access demos.

 

So, I am at a loss, somewhat frustrated and conceding defeat, having to ask for help.

 

If the solution means purchasing a better PC for media streaming, I'm fine with that.

I had intended ripping (backing up) all my Bluray and 4K movies so I could use Plex on this PC as the interface, but there's no point until I can come up with a solution that gives me the best audio possible by default.

I would prefer to use a PC so we can continue with the wireless keyboard which works well, also giving us access to a browser for other online media that we access.

 

I'm also looking for a way to allow the PC to send lossless bitstream audio files to the receiver, DSD / DSF files - without conversion to PCM.

 

Could I kindly ask for advice and suggestions please?

 

[a.dent]

I don't know much about PCs but I had some success streaming from a NUC to the Plex app on my ATV4k. Have you given that a try?

 

As far as DSD/DSF goes which media player are you using on the NUC? I know Roon outputs DSF files via HDMI but I couldn't get 5.1 files to play, only stereo. The problem was the chipset in the AVR.

 

Probably not much help but at least something else to try.

[Guest]

By far, the easiest way to play ripped BD 4K movies is to buy an entry Zidoo media player and everything works out of the box.  

 

Yes, one can put together a PC with Plex or Kodi, with the correct settings, HDMI 2.0 ports etc. etc. Unless you have the relevant skills and experience, you will end up spending a lot of time and effort to get things going.