Microsoft will enable 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound via the optical out port on Xbox One.

At present, the 'optical out' port on the new console only supports two-channel stereo sound - an odd omission considering 5.1 optical sound has been a standard feature on Microsoft and Sony's console's (and most modern AV entertainment devices) since the original Xbox era.

Microsoft director of product planning Albert Penello explained ahead of the console's November release that 5.1 optical sound features were delayed beyond launch due to "a [software] scheduling issue".

The addition of true 5.1 Dolby surround is especially good news for users with optical-only home cinema setups, or those with gaming headsets, which typically use optical sound.

The new March update for the Xbox One operating system is expected on March 11, coinciding with the release of Titanfall. The update is expected to provide easier access to the console's friends list, which "will be front and centre on the homepage of the Friends app". Party chat will also be turned on by default, while an "Invite friends to game" option will be added, in addition to a "Recent Players" section.

Also included as part of the update is the launch of Twitch streaming, which will let users livestream, join games with broadcasters, start game broadcasts with the voice command "Xbox broadcast", archive streams and watch Twitch streams being broadcasted from any device, including the PlayStation.

Additionally, Kinect will allow broadcasters to include a picture-in-picture video feed and audio commentary.

Microsoft has also confirmed plans to introduce a manual 50hz option with the March system update, in a move to help combat TV integration problems in Europe and other PAL territories.



Posted: Mar 01, 2014 2:04 pm
Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/451653/xbox-one-gets-dolby-digital-optical-out-with-march-update/