How to setup old TV with MiniDSP Flex HT, Kanto Tuk, subwoofer and Apple TV?

[mechkbfan]

At the moment it's a Apple TV connected to TV and using inbuilt speakers

Biggest issue for me right now is dialogue is too quiet and explosions are too loud when we watch movies when kids are asleep, even using Apple's settings

From what I can tell I can configure the MiniDSP Flex HT to handle both of these scenarios as a preset to my liking

What I'm confused by is what would be the optimal setup reusing parts I already have if possible

My summary so far

AppleTV -> HDMI -> TV
TV -> Optical Out -> Flex HT Optical In
Flex HT -> 2xRCA -> Tuk
Flex HT -> 1xRCA -> SVS3000

AppleTV 4K

Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Ethernet Manuals and Downloads – Apple Support (AU)

Manuals, technical specifications, downloads and more for Apple software and hardware.

support.apple.com

Change audio settings on Apple TV 4K

On Apple TV 4K, you can adjust audio settings to reduce loudness, enhance dialogue, send audio to other speakers and more.

support.apple.com

LG 50PA6500 Manual

LG 50PA6500.AAU Product Support: Manuals, Warranty & More | LG AU

Get product support for the LG50PA6500.AAUDownload50PA6500.AAUDownload50PA6500.AAUwarranty information and schedule services.

www.lg.com

As far as I can tell, my TV does not have any eARC feature, i.e. I need to use Optical

MiniDSP Flex HT Manual

Front and rear panels - miniDSP Flex HT / HTn User Manual

docs.minidsp.com

It has Optical In, and only analog outputs

Kanto Tuk's

https://www.kantoaudio.com/wp-content/uploads/TUK_Eng_Manual_2021-09-23-linear.pdf

RCA In or Optical in, but there's no optical out of MiniDSP, so will go RCA

Now I have two subwoofers. Kanto Sub8 and SVS3000

It feels like easiest method would be put the Sub8 connected to the Tuk's, but that feels wasteful given I have spare SVS3000
Hence put the subwoofer in 3rd RCA output of MiniDSP

What setting for the AppleTV too?

Audio Format: I'm assuming stereo and the MiniDSP can just redirect appropriately?
Audio Mode: Auto?

Also, my concern is that by using optical out from TV, my AppleTV will no longer be able to control the volume?
I'll have to test this out but I had noticed this in the past, which I suppose is why eARC is so good

 

[staticV3]

Apple TV Audio mode should be set to Stereo LPCM since that's the only format the Flex HT can receive via Toslink.

For the subwoofers, ideally connect both to the Flex separately and apply Multi Sub Optimizer to them (=open-source DLBC).

miniDSP have guides on all of this on their homepage.

 

[mechkbfan]

Thanks, much appreciated

Also for my last question. I found out AppleTV has a learning new device feature so I could still control TV audio hopefully

 

[Mort]

Also for my last question. I found out AppleTV has a learning new device feature so I could still control TV audio hopefully

It used to work but stopped with an update last year. We've had to use two remotes.

 

[staticV3]

Thanks, much appreciated

Also for my last question. I found out AppleTV has a learning new device feature so I could still control TV audio hopefully

To control TV volume w/o the miniDSP remote, feeding the Flex via ARC is usually the only way.

 

[stony2275]

It used to work but stopped with an update last year. We've had to use two remotes.

My AppleTV remote gets out of sync every once in a while. This solves it. See the attached.

 

[Mort]

My AppleTV remote gets out of sync every once in a while. This solves it. See the attached.

I'll have to try that thanks