[ashlar]

Let me try to clarify, at this point, I do not want ANY decoder to decode anything BUT AAC. That is the only format that my receiver can not decode, this is why I use ac3filter, it decodes AAC to AC3 and outputs it to the receiver. Same layout only something it can decode. I could decode it and send it out, but I prefer to have a little S/W in between.

Now I understand, from reading (something I do on occasion ) that LAV WILL decode it and send it along, but I can not get it to do so. BUT if there is a way to LAV do as you say it can, would you tell me how?

I have finally gotten the receiver to output the rear channels (too low an output), so I'm closer.

Is there a way to have both (not at the same time) LAV's and madVR's console pop up over the video playback so I can see what's what while the video is playing?

Again thank you.

Does your receiver decode FLAC multichannel? If so, tell me its brand as I'd be curious. In any case... as far as I know there should be no need for anything special.

It should be enough to have LAV Audio configured so as to bitstream everything that's "bitstreamable" and have AC3filter set up the same. If you have bitstreamable format it goes through both LAV and AC3filter untouched, for your decoder to decode it. If it's not bitstreamable, LAV decodes it to PCM, sends it to AC3filter which encodes it to AC3 in realtime and sends it to your receiver.

If this doesn't work... I'm out of ideas.

Edit: these "complications" are what prompted me to upgrade to an HDMI only solution as soon as possible, by the way.