Even after the successful FLAC conversion, the multi-channel FLAC won't play over DLNA. JRiver log of DLNA playback failure attached. No errors this time, playback just aborts immediately. Same FLAC file plays file locally in my home office.
I looked at the sample rate in the FLAC file and it is 352,800 . No wonder, I can't expect the Yamaha DLNA renderer to play that sampling rate.
I don't see any option for sampling rate in JRiver MC when converting from SACD ISO to FLAC . Just options for compression level (I used 8, highest), verify encoding, add 4K padding block, add seek table, and use ogg . I left those as default, all checked except "use ogg".
Same issue when converting to Apple Lossless (ALAC). Sampling rate is 352,800 . There are no conversion options at all for this one.
I'm sure these files would play directly from the HTPC over HDMI when transcoded by JRiver to 176 or 192 kHz. I just didn't turn on my projector today so I can't look at the display of the HTPC. Actually, I could, over remote desktop. Of course, the HTPC is also powered off
Overall, it seems like DLNA is just not the way to go for me, due to these limitations :
1) inability of the receiver to select HDMI video + DLNA audio
2) limited set of audio formats supported (only 16-bit, and no DSD)
3) limited sampling rates supported (can't play high sampling rate ALAC or FLAC)
I really would need all 3 solved. Not sure that any newer Yamaha receiver can handle this.