No 5.1 via SPDIF

Question

I'm using the supplied SPDIF connector to send the audio out to my Sony 5.1 receiver. I've got the Sony on autodecode and it' reporting a (PCM 48khz) 2.1 connection. I've never gotten it to show up as a 5.1 connection. I have yet to test it with DVDs, but I should be getting it in games also and I haven't been successful.

Is there a driver out there that allows us to choose the default signal? I've already got everything set to 5.1 via the windows sound applet.

Anyone else out there with some tips, hints, or experience?

anarkizt · Answer

I dont think its possible to get 5.1 from games using spdif, that has to be through an already decoded analogue signal (3x3.5mm stereo plugs).

jonfweber · Answer

I have asked Dell techs about this and they have neither advice nor documentation.  I would really like to be able to use optical out for 5.1 because analog suffers from hum interference.    I was wondering whether the problem of no 5.1 via SPDIF (vs. 6-channel analog) is inherent or could be remedied by buying a different or higher end sound card

CygnusX1 · Answer

Just an update.. I do get 5.1 signals via SPDIF when playing specific video formats or DVD movies. My guess is if the games support the right type of audio then it should work.

johnwenger · Answer

Most games do not output a Dolby Digital or DTS audio stream that can be decoded into 5.1 channels on your home theatre. They only output 5.1 sounds to your analog outs on your computer.   Dolby has new technology called 'Dolby Digital Live' that will encode the 5.1 audio into a dolby digital stream in real time so you can output it to your home theatre. See, http://www.dolby.com/consumer/technology/dolby_live.html   New sound cards are coming out that have this feature. See, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolby_Digital#Dolby_Digital_Live.   It sure would be nice to have...   Peace,   Uncle John

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No 5.1 via SPDIF

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