5.1/DTS HTPC/TV issues

[Vdubchaos]

I'm having issues playing 5.1/DTS on my receiver/HTPC. Here is my set up

Denon 1609
MB - GIGABYTE GA-MA69GM-S2H
Video card - 5450 ATI

Hook up:
Not using any HDMI connection on the Denon as it doesn't handle Audio over HDMI (knew this when I bought it....for $169 bucks hehe).

PC is hooked up using HDMI on the 5450 > TV and I have an Optical going from TV back to Receiver (in order for Smart TV sound to work). It seems like Samsung TV only pushes 2 channel audio thru Optical as Netflix sound seems to suffer quite a bit.

I also have analog connection from PC to Receiver for Zone 2 playback (kitchen).

So on my PC, Audio options for HDMI and Optical are limited to 2 channels. I'm starting to find out that my motherboard only handles 2 channels over optical....so I'm focusing on HDMI for now.

Currently HDMI is only 2 channels. Is there any way to get 5.1 or DTS on my receiver?

TIA

 

[Phanuel]

Your only option is to run an optical from your source to the AVR.

If your computer isn't outputting 5.1 over optical, you have an issue with sound setup in Windows, or a limited/crippled version of whatever your playback software is.

 

[Vdubchaos]

If your computer isn't outputting 5.1 over optical, you have an issue with sound setup in Windows, or a limited/crippled version of whatever your playback software is.

I think I'm going to try installing Realtek ATI HDMI driver.

I'm almost positive my motherboard doesn't support 5.1/DTS (2 channel only) thru Optical.

So HDMI on the video card is my only choice at this point.

 

[Phanuel]

I'm pretty sure your motherboard does support 5.1 over S/PDIF. Start on page 82 in your manual. Might need to check the "Digital PCM Output" box in the drivers for the audio codec.

 

[Vdubchaos]

Looking thru it now.

HMM, I'm using Optical on the back of the board...seems like there is a expenstion slot wiring I can use as well (heck it's asking me to use it).

LOTS of troubleshooting to do, THANKS!!!

 

[AnitaPeterson]

Can't you just buy a cheap soundcard with proper multichannel digital output?

 

[Vdubchaos]

I got it to work. I reinstalled downloaded/latest Audio driver from Gigabyte.

Turned on DTS/5.1 tested great.

My motherboard does support btw....pfew