Southrncomfortjm
New Member
So, I just set up my HTPC, connected it to my TV via HDMI and then connected my TV to my receiver with an optical out and realized that I'm not getting 5.1 surround. The best I can do is Pro Logic II which is okay, but not great. I'm trying to figure out the best value solution to this issue and could use some expert help!
As I understand it, my HDTV will not transmit a 5.1 signal to my receiver even though my computer is connected via HDMI to the TV. I forgot where I read this, but the post said something like an HDTV wont output 5.1 sound unless it is using its internal tuners. Is this true?
Anyways
Here's what I have:
Motherboard on HTPC - Biostar with 6 channel Realtek ALC662. All of my PCI slots are open except small one I use for my cable card tuner.
Receiver - Sony str-k790 The receiver does not have HDMI in or out.
Older Samsung HDTV I believe it is an LN46 series. I bought it in 2007. It is a 46inch LCD 1080p (at work so I cant check).
Possible solutions -
First and cheapest (if it would work) would be to use 3 sets of stereo RCA cables. I like this solution since it would involve only 3 really cheap cables. Thing is, I don't know if my receiver will accept them for surround sound. On the back of the receiver are 6 holes where I can insert the RCA cables, but they go to 3 different things - CD player, TV and SAT (see page 17 of the receiver's manual). At this point I have reached the limit of my technical knowledge for this solution. I don't know if my receiver could accept those 6 inputs and output decent surround sound, and if it could, I don't know what combination of buttons to hit to get that result. Can anyone tell if this would work?
Second is to buy a sound card with an optical out, something like a SYBA SD-PEX63034 7.1 Channels 24-bit 48KHz PCI Express x1. Can't actually find another one with an optical out at a reasonable price. This one doesnt seem great, but at least workable.
The third possible solution is a Monoprice 4X1 HDMI Switcher w/ Toslink & Digital Coaxial Port (Rev.2) w/ 3D support. I dont like this solution as much because I just dont want another adapter or box out there. That said, if it will work better than the other options, Id go for it.
Any comments, ideas or other solutions? Thanks everyone!
As I understand it, my HDTV will not transmit a 5.1 signal to my receiver even though my computer is connected via HDMI to the TV. I forgot where I read this, but the post said something like an HDTV wont output 5.1 sound unless it is using its internal tuners. Is this true?
Anyways
Here's what I have:
Motherboard on HTPC - Biostar with 6 channel Realtek ALC662. All of my PCI slots are open except small one I use for my cable card tuner.
Receiver - Sony str-k790 The receiver does not have HDMI in or out.
Older Samsung HDTV I believe it is an LN46 series. I bought it in 2007. It is a 46inch LCD 1080p (at work so I cant check).
Possible solutions -
First and cheapest (if it would work) would be to use 3 sets of stereo RCA cables. I like this solution since it would involve only 3 really cheap cables. Thing is, I don't know if my receiver will accept them for surround sound. On the back of the receiver are 6 holes where I can insert the RCA cables, but they go to 3 different things - CD player, TV and SAT (see page 17 of the receiver's manual). At this point I have reached the limit of my technical knowledge for this solution. I don't know if my receiver could accept those 6 inputs and output decent surround sound, and if it could, I don't know what combination of buttons to hit to get that result. Can anyone tell if this would work?
Second is to buy a sound card with an optical out, something like a SYBA SD-PEX63034 7.1 Channels 24-bit 48KHz PCI Express x1. Can't actually find another one with an optical out at a reasonable price. This one doesnt seem great, but at least workable.
The third possible solution is a Monoprice 4X1 HDMI Switcher w/ Toslink & Digital Coaxial Port (Rev.2) w/ 3D support. I dont like this solution as much because I just dont want another adapter or box out there. That said, if it will work better than the other options, Id go for it.
Any comments, ideas or other solutions? Thanks everyone!
