Anyone now how to get 5.1?

l1qu1d · 06-22-12 at 01:42 PM

The thing that nobody has mentioned, is that DD and DTS are simply 2 channel codecs upmixed on a supporting amp which is why you only see 2 channel output. You're right about the audio files, you need to output dolby digital to the amp altho you can get sound cards which do something called Dolby Digital live which upmixes everything into dolby digital which would take away the need for the manual side OR if you want dolby digital just for music and video then you need AC3 filter which can upmix mp3's, avi etc into 5.1. Just ask if you need any more help and good luck.

strizay · 06-22-12 at 02:35 PM

I think you pretty much nailed what I have to do. On my receiver when the 360 is running, it tells me that it's 5.1 on the display. The only way I can get 5.1 audio is with video files that have ac-3 6 channel audio. I was just hoping that I could set up the pc in the sound settings to make it have 5.1 audio. I would have liked to have all my movies come through all the speakers regardless. It's also bad because all of my music only comes through the front 2 speakers.

I left you +rep for the win. Thank you.

jcraigt · 06-22-12 at 02:57 PM

i had the same sort of problem when hooking my LCD up to my laptop with HDMI too, i had to change a setting in the Nvidea control panel. try right clicking your desktop to open the nvidea control panel then...

Windows Vista and Later

From the NVIDIA Control Panel navigation tree pane, under Display, click Set up digital audio to open the associated page.

The Set Up Digital Audio page lists the NVIDIA GPUs in the system that have audio-capable display connections, and then lists those connections (HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI). For each connection, this page lists the audio-capable displays that will appear as audio devices in the Windows Sound panel, based on default or previous selections.

Depending on the hardware support and displays connected, you can change the selections as described in step 2.

Verify displays that will appear as audio devices in the Windows Sound settings as follows:

HDMI display (whether connected to the HDMI or DisplayPort connector): Click the list arrow and either select the display or select Turn off audio.

DisplayPort display connected to an HDMI connector: Click the list arrow and either select the display or select Turn off audio.

DisplayPort display connected to a DisplayPort connector: When there are more than one display connected through the connector but the graphics card supports only one audio stream per connector, then click the list arrow and select the display that you want to appear as an audio device in the Windows Sound panel.

In all other cases the listed DisplayPort displays will appear in the Windows Sound panel and no other changes can be made.

Click Apply when done.

Click Open Windows Sound Settings.

The Microsoft Windows Sound panel opens, from which you can configure your system's audio output.

l1qu1d · 06-22-12 at 04:33 PM

Honestly, its rlly easy to setup, I even think theres a sticky about it in the Movies download section since not all movies come with the ac3 (Dolby Digital) filter and if not stickied here then there are a lot of guides on reputable forums getting as intricate as you like.

Codecs are definitely one of Windows drawbacks yet using onboard sound is an even bigger drawback and it sounds like you have a rlly good A/V setup - I've a Sony amp but Onkyo are waaay cooler lol and the only way you are going to experience the full hi def is to buy a sound card, even £20 will get you audio that blows the onboard sound out of the water. For major kicks the Recon3d is incredible, sounds like its from another planet (in a good way).

strizay · 06-22-12 at 06:59 PM

@jcraigt, I did what you suggested but there isn't an option for optical output. It has dvi 1 and dvi 2 but they are greyed out, and then it has my TV listed for HDMI.

Under Click Open Windows Sound Settings, all it shows is the options I posted in the image a few posts up. Everything is greyed out except for the TV, that is the only option that is configurable. I honestly don't believe I'm ever going to get the onboard audio sorted. +rep to you for the help though. It's appreciated.

@l1qu1d, could you suggest a good audio card that would output 5.1 with optical audio for around $20? The Creative Sound Blaster Recon3D Sound Board you mentioned sounds awesome. For close to $90 it better make my Onkyo sound like angels singing LOL.

And if you don't mind, could you point me in the direction of some of the guides you mentioned? I'm not exactly sure what I'm looking for. I could Google for hours and be totally on the wrong track. Would it help with music too?

**spudsickle** · 06-23-12 at 06:43 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by spudsickle

Strizay, rgfprince is right (it's about the player) - try switching to VLC player; set 'Audio Device' to "A/52 over S/PDIF"

Strizay, have you tried VLC on above audio setting yet? I have realtek on-board audio, passing via TOSlink to Yamaha receiver and have no problems with 5.1 surround. At least if it works then you know for sure that the issue is with your player.

strizay · 06-23-12 at 09:06 AM

The only place I see a drop down box for audio device is during playback of a video and the only 2 options are stereo and mono for most of my video. I can see that option for a few of my videos, but I could always play them with TheKmplayer with sound out of all speakers. The others that don't have the option are still in stereo. I just wanted to have the sound for all my video coming out of all speakers. VLC didn't do anything that TheKmplayer didn't do.

Thanks though. I'm back to looking for a sound card again.

**spudsickle** · 06-23-12 at 10:04 AM

Strange you don't have that option on all videos, unless the other videos aren't carrying 5.1 audio. You appear to have two separate problems (video over HDMI and 5.1 over TOSlink) and I'd be more tempted to try and identify the HDMI video to TV problem because at the moment you're trying to fix the workaround (5.1 over optical). Is there any way for you to borrow a receiver from someone to test if your Onkyo is the problem (or otherwise test your Onkyo and HTPC on another TV)?

Also read a few forums talking about HDCP issues and suggest trying the following:

Using longer HDMI cables (especially if it was working before and you switched to a shorter HDMI cable).
If you are using Intel graphics then there can be HDCP handshake issues, so try switching on your devices slowly (5-10 second gap between each) in following order: TV, then receiver, then booting up HTPC.

strizay · 06-23-12 at 06:33 PM

I've tried 7 different HDMI cables that I have and they are all the same length, so I think that rules that out. I'm going to give this a shot right now.

I also sorta fixed my issue, but it's a cheat way I did it. I kept all of the speakers positioned as normal, but then I added 2 more speakers running from the front left and right channels. So now it's kinda like 7.1 audio and everything comes out in all speakers except the surround speakers unless the audio has 5.1. It doesn't sound too bad.

My only issue now is that all voices are barely audible. I had this problem before, so adding these 2 new speakers didn't cause it. I lost the manual to my receiver so now I have to figure out how to boost it somehow. Playing games is terrible, the background music almost drowns out the voices.

strizay · 06-26-12 at 08:59 PM

I just connected an Xbox 1 to the receiver and then out to my TV and I get audio and video. There's just something wrong with the HDMI for sure. I wish I had another TV to test this out on to see if it's my TV that is the problem or if the receiver isn't putting out video. I have a feeling though that my TV is the problem because when it's from the Xbox 360 by HDMI into the receiver and then out by HDMI to the TV, I get audio but no video.

l1qu1d · 06-27-12 at 03:41 PM

sounds like you've done everything right with your hdmi, unless its under warranty then i'd forget about that. Found an ok soundcard with optical out for $31.49

Code: Select All

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=420799&CatId=2771

which would work better than onboard but it won't matter until you sort out the issues you're having now.

To sort out your Dolby Digital issue, follow this info to the letter (this is exactly how i get dolby digital, there are others but this is mine.) First off, right click the speaker icon in your taskbar (bottom right corner) and left click playback devices. Ensure "Digital output" is your preferred playback device and if you double click on it, under the supported formats tab ensure dolby digital and dts are ticked. That is your Windows settings for ac3/5.1/7.1 audio and all you need now is the software setup for the same.

I recommend K-Lite codec pack, which will install a player, ac3filter and all the video codecs you can imagine.

Code: Select All

http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/KLite-Mega-Codec-Pack/1080441198/1

- download and install. During install, pick advanced install. Click next then scroll down the window to "directshow audio decoding filters" and select ac3filter for all codecs, first one is ac3, ffdshow is highlighted initially but make sure the dot is next to ac3filter for ALL audio formats. Click next until file associations. Click all audio since all video will already be ticked. Click next and select your speaker setup, 7.1 i think. Next page make sure the bottom option is ticked, "no thanks i don't want any of the above." and finish installation.

Thats K-Lite installed. Now when you double click an audio file, it will open with Media Player Classic. While its playing if you click the play menu and go down to filters, ac3filter should be in there. Click on it and now setup ac3filter.

Code: Select All

http://tehparadox.com/forum/f89/simple-solution-playback-vc-1-wvc1-wma-wmv-container-ac3filter-config-43025/

thats a good guide for setting it up, it is a newer version of ac3filter but it is generally the same. Once you've done that if you close it and double click your audio file again, you should see a light on your receiver telling you dolby digital is enabled if you followed the guide ok.

Post bk if not..

l1qu1d · 06-27-12 at 04:45 PM

and the recon3d is beautiful in 7.1, upmixes everything to dolby digital so none of this messing about with players and codecs and games really do sound otherworldly. I was blown away and my audio setup is from the era just before hdmi so not too shabby. Your HDMI sounds like its the problem of the receiver which is why I said about the warranty. You should get it fixed if possible, since your receiver is made for that, it may as well be worth half the price without it.

strizay · 06-27-12 at 07:10 PM

Wow man, you really put a lot of thought into this for me. I copied your entire post and saved it to a word doc. At this point though, I am considering removing the HDMI board myself and having someone replace the caps for me. If I can get the HDMI to work, I'm pretty sure this problem will get sorted. The work around is plan B.

I found a few sites that mention the onkyo is known for the caps on the HDMI board to go bad.

I'm extremely appreciate your help and research. I'm going to give the cap replacement a try first and if that fails, I will follow your tutorial. Thank you.

l1qu1d · 06-27-12 at 07:37 PM

lol np man. Just hope you get it fixed since you obv. spent a lot on your equip.

Shame bout the Onkyo's they're supposed to be rlly good but yea the whole point of the new HDMI receivers is to get HD audio and video in one signal and if you ain't getting that then its a waste of your hard earned cash.

Good luck with getting the caps fixed.

06-23-12 at 09:06 AM	#35
strizay Apprentice Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 424	The only place I see a drop down box for audio device is during playback of a video and the only 2 options are stereo and mono for most of my video. I can see that option for a few of my videos, but I could always play them with TheKmplayer with sound out of all speakers. The others that don't have the option are still in stereo. I just wanted to have the sound for all my video coming out of all speakers. VLC didn't do anything that TheKmplayer didn't do. Thanks though. I'm back to looking for a sound card again. Last edited by strizay; 06-23-12 at 09:11 AM.

06-23-12 at 10:04 AM	#36
spudsickle "I must break you" Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: , Location, Location Posts: 1,908	Strange you don't have that option on all videos, unless the other videos aren't carrying 5.1 audio. You appear to have two separate problems (video over HDMI and 5.1 over TOSlink) and I'd be more tempted to try and identify the HDMI video to TV problem because at the moment you're trying to fix the workaround (5.1 over optical). Is there any way for you to borrow a receiver from someone to test if your Onkyo is the problem (or otherwise test your Onkyo and HTPC on another TV)? Also read a few forums talking about HDCP issues and suggest trying the following: Using longer HDMI cables (especially if it was working before and you switched to a shorter HDMI cable). If you are using Intel graphics then there can be HDCP handshake issues, so try switching on your devices slowly (5-10 second gap between each) in following order: TV, then receiver, then booting up HTPC. Last edited by spudsickle; 06-23-12 at 10:23 AM.

06-27-12 at 03:41 PM	#39
l1qu1d Novice Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 166	sounds like you've done everything right with your hdmi, unless its under warranty then i'd forget about that. Found an ok soundcard with optical out for $31.49 Code: Select All http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=420799&CatId=2771 which would work better than onboard but it won't matter until you sort out the issues you're having now. To sort out your Dolby Digital issue, follow this info to the letter (this is exactly how i get dolby digital, there are others but this is mine.) First off, right click the speaker icon in your taskbar (bottom right corner) and left click playback devices. Ensure "Digital output" is your preferred playback device and if you double click on it, under the supported formats tab ensure dolby digital and dts are ticked. That is your Windows settings for ac3/5.1/7.1 audio and all you need now is the software setup for the same. I recommend K-Lite codec pack, which will install a player, ac3filter and all the video codecs you can imagine. Code: Select All http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/KLite-Mega-Codec-Pack/1080441198/1 - download and install. During install, pick advanced install. Click next then scroll down the window to "directshow audio decoding filters" and select ac3filter for all codecs, first one is ac3, ffdshow is highlighted initially but make sure the dot is next to ac3filter for ALL audio formats. Click next until file associations. Click all audio since all video will already be ticked. Click next and select your speaker setup, 7.1 i think. Next page make sure the bottom option is ticked, "no thanks i don't want any of the above." and finish installation. Thats K-Lite installed. Now when you double click an audio file, it will open with Media Player Classic. While its playing if you click the play menu and go down to filters, ac3filter should be in there. Click on it and now setup ac3filter. Code: Select All http://tehparadox.com/forum/f89/simple-solution-playback-vc-1-wvc1-wma-wmv-container-ac3filter-config-43025/ thats a good guide for setting it up, it is a newer version of ac3filter but it is generally the same. Once you've done that if you close it and double click your audio file again, you should see a light on your receiver telling you dolby digital is enabled if you followed the guide ok. Post bk if not..

06-22-12 at 01:42 PM	#29
l1qu1d Novice Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 166	The thing that nobody has mentioned, is that DD and DTS are simply 2 channel codecs upmixed on a supporting amp which is why you only see 2 channel output. You're right about the audio files, you need to output dolby digital to the amp altho you can get sound cards which do something called Dolby Digital live which upmixes everything into dolby digital which would take away the need for the manual side OR if you want dolby digital just for music and video then you need AC3 filter which can upmix mp3's, avi etc into 5.1. Just ask if you need any more help and good luck.

06-22-12 at 02:35 PM	#30
strizay Apprentice Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 424	I think you pretty much nailed what I have to do. On my receiver when the 360 is running, it tells me that it's 5.1 on the display. The only way I can get 5.1 audio is with video files that have ac-3 6 channel audio. I was just hoping that I could set up the pc in the sound settings to make it have 5.1 audio. I would have liked to have all my movies come through all the speakers regardless. It's also bad because all of my music only comes through the front 2 speakers. I left you +rep for the win. Thank you.

06-22-12 at 02:57 PM	#31
jcraigt Novice Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 122	i had the same sort of problem when hooking my LCD up to my laptop with HDMI too, i had to change a setting in the Nvidea control panel. try right clicking your desktop to open the nvidea control panel then... Windows Vista and Later From the NVIDIA Control Panel navigation tree pane, under Display, click Set up digital audio to open the associated page. The Set Up Digital Audio page lists the NVIDIA GPUs in the system that have audio-capable display connections, and then lists those connections (HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI). For each connection, this page lists the audio-capable displays that will appear as audio devices in the Windows Sound panel, based on default or previous selections. Depending on the hardware support and displays connected, you can change the selections as described in step 2. Verify displays that will appear as audio devices in the Windows Sound settings as follows: HDMI display (whether connected to the HDMI or DisplayPort connector): Click the list arrow and either select the display or select Turn off audio. DisplayPort display connected to an HDMI connector: Click the list arrow and either select the display or select Turn off audio. DisplayPort display connected to a DisplayPort connector: When there are more than one display connected through the connector but the graphics card supports only one audio stream per connector, then click the list arrow and select the display that you want to appear as an audio device in the Windows Sound panel. In all other cases the listed DisplayPort displays will appear in the Windows Sound panel and no other changes can be made. Click Apply when done. Click Open Windows Sound Settings. The Microsoft Windows Sound panel opens, from which you can configure your system's audio output.

06-22-12 at 04:33 PM	#32
l1qu1d Novice Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 166	Honestly, its rlly easy to setup, I even think theres a sticky about it in the Movies download section since not all movies come with the ac3 (Dolby Digital) filter and if not stickied here then there are a lot of guides on reputable forums getting as intricate as you like. Codecs are definitely one of Windows drawbacks yet using onboard sound is an even bigger drawback and it sounds like you have a rlly good A/V setup - I've a Sony amp but Onkyo are waaay cooler lol and the only way you are going to experience the full hi def is to buy a sound card, even £20 will get you audio that blows the onboard sound out of the water. For major kicks the Recon3d is incredible, sounds like its from another planet (in a good way).

06-22-12 at 06:59 PM	#33
strizay Apprentice Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 424	@jcraigt, I did what you suggested but there isn't an option for optical output. It has dvi 1 and dvi 2 but they are greyed out, and then it has my TV listed for HDMI. Under Click Open Windows Sound Settings, all it shows is the options I posted in the image a few posts up. Everything is greyed out except for the TV, that is the only option that is configurable. I honestly don't believe I'm ever going to get the onboard audio sorted. +rep to you for the help though. It's appreciated. @l1qu1d, could you suggest a good audio card that would output 5.1 with optical audio for around $20? The Creative Sound Blaster Recon3D Sound Board you mentioned sounds awesome. For close to $90 it better make my Onkyo sound like angels singing LOL. And if you don't mind, could you point me in the direction of some of the guides you mentioned? I'm not exactly sure what I'm looking for. I could Google for hours and be totally on the wrong track. Would it help with music too?

06-23-12 at 06:43 AM	#34
spudsickle "I must break you" Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: , Location, Location Posts: 1,908	Quote: Originally Posted by spudsickle Strizay, rgfprince is right (it's about the player) - try switching to VLC player; set 'Audio Device' to "A/52 over S/PDIF" Strizay, have you tried VLC on above audio setting yet? I have realtek on-board audio, passing via TOSlink to Yamaha receiver and have no problems with 5.1 surround. At least if it works then you know for sure that the issue is with your player.

06-23-12 at 06:33 PM	#37
strizay Apprentice Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 424	I've tried 7 different HDMI cables that I have and they are all the same length, so I think that rules that out. I'm going to give this a shot right now. I also sorta fixed my issue, but it's a cheat way I did it. I kept all of the speakers positioned as normal, but then I added 2 more speakers running from the front left and right channels. So now it's kinda like 7.1 audio and everything comes out in all speakers except the surround speakers unless the audio has 5.1. It doesn't sound too bad. My only issue now is that all voices are barely audible. I had this problem before, so adding these 2 new speakers didn't cause it. I lost the manual to my receiver so now I have to figure out how to boost it somehow. Playing games is terrible, the background music almost drowns out the voices.

06-26-12 at 08:59 PM	#38
strizay Apprentice Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 424	I just connected an Xbox 1 to the receiver and then out to my TV and I get audio and video. There's just something wrong with the HDMI for sure. I wish I had another TV to test this out on to see if it's my TV that is the problem or if the receiver isn't putting out video. I have a feeling though that my TV is the problem because when it's from the Xbox 360 by HDMI into the receiver and then out by HDMI to the TV, I get audio but no video.

06-27-12 at 04:45 PM	#40
l1qu1d Novice Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 166	and the recon3d is beautiful in 7.1, upmixes everything to dolby digital so none of this messing about with players and codecs and games really do sound otherworldly. I was blown away and my audio setup is from the era just before hdmi so not too shabby. Your HDMI sounds like its the problem of the receiver which is why I said about the warranty. You should get it fixed if possible, since your receiver is made for that, it may as well be worth half the price without it.

06-27-12 at 07:10 PM	#41
strizay Apprentice Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 424	Wow man, you really put a lot of thought into this for me. I copied your entire post and saved it to a word doc. At this point though, I am considering removing the HDMI board myself and having someone replace the caps for me. If I can get the HDMI to work, I'm pretty sure this problem will get sorted. The work around is plan B. I found a few sites that mention the onkyo is known for the caps on the HDMI board to go bad. I'm extremely appreciate your help and research. I'm going to give the cap replacement a try first and if that fails, I will follow your tutorial. Thank you.

06-27-12 at 07:37 PM	#42
l1qu1d Novice Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 166	lol np man. Just hope you get it fixed since you obv. spent a lot on your equip. Shame bout the Onkyo's they're supposed to be rlly good but yea the whole point of the new HDMI receivers is to get HD audio and video in one signal and if you ain't getting that then its a waste of your hard earned cash. Good luck with getting the caps fixed.