Silly Q of the day: 360 and HDMI audio

Ol!ver · 8 Dec 2008 at 13:00

This is a silly question and I'm ashamed I'm asking it but for some reason I'm not 100% sure.

Does the 360's HDMI output actually kick out 5.1 DD or do I still need to use the optical cable ?

I've never used HDMI for audio, so I'm a little fuzzy.

Cheers

orderoftheflame · 8 Dec 2008 at 13:13

Yep. You don't need an optical cable.

Ol!ver · 8 Dec 2008 at 13:16

orderoftheflame said:
Yep. You don't need an optical cable.

Thought so, cheers

McDaniel · 8 Dec 2008 at 17:32

Surely it is only if its plugged into a HDMI device that outputs in 5.1 as well?

Or am i being dumb now

Nanoman · 8 Dec 2008 at 18:05

It will have to be plugged into a 5.1 capable HDMI reciever (that carries audio via HDMI) to get 5.1. Enless his TV has some sort of other 5.1 surround thing attached to it.

Ol!ver · 8 Dec 2008 at 18:06

McDaniel said:
Surely it is only if its plugged into a HDMI device that outputs in 5.1 as well?

Yeah of course, thought that was pretty obvious so didn't mention it in my first post.

McDaniel · 8 Dec 2008 at 18:25

Ol!ver said:
Yeah of course, thought that was pretty obvious so didn't mention it in my first post.

Although this has sparked a sudden question from me...

If your TV has an Optical Output, can you use that to produce 5.1 sound from HDMI inputs?

Ol!ver · 8 Dec 2008 at 18:28

McDaniel said:
Although this has sparked a sudden question from me...

If your TV has an Optical Output, can you use that to produce 5.1 sound from HDMI inputs?

Hmm, possible. Can't see why the connections themselves wouldn't let you, but I don't know how the circuitry of the screen would allow it.

orderoftheflame · 8 Dec 2008 at 18:29

McDaniel said:
Although this has sparked a sudden question from me...

If your TV has an Optical Output, can you use that to produce 5.1 sound from HDMI inputs?

Depends on the screen, but generally yes.

Simon · 8 Dec 2008 at 18:30

Most Tv optical outs are just 2 channel stereo.

ikillbears · 8 Dec 2008 at 18:31

McDaniel said:
Although this has sparked a sudden question from me...

If your TV has an Optical Output, can you use that to produce 5.1 sound from HDMI inputs?

ive always wondered this as my tv does and would make life all the more simpler. Just never bothered to test it out.

McDaniel · 8 Dec 2008 at 18:35

i have a nice little optical splitter to select inputs, only cost £6 but 2 died in 2 months now... so getting a little annoyed.

Still if i get my bonus then going to splash around £800 on a new sound system (suggestions??)

VeNT · 8 Dec 2008 at 18:35

can you use the optical out from the xbox if you're not using the HD vid out?

McDaniel · 8 Dec 2008 at 18:37

VeNT said:
can you use the optical out from the xbox if you're not using the HD vid out?

Currently

HTPC, PS3, Xbox 360 all plugged in via HDMI.

All using 5.1 Optical into a Logitech Z5500 system but only 1 optical input, so i got a splitter.

Was just thinking if the TV optical out could send 5.1 from all inputs i could use just that, then use it for Sky and the Component 360 too!

Simon · 8 Dec 2008 at 18:41

most Tvs can't send out 5.1

Surfer · 8 Dec 2008 at 18:42

slightly OT question: So what do you do if youve connected the HDMI cable to your tv so you get HDMI sound/video but you also get sound from separate sound system via optical. (basically 2 lots of sound HDMI and optical)

Is the only option Mute audio (from tv) ?

McDaniel · 8 Dec 2008 at 18:48

Surfer said:
slightly OT question: So what do you do if youve connected the HDMI cable to your tv so you get HDMI sound/video but you also get sound from separate sound system via optical. (basically 2 lots of sound HDMI and optical)

Is the only option Mute audio (from tv) ?

On my HTPC i can disable the HDMI sound.

360 equalls turn down to 0 volume

PS3 will only use one or the other (that i know of)

NightSt@lk3r · 8 Dec 2008 at 18:53

McDaniel said:
PS3 will only use one or the other (that i know of)

My 360 seems to turn off HDMI audio when my optical cable is connected :confused:

McDaniel · 8 Dec 2008 at 18:53

NightSt@lk3r said:
My 360 seems to turn off HDMI audio when my optical cable is connected

Mine doesnt, get sound via both... :/

NightSt@lk3r · 8 Dec 2008 at 18:56

McDaniel said:
Mine doesnt, get sound via both... :/

If i pull the Optical cable out and reboot my 360 i get sound over HDMI again