How do I get 5.1 movie sound from my PC to my cinema kit?

It seems that an XVid AVI with AC3 5.1 is the only way you can get a good quality video with 5.1 signal from a PC to a 360

However, I found a lot of people on forums who complained the 360 struggles to process this, resulting in stutters and problems sometimes.

I have transformers 2 downloading in 720p with the formats listed at the top to give this a go - I hope it works!

- Anyone else know any other formats to do this that I'm overlooking?

Either way I know I've exhausted and pursued this method and it still works well for watching stereo movies - it just means I'll have to focus my attention on sorting out sound from my PC.

I still cannot believe that in 2010 we have not worked out a way for a movie to go from a PC to a cinema kit with 5.1 without resulting in tears, suffering and unspeakable torment for all concerned.
 
Some options to try:- in windows 7 you can set spdif as the primary output and enable options the reciever supports. Also in Creative Audio Panel, enable spdif passthrough.

I use the cccp codec pack and its settings page easily allows you to set spdif for the 5.1 output (dont need to enable reencoding).

I did a quick test with optical out on my x-fi to z5500 speakers and this worked. dts and ac3 being decoded by the reciever. The Audigy should support this method too.
 
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Thanks for the tip.

I am using Vista and for all the heartache and hassle to achieve a setup that still requires dicking around with codecs, I've decided to do it properly and hunt down a Creative DTS-610 which will connect to my Soundblasters analog 5.1 outs and convert them into DTS.

This will do everything the passthrough can do and more, without needing to mess around.

I appreciate all your help - but this seems the best solution thanks!
 
If you want 5.1 over optical/coaxial for games etc, you MUST have a sound card that support Dolby Digital Live or DTS Connect.

Else - you will only get stereo via optical, unless you are watching a DVD or video file that has native Dolby Digital, DTS or AC3.

Else - a standalone unit like that Creative bit of kit that will convert analogue 5.1 to a digital signal.
 
alexjholland said:
I'd lose the front panel on my PC.

Also, a chap on AVForums has very kindly offered to post me his for just the cost of shipping!
Click to expand...

That's very true. That's a good deal then, just paying postage.

Friend of mine also has a front bay with his SB card, but he will lose that when he eventually buys a new card, due to Creative's inability to produce a working driver.
 
Yes Creative are hidious for drivers. I didn't imagine that updating to one operating system later than the one my card was made for would mean it lost much of its functionality.

I certainly won't be buying one again - although I don't know why ANY decent card doesn't have a front panel. That's just where I need many of my connections!
 
Whats not working on the front panel in windows 7 ? I dont use the midi ports so cant test, but everything else is fine .
 
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