Don't Know if my system is working correctly

[Stonington]

I am brand new at this so any help is appreciated. Just set up my onkyo nr515. I have direct TV and have the box connected to the onkyo via an HDMI cableminto the cbl/sat HDMI input.

I also have the output of the Onkyo connected to my LG TV via HDMI. I am very confused about the difference between Dolby and 5.1 ,DTS etc. I'm not sure what to expect when watching TV shows on the major networks. It seems to me that both the left and right front speakers are working as is the powered subwoofer. I don't seem to get any sound from the rear speakers. Should I be???

The direct tv box audio is set to Dolby .

If I play a DVD all 5 speakers and the subwoofer all appear to be working properly.

Is my system working properly. I have a sense that it isn't at least when watching TV with the. This is driving me crazy and any help or advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[markw]

The fact your DVd'splay back properly makes me think you're fine.

Not everything that is broadcast on TV is in surround sound. Most is in basic stereo and even mono and it's even possible your cable box won't support 5.1 anyway, particularly on non-HD broadcasts.

This is like wondering if your Hi-Def color TV is working when watching reruns of Jackie Gleason's "The Honeymooners" and it only shows in standard def 4:3 black and white.

 

[Yungheat]

The best way to text it is if you have avatar or alien on blu or DVD at the very end of the movie past the credits there is this thx sound text that's really cool it will have your ears going crazy it will for sure let you no if its working right

 

[lsiberian]

You can normally turn on thx or dolby pro logic if your source material isn't surround.