Need Help Getting 7.1 Output from the Yamaha HTR-5890

[n00bian]

Hi guys,
I recently set up my Yamaha HTR-5890 receiver with a 7.1 System. My challenge now is to output DD 5.1/6.1 and DTS surround sound from my DVD player and DD surround sound from my HDTV to all 7 channels of my speaker system. In other words, how can this receiver simulate 7.1 sound from non 7.1 sources? What sound fields, decoders, etc. should I use? The closest I have come thus far is using Dolby Digital ProLogic II, 7.1 Channel Stereo - which outputs to 5 speakers. I have yet to hear sound from the back surround speakers. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. My setup is pictured below:

 

[Leprkon]

Unfortunately, all 7.1 receivers today use a computer algorithm to simulate the back channels. The receiver's decoder basically splits the rear signal from two channels into four.

Only a very few DVD's (Top Gun and the last LOTR come to mind) are encoded with even 6 true channels (plus sub).


You probably have to go into the set-up for the 5890 and change the setting for the back speakers from "Zone 2" or "Prescence" to "Surround". How to connect the speakers is on Page 15 of your manual. How to do the set-up starts on Page 55.

 

[n00bian]

I actually went through the auto setup feature using YPAO and did sound tests on all 7 channels and subwoofer - worked perfectly. The back speakers are in fact set to surround. I did test out LOTR and received sound on 6 channels. My question pertains to 5.1 sources and above being output to all 7 speakers - I read somewhere that it could be simulated, but haven't been able to figure it out. I certainly appreciate your help though, Leprkon.

 

[n00bian]

Sorry about the confusion when I said "I have yet to hear sound from the back surround speakers." I actually meant this in the case of 5.1 sources.

 

[cowboy2006]

I have the same receiver (5890). I've got my family room surround sound 5.1 setup as MAIN, and my two patio speakers wired to the "Presence/Zone 2" jacks. So far so good!

If I want to add two small cube speakers to the dining room how do I hook them up to Zone 3? Those aren't speaker jacks they are Line out jacks.

Do I need a separate amp?

 

[Nomo]

Yes, you will need a separate amp to run zone 3.

 

[bongobob]

I believe if you set the DSP to any of the Doby PL2X modes you'll be able to utilize your rears. Works for me on my 2500 anyway....

 

[gmichael]

Very little sound is ever sent to the rear speakers to begin with. It may have to do with the movies you have tried so far. Put in Twister and sit in the back of the room. See if you get anything.

 

[AVRat]

You can find good deals occasionally for AudioSource amps on Ubid.com.