True 5.1 surround sound through HDMI from video card

[Abel408]

I'm sorta new to audio, but I'm pretty sure I got the setup correct. This is the equipment I'm using:

Onkyo TX-NR807 receiver
Nvidia 9800gx2 video card
MSI NEO2-FR Motherboard

The video card is attached to the spdif pin on the motherboard. I am getting sound but when I cycle through the modes I only get Pro-Logic II or Neo:6. Not DD or DTS true 5.1 surround sound. Are the DD and DTS modes only displayed when you have a DTS or DD source? The stream is decoded from the receiver so technically the source does not need to be DD or DTS correct? Not sure what I'm doing wrong, but now that I have a $3,000+ system going I want to make sure I am getting true surround sound.

 

[fightinkraut]

First off, congrats on the nice equipment, particularly the receiver!

If you're only seeing Pro-Logic II or Neo:6 that means your receiver is getting a stereo signal.

Regarding "Are the DD and DTS modes only displayed when you have a DTS or DD source?" that is correct, you will not be able to select said modes unless the onkyo is getting the digital signal.

One quick recommendation, right click on your speaker icon in your OS (what are you running?) click on the signal you're using (the SPDIF) and then hit configure, or something similar depending on the OS, then you should be able to pick between 2 channel and 5.1 or 7.1. Pick the correct signal, hit next, next, and you should be good to go.

Let me know if the above makes sense, we'll get it figured out!
Seth

 

[Abel408]

Thanks!

I should have mentioned it before. I am using Windows Vista. When I go to playback settings and click properties of the Digital Output Device (SPDIF) I am prompted with all the settings. Under the supported formats tab and under Which of the following formats is your digital receiver able to decode, I have check marked DTS and DD. Under the advanced tab I can choose the sample rate and bit dept but they all say 2 channel. I have it on the highest settings ( 2 channel, 24 bit, 192000 Hz.

 

[fightinkraut]

Alrighty, that's good so far. Instead of just double clicking the digital output device, try right clicking and looking for something that says "configure speakers". See anything there besides 2 channel?

Are you using a realtek sound card?

 

[Abel408]

I don't have the configure speakers option. I just have the properties option which will bring me to the same settings as when I double click. I also have a sound blaster audigy and they have the configure speakers option.

I do have a realtek onboard sound card and I just checked that I'm using Microsoft's HD audio driver. I'm thinking that I should use realtek's driver. Grabbing it now.

Thanks for being so helpful. I'll let you know what happens.

 

[Abel408]

Sorry It took so long to get back. I was away for the weekend.

I am now using the realtek drivers and I don't notice any difference except for the name is now "Realtek Digital Output". I still do not have the ocnfigure speakers option.

I also have the ac3filter installed... Not sure if I should do something with that.

 

[Abel408]

I also have ffdshow with mplayer classic