No Surround

[ramayes]

I've just installed a SoundBlaster Live! 24-bit sound card and connected new Logitech x-530 speakers.

I can get great stereo, but can't get surround.

From the "speaker setting" (creative utility), all channels are identified correctely so the connection between speaker and computer is fine. I've set it to 5.1 speakers.

I have an audio/video calibration DVD. When I run it, it correctly identifies the front two speakers, but uses a blend of R/L to simulate the center, same idea for the back speakers.

From Windows control pannel > Sounds, I've selected 5.1 surround (also tried surround sound speakers)

I've tried both WMP and Cine Player (sonic product).

Any help welcome. Thanks.

[ramayes]

I was able to download a WMP sample file and play out of each speaker. It seems to be a DVD issue.

I'm using a Sony DRU 500a. Do I need to connect using the analog wire?

[flanzig1]

In the sound blaster utility, there may be another spot where you need to select 5.1. On my SoundMax, under audio/sound playback/ advanced- there is a tab for 5.1

[rspassey]

Check the settings on your video player, or the DVD options to make sure you have surround sound enabled. I know I have to do that within ASUS DVD player to enable 5.1 within the DVDs I watch.

[Hi Ho]

If you are using the demo or OEM version of your DVD player software you will not get 5.1 sound from DVD's. You need the full version to have 5.1 sound.

For music, it depends on the player. WMP 10 plays quad stereo (4 speakers). Other players may do the same or play only 2ch stereo.

[ramayes]

Thanks for the responses.

I've tried DVDs that re Dolby Surround and DTS both just come out stereo.

Also, both the Cine player and WMP are fully registered version. I can't find a way to "enable" 5.1 in WMP.

[Hi Ho]

WMP does not natively play DVD's. It relies on third party DVD software. In your case, that's CinePlayer.

I just looked up CinePlayer and found THIS (http://www.sonic.com/products/Consumer/CinePlayer/default.aspx) page. I'd be willing to bet that you have the "CinePlayer" and not "CinePlayer Surround". You need CinePlayer Surround in order to watch DVD's in 5.1.

Now, there are alternatives. dScaler (http://deinterlace.sourceforge.net/about.htm) is a free codec that will allow you to play DVD's (with surround sound) in WMP or other players. HERE (http://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/deinterlace/DScaler5007.exe?download) is the download link for dScaler 5 (it's tricky to find).

[ramayes]

You're right. I bought the Cine Player a while ago and didn't have either the speakers or sound card.

I tried loading the DScaler, but the output was very poor quality. (sounded like a badly scratched record with too much base)

[Hi Ho]

Hmmm... I don't know what would cause that. It sounds great here.