SB INSPiRE 5.1

[DysconneX]

Hi all. I just purchased this surround sound speaker set and after installing, I've noticed something:

The soundblaster 5.1 card identifies and tests the Center channel speaker. The PowerDVD software I use also makes use of the Center Channel, but neither Windows nor Windows Media Player (strangely, my preferred media player) sends any sound to it. Any suggestions?

[Surge1243]

Actually, I just got the 5.1 speakers listed in my sig for Christmas and I experience the same thing. The test works fine for the center channel, but music will not play out of it either through WMP or Realplayer although it works fine in games and such. Guess I'll tag along to see what some others say.

[DysconneX]

Hehe. Nice speakers tho arent they? Well, If I don't get a response within a few days, I'm gonna contact Creative. I'll be sure to post here if it comes to that.

[RenegadeKing]

I've got an older version of those speakers. The Cambridge 2500 5.1 system. For me the way it works is when software sends out a digital 5.1 signal (such as DVD software) the reciever picks it up and the light marked digital lights up, and all speakers are sent their own individual signals. But, when a regular stereo signal is sent, like from an MP3, then depending on what I tell the reciever, either all 6, 5, or 3 speakers (including subwoofer) are used. On the reciver I can choose Movie, Music, Fourpoint, or Stereo. Movie and Music use all the speakers, fourpoint use all except the center, and stereo uses the two front speakers and subwoofer. I'm not sure if that's how the Inspire system works though. But I know that I usually have it at fourpoint, so usually all the speakers are used except the center, so I thought maybe you have it set to fourpoint. Not sure if that's even an option for you, but I think my speakers are similar. Oh well, hope that helped.

[edit] I just checked into it, and found that there are three versions of the Inspire 5.1, and only one has a reciever. Which do you have?

[Fastfly]

Its probaly playing each channel directly. What you want to do (not sure if you can) Set it to Stero or Dolby Digital Music or something of the sort to get use of your Center Channel.

[Surge1243]

I have the Inspire 5.1 5200 speakers...not sure about the thread starter but I think he he has the same. Renegade...is this the model that comes with a receiver? Fastfly...where are those options located, does it have to do with the sound card properties or is it an option in Windows Media or Real Player?

[Surge1243]

Ok, I enabled Digital Output Only through the Creative AudioHQ (I have a Soundblaster Live 5.1). But now, there is a very loud static noise coming from the center speaker when you turn the volume up and when music is played it can only be heared very faintly. I disabled Digital Output and is back to normal just no center channel when playing music.

[RenegadeKing]

Yea, I have an older version with a reciever. I'm not sure how you would fix it. I would guess that it's because it's a stereo signal, so there is no need to use the center speaker. Try maybe enabling an EAX effect for music. That might do it.

[DysconneX]

Sorry for the delay. I didnt forget about the thread! I swear!!

I own the same thing.. Creative INSPiRE 5.1. I also own a Soundblaster Live 5.1 sound card. As far as windows in concerned, i have the speaker type set as 5.1.

I enabled EAX just to test, and no matter the setting, no sound from the center speaker. I honestly think its a Windows problem. because if games and DVD software work, its obviously a problem with Windows.

[Surge1243]

DysconneX....how are you getting center channel use in DVD's? I use PowerDVD (4.0) and have the exact same sound card and speakers but I can't get DVD's to play through the center channel. Any thoughts?

[RenegadeKing]

In the sound options tell PowerDVD that you have a Dolby Digital 5.1 setup.

[Surge1243]

In PowerDVD's audio options, I can only select between 2 Speaker or use SPDIF. Then below that, I can select either A3D/DirectSound3D, Dolby Surround Compatible, or Stereo. Those options are listed below 2 Speaker Mode. I have it set to Dolby Surround, but why can I only select 2 Speaker?

[casey]

Power DVD 4 that is bundled with hardware, ie Display cards or DVD Roms are often limited to 2 speaker output. You will have to get the upgrade to the full version.

[j009h33rM3]

The ONLY time you will get anything out of your center channel is if you are using software that takes advantage of 5.1 surround sound. Windows will only simulate stereo surround out of the the 4 satellite speakers.

[Surge1243]

Ok, thanks a lot casey and j009h33rM3!

[DysconneX]

Yeah, I use PowerDVD Deluxe.

So Windows XP doesnt support 5.1 surround sound? what a rip-off.. stupid microsoft

[j009h33rM3]

Well it does...

Were you expecting to be completely immersed in the Windows Startup sound? hehe

[RenegadeKing]

Windows supports 5.1, but the files you are playing that don't use the center speaker (mp3s, cds, etc) are just stereo files so they aren't played through the center speaker. The file contains no information for it. Just left and right.

[DysconneX]

Originally posted by j009h33rM3
Well it does...

Were you expecting to be completely immersed in the Windows Startup sound? hehe

You'd be surprised.... these speakers make even the dullest noise sound cool...lol

I'm not being irate or anything, i was just hoping the center channel would be used.. like merge the stereo into one for that center speaker... i really dont care anymore.. thanks for the help guys