Surround sound check

Is there a surround sound check for Apple TV?   (center, left, right, left surround, right surround, subwoofer)
I was at a friend's house a month ago watching horror musicals and all the singing was coming from the rear speakers.   On other occasions I've heard dialog coming from the left and right and not the center speaker.   I don't own an Apple TV so I don't know how to advise him in this matter.
Second question: What's a polite way for a guest to tell a host that their sound setup is wrong and they need to fix it?   This has been going on for years and my lip is bleeding. (See: http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/bite+your+lip.html)

Here's a pretty good surround-sound test file:
http://www.tfm.ro/win32-projects/test-avi-ac3/
Take it to your friend. His setup is mis-wired.

Similar Messages

Guide : Getting 5.1 surround sound. Audigy 2

Hi all
I thought I would write up a really quick but effecti've and simple guide for owners of the Audigy2 ZS and seeing how its Xmas time, I can assume a few lucky boys and girls may have this awesome card under the tree.
Most of whats covered should work with all creative products.
(Sorry, but I WILL NOT cover any info regarding encoding media or the like that will conflict with copyright laws)
This guide is for setting up your Creative Audigy 2 ZS for surround sound 5. reproduction and information in regards to required Filters/Codecs. I have not included any advanced set up options or the like as the ZS with the set ups I have incluced here will cover it out of the box.
One of the most common issues people may have with 5. not fuctioning correctly while playing a DVD movie ( Mpeg ) or any multi channel media that is 5. encoded, has to do with Codecs/Filters.
Most media players will not decode all AC3filters/Mpeg, thus require extra filters/codecs/plugins to be installed.
Ok , the first thing to do is ensure your sound card and speakers are set up correctly.
Most common speaker sets have 3 plugs that go in the back of your card .
EG, Logitech X-530. Pink = Front Centre.Black = Rear left and right. Green = Front left and right.
Ensure they are in the correct place and are tightly fitted.Ensure your sound card is secure and tightly in place.Make sure your speaker cables are tidy and not a big tangled mess.
Ensure in device audio controls that SPDIF passthrough is NOT ticked as this is for optical output ( the ZS pro with rack fuction )
Update to the latest drivers an media source ap
ps.
A few little things to set up first in Creative Mixer Control Panel to ensure cleaner sound:
Lower Master and Wav volume in Creative mixer to about 90% as to avoid any over dri've disstortion.Lower Master Bass Volume to about 90% to avoid over powering the bass.Ensure that your speaker settings Windows control panel and Creative speaker settings match your speaker set up..
Also run the THX Speaker Callibration test in basic mode.
YOU SHOULD DISSABLE CMSS IN EAX CP IN ORDER TO GET 5. TO FUCTION AS IT SHOULD.
CMSS is to be use only for a MONO or STEREO source/signal. It is for sending the stereo/mono signal ( left and right) to all speakers. This is not 5., mearly it is the same signal sent to all speakers to give you a more rich and vivid sound reproduction of an other wise flat source.
Turn off any EAX FX.
Things you want to do to ensure stable use:
SHUT DOWN CTHELPER:
A background task that is a plug-in manager for Creative drivers. A 3rd party manufacturer can use the CTHELPER plug-in interface to produce drivers, add-on features, and fixes that will integrate with a tighter fit with Creative?s sound drivers and utilities. Gi'ven its purpose CTHELPER would normally be classified as a "leave alone" background task. It also allows Creative speaker setup to be synchronized with Windows Control Panel speaker setting. Without it running that check box in Creative speaker setting is not functional (settings are not in sync). Unfortunately there are often problems with CTHELPER, most notably that it can use 00% of CPU time so it's best left disabled unless you REALLY need it .
Type in run "msconfig" and shut down all Creative Start up entries. Infact its proberly best to shut everything down.
NOTE: Any essentinal Software for the proper fuction of devices ,Eg: Razer mouse utils should be left on.
Simple Bios settings to help improve audio and stablity:
Dissable Pallette Snoop.ANY AND ALL shadows for devices, EG VGA BIOS and system bios should be dissabled. If you have the setting for PCI latency in your bios ( AGP boards only ) set it to 64, if its already at 64 try 32 .
Shut down ( remove, reconmended ) any 3rd party tweak apps that run in the background.
EG, Cache Man and any monitoring software.
Ok, now for Filters/Codecs and Plugins.
A major required Filter is AC3. (ac3filter__0a_rc5)
AC3Filter - it is DirectShow filter for AC3 decoding to play AVI with AC3 audio tracks and MPEG2 (DVD). Required for WMP.
NOTE: If you have DVD software that should play encoded 5. then make sure you have any updates/patches for the player installed and go through the tools/options for the player and ensure its setup correctly to decode AC3filters in the applictions tools menu.
If you use Cyberlink Power DVD you may need to pay an extra fee to get the required AC3filter/MPEG2 decoders to fuction as all 5. sound settings may be greyed out on some dated versions.
InterVideo WIN DVD ( this software suit comes with most "Asus" if not all makes of Mainboards. This suit comes complete with the required codecs/filters so get full surrport for 5. - 6. - 7. out of the box. Note: you must set it up first under audio options as it defualts to 2..
If you use WMP0 you should download and install the AC3filter or get the latest XP codec/filters packs. With out these filters you may not get 5. sound and/or poor reproduction.
Supported file types:
The following table lists the file types (formats) supported by Windows Media Player .(For files type played by Power DVD or WIN DVD please refer to the makers website or read me file for a detailed list).
File type (format) File name extension .
Music CD Playback (CD audio) .cda Audio Interchange File Format (AIFF) .aif, .aifc, and .aiff Windows Media audio and video files .asf, .asx, .wax, .wm, .wma, .wmd, .wmp, .wmv, .wmx, .wpl, and .wvx Windows audio and video files .avi and .wav Windows Media Player skins .wmz Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) .mpeg, .mpg, .mv, .mp2, .mpa, .mpe, .mp2v*, and .mpv2 Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) .mid, .midi, and .rmi AU (UNIX) .au and .snd MP3 .mp3 and .m3u DVD video .vob Macromedia Flash .swf Microsoft Recorded TV Show .dvr-ms*
NOTE: WMP defualts to 2.. To enable 5. run WMP0. Click on tools then point to options. Navigate to DVD then open up the advanced window. In here is everything you need to set things up.
NOTE: If you mess things up simply return to defult settings and start over.
Some common errors you may encounter with WMP.
Error messages are identified by numerical IDs, such as C00D0BC2 and 800704CF. You can determine the ID of a specific error message by clicking the More Information or Web Help button on the error message when you encounter it. The resulting page will indicate the error ID.
: Error's C00D6A and C00D9A while playing DVD's or MPEG-2 content.
This is directly related to either your current video card drivers or the MPEG-2/DVD decoder you have installed (EG: PowerDVD, Win DVD etc ). Reinstalling and/or uninstalling the MPEG-2/DVD decoder (PowerDVD, Win DVD ) and/or video drivers should fix the problem for you.
You should now be able to re-install you decoder ( Power DVD etc ) and continue its use.
Erro : C00DAC:
Cannot play the file Windows Media Player cannot play the protected file because there is a problem with your sound device, such as a sound card or sound controller. You might encounter this error message for one of the following reasons.
Your sound device requires an updated driver. ( update driver )
The selected sound device does not support Secure Audio Path (SAP).
If you have multiple sound devices installed on your computer, try using a different one.
To use a different sound device, on the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the Devices tab. Double-click Speakers, audio device to use, click a different device.
Error : "divide error in module IVIAUDIO.AX at".
Only exists in systems that have various Sound Blaster Li've sound cards and WinDVD installed.
This is infact a compatibility problem between these products. The problem is realized when MP3 oriented applications call upon certain sound card services making it look as though the error was raised from within the application in question.
FIX:Uninstall WIN DVD. Reinstall WMP and AC3 filter and then reinstall DVD WIN.
A simple but rare issue.
ModName.Win DVD "msvcrt.dll" and/or Win DVD MFC application error.
FIX:
Uninstall any java filters. Macromedia and Macromedia Acti'veX.
( to remove Acti'veX go to C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files and delete the Acti'veX )
What are codecs Codecs/Filters.
Codec stands for Coder/Decoder. Basically it is a piece of software or a driver that adds a support for certain video/audio format for your operating system. With codec, your system recognizes the format the codec is built for and allows you to play the audio/video file (=decode) or in some cases, to change another audio/video file into that format (=(en)code).
For example, when you install Windows to your home computer, Windows installs automatically most commonly used codecs into the system, so you don't have to download them separately from their vendors. However there are some codecs that are widely used, but not installed by Windows. Most notably DivX , MPEG-2.
Get all the Codecs/Filters/Plugins you could ever need from:
http://www.free-codecs.com/AC3_Filter_download.htm (ac3filter__0a_rc5)
http://www.free-codecs.com/
NOTE: ( XviD-.0.3-2022004 for Divx ) Stand alone codec for playing Divx instead of the Divx full install.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/win...0/default.aspx
Ok, you now should be all set.
However Codecs/Filters/Plugins are like any other kind of software installed and things can go wrong. If things are not working as they should try the following.
Download and install "Gspot"
http://gspot.headbands.com/download.htmlBuild 0307 - 23 KB Run the programme and simply point to system and select "List Codecs and other Filters"
Its a no brainer really to know whats what here and how to use it to find out the source of the issue, if you have one. If its red, its bad so you then need to trace the Filter/Codec to its source and remove it.
Here is just one very simple excample you may encounter and how it was fixed.
If you have ffdshow file is missing error pop up while running a player application, first go to C:\WINDOWS\system32 and search for ffdshow.en. Its proberly not here though. If it is just leave it be.
NOTE: ffdshow is used for AVI/Xvid enc/dec source.
To fix this "ffdshow Video Codec file is missing " error Simply uninstall your Xvid codec or your entire DivX programme, or any other Filter/Codec you have installed for playback of DivX files and AVI Video Files.
(Some times it seems a few Codecs/Filters dont get along so you must be aware of what you install).
Cheak "Gspot" again and Filter should be removed from the list.
Now you can reinstall the Xvid filter "XviD-.0.3-2022004" or your desired DivX programme.
Now go back toC:\WINDOWS\system32 and search for ffdshow.en. It should be there if it was not before. If the issue is back try a different version of required Filter.
So, thats just excample of a simple fix that got everything working again. Its not to hard to find out what the problem Codec/Filter is and then its just a case of uninstalling it. You can re-install the Codec/Filter but you should double cheak with "Gspot" and ensure the issue has not repeated itself .
If it has you can try and find out if the issue is related to another type filter causing a conflict or use an alternate Filter/Codec that will perform the same task .
Search for an updated version of required the Codec/Filter also.
Ok, thats pretty much the basics in getting correct and stable 5. sound working the way it should with your new Creative Audigy 2 ZS sound card.
I hope this has been of help.
Regards,xmn.
Message Edited by xmn on 2-24-2005 08:02 PM
Message Edited by xmn on 2-24-2005 08:04 PM
Message Edited by xmn on 2-24-2005 08:05 PM
Message Edited by xmn on 2-24-2005 08:05 PM
Message Edited by xmn on 2-24-2005 08:09 PM
Message Edited by xmn on 2-24-2005 09:29 PM
Message Edited by xmn on 2-26-2005 03:07 PM

BUMP, just incase its been missed by a new board member

Connecting my MacBook Pro to my DVD Surround Sound Speakers?

I'm a student filmmaker in the UK and pretty much do all my video editing from my bedroom using Final Cut Studio. I am using a MacBook Pro3,1 (bought in 2007) and have recently decided that I want to start working in 5.1 surround sound.
As I have no surround sound speakers with my MacBook Pro, I was wondering if it would be possible to connect it up to my DVD surround sound system? This would ultimately save me having to buy a compatible set and having two lots of surround sound speakers around my room...
My DVD player is a Panasonic SC-PT150. The 6 surround sound speakers each connect to it through the standard +/- "clip-in" wire set up (which, obviously isn't compatible with my MacBook Pro). There are also two AUX sockets (one for Left and one for Right) on the back of the DVD player. So far, I have tried connecting my MacBook Pro to these sockets using a Mini plug to RCA cable, however, all I get is an incredibly loud humming noise.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I might, either overcome this problem or, get the setup to work another way? Thanks in advance for your help.

Thanks both of you for your help.
It doesn't mention either of those connections in the manual, however, yes you are right, it takes digital input. I'll have to call and check if the toslink cable is compatible.
I tried connecting the mini-stereo-to-RCA cable to my Nokia phone (which is actually where the cable came from) and that plays through the DVD speakers just fine, when i select AUX mode. Although, as you said, it only plays stereo.
Say the mini-toslink cable is compatible, would I need to get a 5.1 surround sound card for my MBP?
Thanks again.

5.1 Surround Sound back two and centre speakers suddently stopped working in VIS

Hello,
In January I installed Windows Vista onto my pc. I didn't have any issues with the sound card at all. All of my speakers were working correctly.
The sound card I have is the Creative Soundblaster Li've 24bit internal. I installed the drivers for it which were out at that time and I had no problems with my speakers.
Yesterday though I noticed that my speakers were not sounding correct. I soon realised that no sound was coming from my back speakers and my centre speaker when I played music in Media Player. So I done the usual audio tweaking and checked my box on my speakers to see if anything was wrong, but it was all ok. So then I went to sound settings in vista. I then configured my settings and noticed everything seemed to be ok. When I done a sound check all the correct beeps came from the correct speakers. That told me that at least the speakers were not broken. Windows has noticed they are there. The 5. settings were correct also.
The CD that came with my sound card I seem to have lost. I know that has software where you can tweak the sound setup but I actually noticed that my speakers were louder and clearer then when the software was installed on xp. So I doubt that if I install that software again it will fix the problem.
I was really confused at this stage so I started to do some research on Google and noticed it's not just me who's having this problem. Quite a few other guys seem to be getting exactly the same as me.
The links for the posts are here:
http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=270722&SiteID=
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies-archi've.cfm/680777.html
Granted that the systems are using different soundcards then mine but it's a little bit of a coincidence don't you think?
Luckily for me I had quite a few restore points to go back to. I tried a couple of days ago, then a week and then a month before. Same thing though - no sound?
I then removed the drivers from my computer and then installed the new vista drivers. But guess what, nothing happened.
I doubt this is a soundcard problem and I think it's something to do with vista and the few bugs? she?s still got.
Any suggestions on what might be the problem?
Oh by the way, I?ve not installed any new software which could have caused this problem. Not in the past few days anyway. Like I said I restored my pc at multiple dates just to make sure.

Well I'm not using Vista I'm using XP SP2 and I have the same problem.
On the windows sound control panel there is a button called speaker volume. when you click on it you get a bunch of sliders with channels -8. Ive discovered that if I move the master sound control in any of the Creative Sound modes software Entertainment/Audio Creation or Gaming the channel sliders in the windows control panel numbered 3-7 all go to zero which stops the surround sound working. It leaves channels and 2 and 8 alone which can be changed with the sound control in the creative software.
Even checking move all the slides together option on the windows control panel is cancelled as soon as I twitch the main sound control. It's driving me nuts. I keep thinking I must be missing something really obvious here but alas I can't think what.
Ive tried lots of different solutions to no avail. Interestingly when I tried to use the autodriver update thing on the creative web site it said that i am using Vista and you'll have to download manually. Which I did and still didnt resolve my problem.
Sorry no solutions just more problems lets hope someone can help!
Edit - Just discovered - I have XFi Pro if I use the I/O Console volume dial it works fine, but if I use the software volume control it all goes wrong. Think I posted in the wrong thread as well as this is vista but it just seemed so relevant.
Message Edited by Gramuldy on 04-29-2008 :45 PM

How do i get my 5.1 surround sound to work on the newest version of itunes?

I have tried to reinstall itunes. I have tried putting it into safe mode, and my surround sound works with all other applications. Is this a fixable problem or do we have to wait until itunes figures this out.

Normally, you just put the optical cable in and your Mac automatically switches to optical out. Try putting the cable out. Start iTunes or something and play a song. Put the optical cable inside. Now your system should be playing the sound. To check if digital out really is on, try to use the "louder" button on your keyboard. You shouldn't be able to change the volume using your keyboard using digital out.

Mac Mini Late-2012 5.1 Surround Sound Issue

Hey guys, I'm running into some issues setting up 5.1 Surround sound on my mac mini. Heres my setup:
- Mac Mini -> HDMI -> Projector
- Mac Mini -> Digital Output (Toslink) -> Surround sound (Logitech Z906)
No matter what settings i try i cannot get 5.1 surround sound working. I've downloaded test tracks from dolby and all. Logitech is set to 5.1 and all. I've attempted to change the setup in audio MIDI to 48khz + 2ch-24Bit Integer , with no success. The 5.1 option inside of configure output is greyed out. Is there something i'm doing wrong? I've tried the 5.1 test tracks from Dolby through VLC.
Please help me, i've been working at this for nearly 2 days now. I've checked other answers with no sucess.
Thanks in advance.

Unfortunately, there is no configuration option for the S/PDIF interface. The following are the supported output formats:
2.0 (Stereo L/R)
5.1 (Dolby Digital - DVD bitstream or AC3 encoded containers only via QuickTime or VLC)
5.1 (DTS - DVD bitstream only)
To configure for proper 5.1 use, you need to set DVD Player to use Digital Out (Optical), not the Digital Out (HDMI). To configure VLC you need to set it to use Digital Out also, though you may have to fiddle with it to figure out which digital output is which as VLC's advanced configuration options aren't the most user friendly out there.
Once again, for the S/PDIF interface there are no configuration options available other than Stereo. 5.1 tracks will not play properly unless the apps used to play them back are capable of sending encoded digital audio. Dolby Digital and DTS are bitstream formats (encoded), and as such require that the app can work with those tracks.
Audio MIDI Setup does have the option to manually select Encoded Digital Audio in the format menu, but you should not do so as that disables regular stereo playback. The aforementioned apps will automatically switch between Encoded Digital Audio and Stereo, usually reverting to Stereo when playback is concluded.

IPhone 5 audio issues when paired with surround sound via Bluetooth.

iPhone 5 has developed audio issues since ios7 updates when its connected to surround sound system via Bluetooth. Audio jumps and skips in erratic and unpredictable manner on music app and worse on third party apps such as YouTube . Have restored phone from factory settings etc. Have also checked surround sound for fault with Bluetooth; iPhone 4 ios7 works fine, android works fine but newest iPod touch with ios7 appears to have developed same issue as iPhone 5 since ios7 updates. Advise people to check for this issue on their Bluetooth devices and any advice would be appreciated on this issue :)

Hey there Vxas,
It sounds like you are gettings some very unexpected behaviour from the iPhone to your bluetooth surround sound system. I would try the troubleshooting recommended in this article:
iOS: How to troubleshoot Bluetooth connections
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4562
Check that you are in range of the Bluetooth device with which you are trying to pair your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Most Bluetooth devices have a range of approximately 30 feet.
On your iOS device, tap Settings > Bluetooth and find your device in the list. If your device says Not Connected, tap the name of your device to attempt to connect it.
Tap Settings > Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth off and then on again.
Make sure that your Bluetooth accessory is turned on and fully charged or connected to power.
Restart your iOS device.
Tap Settings > Bluetooth and locate the Bluetooth accessory you are currently connected to or attempting to connect to. Then tap and Forget this Device. Try to pair your Bluetooth accessory again.
Note: You may need to re-enter your Bluetooth accessory PIN if your accessory requires one. Some common PINs are 0000, 1111, and 1234.
Restart your Bluetooth accessory by turning it off and then on again1.
Update your device to the latest version of software. See how to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
If your Bluetooth accessory has upgradeable firmware, check to see that you have the latest version1, 2.
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
Take care,
Sterling

How to get Surround Sound to work With Itunes 7 and Stop Skipping

A common problem for surround sound with itunes 7 appears to come from Creative sound cards. The way to fix this problem is to right click on the volume icon in the taskbar and open the EAX Console. Open the CMSS 3D tab and check the box that says Enable CMSS 3D and set both CMSS and CMSS2 to 0% in the stereo focus slider. It should work. Remember to have the volume slider in itunes at 100%.
If that doesn't work then open the quicktime preferences in the controlpanel/quicktime. Then go to the audio tab, uncheck the safe mode box. Set the rate to 64 kHz and the size to 16 bit. Then set the channels to 5.1
This should all make it work, after hours of struggling i've found these successful settings and am loving it!
For those of you who have sound skipping during transitions----
Go to the preferences of Itunes and go to the Playback tab, disable the crossfading between songs and you should play skip free!!!!

bump

Surround sound problem

surround sound problemF hi,
i have a creative t7900 8 speaker surround sound setup. back in august i purchased a x-fi soundblaster extremem audio sound card.
up until yesterday it was working fine. i opened my pc up after disconecting all the cables and gave a it clean with compressed air. upon setting it all up again im not gettin surround sound anymore.
no sound is comin out of the fornt centre speaker or the two rear ones. bizzarely when i run a speaker test and test both the side speakers, no sound happens. the strange thing is when i test the two rear speakers the sound comes outa the side speakers. i've swapped the rear and side speakers in my subwoofer and the speakers are defo working.
i even reverted back to my gigabyte motherboard to see if the problem was with the sound card but the same problem exists. i have updated all sound drivers. i've checked both manuals for the MB and sound card and im positi've the cables are plugged in correctly.
has anyone had a similar problem? this is seriously doin my head in.
help

oddly enough I had the same issue a while ago, and someone at my house switched the audio language to spanish preferred and cnn didn't come out but every other station did.
it may or may not be the same situation but give it a try
menu > settings > audio > audio language. english preferred put a check mark there by highlighting it and hitting ok

Surround Sound Via Headphone Sockets With ALSA and/or OSS?

I have a surround sound system that uses the green and black 2.5 milimeter jacks for surround sound. Is it possible to configure ALSA, so that the headphone socket on my laptop produces the front (green) output, and the external microphone socket produces the rear (black) output? Also, is this possible with OSS?
Last edited by Wintervenom (2009-09-04 21:17:54)

Possible in Alsa, yes. Quite a bit of modification of your .asoundrc. Check this out.

Usb link from nano to dvd surround sound no longer connecting

Used to listen to nano through DVD surround sound but it no longer finds it. usb cable checked and Ok as it will still read an alternative nano. HELP! Do not have a stereo so its my only way of listening without earphones.

Used to listen to nano through DVD surround sound but
it no longer finds it. usb cable checked and Ok as
it will still read an alternative nano. HELP! Do
not have a stereo so its my only way of listening
without earphones.
Does your nano still charge when connected to USB port on your computer?

Connecting to Surround Sound (Qosmio G20)

I am trying to connect my Qosmio G20 to my external surround sound sysytem via an amp.
As far as I know I have connected everything correctly, but I am only getting sound from my left speakers front and rear, no where else.
I have checked the speakers and all the settings I can think of on the laptop, is there something I am not doing in order to send the signal to all the speakers??
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Many Thanks

Hello
Check please this topic http://forums.computers.toshiba-europe.com/forums/thread.jspa?threadID=3665&messageID=12229#12229 . I believe that Quad`s posting will be useful for you.
Good luck!

My Skype used to have surround sound and now it do...

I was talking to my mate on skype when suddenly my computer switched off. When i turned it back on and called my mate on skype his voice wasn’t surround sound anymore.
I checked everything. Everything else is surround sound but only his voice isn’t, He has restarted skype and still nothing has changed. I’ve called the sound testing service and her voice is even surround sound. I’m really annoyed at this.
My computer sucks XD

    Enable Plug-ins
    Safari > Preferences > Security
    Web Content: > "Enable Plug-ins".
       or
    Internet Plug-ins > "Allow all other plug-ins

Surround Sound Question

what is the best surround sound system w/ towers and that will support xbox 360, ps3 and tv all at the same time, and for the best price

Hey themarine472,
Honestly, the answer to your question is really dependent on what you’re looking for in a home theater system. Before anything else, you may want to ask yourself the following things:
1)    How many speakers do I want?
2)    What kind of connections do I need?
3)    Do I need an upconvert DVD player?
4)    Do I have a brand preference?
For starters, you’ll probably find that most common home theater system configurations will consist of two front channel speakers, two surround speakers, one center channel speaker and one subwoofer. Other configurations do exist, but the difference in price between four, six and eight-speaker systems can often prove to be quite significant. On the other hand, you aren’t necessarily limited to buying bundled packages. Most retailers, including Best Buy®, will sell individual components so that you can pick and mix your speakers. Keep in mind though that there is a trade-off for being able to do this: purchasing individual components often proves to be much more expensive than buying pre-packaged bundles.
Next, you’ll need to know what kinds of cables are used to connect your video game consoles to your TV. Most newer video game consoles will make connections for audio signals using digital optical or HDMI cables, but it’s recommended to double-check yours just to be safe. Once you know the cable types, you’ll probably want to look for a home theater system that has the same kind of inputs. For example: if you want to use HDMI cables to connect both your PS3 and Xbox 360 to your TV, the receiver should have at least two HDMI inputs.
Then the question becomes whether you should purchase a system with an upconvert DVD player. A good number of home theater bundles will include one of these players, which is great if you have an HDTV and want to watch older movies in a higher resolution. The downside however, is that whenever the player itself (or one of your speakers) needs repairs, you may find yourself packing your entire home theater back up – speakers, receiver, DVD player and all – just to obtain service.
Last, but not least, having a brand preference may be able to help you guide your purchase. After all, if everything else in your home is one brand, it might make sense to start by looking at the home theater systems offered by that same company. Many manufacturers even offer features that enable several devices of theirs to be operated simultaneously using your TV remote, as long as they are connected using HDMI cables.
While I can’t make any specific brand recommendations myself, one of the other forum users may be able to give you some feedback regarding a model that they purchased.
Thanks,
Agent Aaron
Geek Squad® Community Connector
Go Ahead. Use Us.
Aaron|Social Media Specialist | Best Buy® Corporate
Private Message

Surround sound card

what is the surround sound card that works with sound track pro in 5.1 just fin

Do you specifically want a card? There are also FW and USB interfaces.
I'd recommend either FW interface or card.
Here's a good [list of them|http://www.tweakheadz.com/audiointerface_fw_comparisonchart.htm]. Make sure it's Mac compatible and it will work with Sountrack Pro. You might want to check back with some options you are considering, or ask your retailer for advice.
You need one with 6 outputs.
Message was edited by: jimlongo

Surround sound check

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