How to Listen to 5.1 Audio on your computer and Home Theater System

5.1 Audio on your PC - In order to enjoy 5.1 multi-channel surround sound music, your computer must be capable of playing back 5.1 content. Playing AC3 and DTS 5.1 surround sound on your personal computer requires some hardware and software in order to hear 5.1 surround sound.

There are two options:

1. Hardware-based system - Sound Card S/PDIF output connected to an external home theatre system
   1. A PC with a DVD ROM player (DVD Movies) or CD Player (DTS or AC3)
   2. A soundcard with digital-out *(S/PDIF)
   3. Any external decoder - Home Theatre System (see your local circuit city)
   4. External Speakers connected to your receiver:)
2. Software-based configuration - 6 channel sound card's analog output connected to amp/speakers
   1. A PC with a DVD ROM player (DVD Movies) or CD Player (AC3 or DTS encoded Audio CD)
   2. Software based DTS decoder such as WinDVD or Power DVD
   3. Multichannel Soundcard with analog outputs
   4. External 6-channel powered computer speakers or connect to 6-channel input on audio/video receiver.

*Sound Cards with a digital S/PDIF (optical or coaxial) output:

NOTES: A desktop PC user will need a soundcard that has a certified digital-out (this is indicated with a DTS Digital Out logo). An example of a certified DTS soundcard is the Creative Labs “Sound Blaster Live!” SB0060. Some docking stations/port replicators for laptops have digital-out already available (sometimes labeled “SPDIF”.) DTS 5.1 music discs playback may not be available via the digital out if the soundcard “up-samples” all data to 48KHZ

Creative Labs SB Audigy
Philips 5.1 Channel Sound card

Multi-Channel Sound Cards with Analog Outputs

Sound Blaster Audigy

Recommended Powered Computer Speakers (For Games and Movies)
Creative Inspire T7700 7.1 speaker system - This is good for listening to surround sound in 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1 surround sound. It has over 90 watts of power which supplies 7 satellite speakers and a sub-woofer. It also has removable stands so you can position them near your computer or you can remove the stands and mount them on a wall. From the Creative site: It states that the 3-front speakers are 2-way satellite speakers but doesn't mention what the other 4 speakers are. The subwoofer has a 6.5” long-throw driver and a dual flared port tube.

GigaWorks S750 - This is a THX Certified 7.1 Speaker System. You can use it with 5.1 and 6.1 surround sound cards. It comes with seven (7) small two-way speakers and a subwoofer that has 210 watts of power. This is a good system for listening to multi-channel audio on a computer.

DVD Player Software

• Power DVD - Plays DTS and AC3 encoded media
• InterVideo WinDVD Platinum - Plays DTS and AC3 encoded media

You can use these programs with a CD Rom Drive for listening to CDs encoded in AC3 or DTS. I would strongly suggest your next CD or DVD player purchase be a DVD Player that can play CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, as well as MP3s.

What do I  need to playback 5.1 Surround on the PC?

It's very simple to set your computer to listen to 5.1 audio. We will list 3 different levels for choosing your surround sound setup.

Please Note that we will be listing components that will playback true 5.1 or 4.1 (no center speaker) and not 5.1 folded down to Dolby Pro Logic.  Dolby Pro Logic is NOT the same as AC-3 or DTS 5.1 surround.

1. The Cheapest Way Multi-Channel sound card (S/PDIF digital output and 4 analog outputs), built-in AC-3 decoder, and 4 powered satellite speakers and a powered sub-woofer. We are looking for an inexpensive DTS solution.  If you know of one please let us know:) support @ 5dot1.com

2. The Mid Level - Sound Card with 4 analog output channels, S/PDIF (digiatl output) and AC-3 with better speakers.

3. A Pretty Good System (Computer & Home, w/DTS)- Again a Sound Card with S/PDIF (digital output) and a desktop AC-3/DTS reciever and larger better speakers. This way you can use a separate AC-3/DTS reciever for both home and computer listening to surround.

We can't cover all of the sound card, receiver, and speaker setups, but this will at least point you in the right direction.  We are also focused on 5.1 surround for music and music  videos, and art videos (anything non- commercial).