5.1 not reading

iAteBillyMays

iAteBillyMays

New Member
I have a Logitech-Z5500 that is currently hooked up to my computer by three 3.5mm cables (center, front, side), my sound driver is Realtek HD Audio Manager. When I click the auto test button, all of the speakers play accordingly, yet when I try watching a movie, play a game, or listen to a song, only the front 3 speakers work. What's going on?
 
iAteBillyMays said:
I have a Logitech-Z5500 that is currently hooked up to my computer by three 3.5mm cables (center, front, side), my sound driver is Realtek HD Audio Manager. When I click the auto test button, all of the speakers play accordingly, yet when I try watching a movie, play a game, or listen to a song, only the front 3 speakers work. What's going on?
Click to expand...

Generally depending on the game you have to change the settings to use 5.1 surround sound (default is 2.1).

However, for music and movies (in any media player)...most files are recorded in 2.1 format (or at least compressed to 2.1) in which case you won't get the full 5.1 anyway. The only way to get 5.1 from a 2.1 source is to use whats called a Matrix mode, and it has to be supported by your speaks (I haven't found a windows/software utility that does it). But even Matrix doesn't actually get you 5.1, its just 2.1 played out of all your speakers.

In short, you're only going to get 5.1 in games (and maybe HD-Dolby movies or something like that). Check and make sure all your settings are correct in the game and report back :).
 
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