laptop sound system! how to connect hdmi to sound? (help!!!)

hey! im using my laptop close to a year and i want to use more of the sound system
right now im using the normal sound card (mic/headphones) mostly.. but i want to connect it to serround or somthing with more quality
i own n81vp-c1 Asus.. and i heard i can use the HDMI output for good sound systems
the problem is im not sure what it supports if it supports and how to make it work....
is there some kind of a reciver for HDMI sound input? if so how much somthing like that will cost?
does it supports surround ? (i guss it should since its HighDeffiniation) ...

i will really apprecciate your help in a bit info on how to make it work what can i do with it and for recommendation on low cost hardware that i need

thankyou!
ER

 

Yes. It's called a receiver. Here's an example.

http://tinyurl.com/ycy8hzr

 

there are recievers that willa accept HDMI audio, but it all depends on how good the DAC hardware in the reciever is as to how good it will sound. HD audio is a poor use of words IMO. the inbuilt soundcard can do HD audio, most can do 24bit 192khz, pretty much the highest any home use could ever want, however the DAC's in the cards are cheap and sound terrible.

just because something will accept HD adio doesnt mean it will sound any better. especially if the source is poor. 192kbs mp3 is gonna sound poor over HDMI or inbuilt sound options.
HDMI audio recievers are not gonna be cheap, and any that are not going to be amazing. many USB soundcards are capable of the same quality audio HDMI is capable of, but much cheaper. look at emu 0202, 0404, m audio transit, ibasso D2/D3.

just as a source type note, bluray films still use 16 bit 44khz audio, the same as most dvds, but teh difference is that the bluray has a much higher bitrate.

 

so your saying its not recommended to use the HDMI sound? for games and music?
thats the only reason i need it.. i want to enjoy music with subwoofer and to enjoy games with surround. would it be cheaper and easier to buy external sound card like you suggested??
thanks!!!
(sorry for responding so late)
E.r

 

if you get a high quality reciever with 5.1 surround sound that acepts HDMI input, then i would be a good idea. but im guessing that would be very expensive.

 

ok ... very pricey?? how would it be cheaper yet high quality to use usb sound card?