can't get 5.1 dts sound out of my Acer 1410?

I Cant get 5.1 DTS spdif audio on my Windows 7 64 bit 1410 Acer laptop using ac3 with toslink into receiver. I'm hoping my laptop supports surround sound output but I fear it may not. I downloaded the full AC3 version since I'm using 64 bit OS. Under config speakers with windows media center I setup 5.1 speakers and clicked test and I did get a specific sound to all my speakers through my receiver. Also when I click speaker icon on bottom right of screen to get realtek digital output properties/ supported formats - I click test sound for DTS and I also get a separate ping to my 5 speakers. Under realtek advanced tab however I notice default format is limited to two channel.

Under ac3 filter config main tab I set speakers to 5.1 and checked use spdif. Under spdif tab I checked use spdif output format to 5.1. spdif passthrough I checked DTS and AC3. Under spdif/DTS mode I tried all 3 settings- auto/padded/wrapped. I'm only getting 2 channel digital audio. I think AC3 is not working right because while playing a DTS movie I don't see a AC3 icon on system tray and when I turn on ac3 config while still watching movie, SPDIF status says No data and I don't see any green spike bars for audio levals. Do I need to force AC3 to work somehow? Do I need a different mediaplayer to use as a front end? Or do I need additional software/ codecs like hailsplitter or something?
My AC3 must be working a little bit because before I downloaded AC3 mkv's would refuse to play at all. I have divx 7 by the way for video support of mkv's. I noticed even after I downloaded divx 7 for mkv support mkv's still wouldn't play without AC3. I'm using windows media player and windows media center for movies.

 

Do I need to force AC3 to work somehow? Do I need a different mediaplayer to use as a "front end"? Or do I need to add AC3 as a plugin somehow? Do I need additional software/ codecs like hailsplitter or something?

I downloaded two 5.1 Surround Test Files from http://www.lynnemusic.com/surround.html. One was a wma file and one was a ac3 file. When I played the wma file I still only get 2 channel audio and the AC3 tray icon fails to launch just like my mkv DTS movies. When I play the AC3 test file I get correct 5.1 surround sound and AC3 tray icon does launch.

 

Will FFdshow work just as well instead of AC3 for spdif? Wondering if I should uninstall AC3 and just download audio portion of ffdsshow. Might that work without having to go to the trouble of registry hacks that AC3 seems to require. Also what software will I need for subtitle support? Is that halimediasplitter?

 

I will answer this one.....the spdif if run using optical out.
the optical output is at the back of the headphone socket.
you use a mini tosslink adapter if you have the spdif on and you put the mini tosslink in to the headphone socket you will see the/a red light that is optical.
you will need an amp/system that excepts optical in.........have fun need help pm me.


Alright lads
Im back

 

Yes I understand the basics. I'm getting a toslink signal fine to my my receiver. The problem is getting surround sound to my 5.1 speakers. Do I need to force AC3 to work? Does this url give accurate directions to enable AC3 in windows media player/center?
http://www.hack7mc.com/2009/02/using...ia-center.html

 

you have to active it in the AC control panel.
and windows needs to be told you are using SPDIF.

i had an old acer with optical and it took a bit of fiddling about in the AC control panel