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    Original m15x HDMI multichannel audio

    Discussion in 'Alienware Area-51/Aurora and Legacy Systems' started by Flash676, Aug 22, 2010.

  1. Flash676

    Flash676 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Is it possible to get 7.1 channel audio out of the original m15x's HDMI port?

    I get audio through the HDMI port without any issue. However, I am unable to specify the number of speakers I have through either the Windows 7 control panel or the Realtek HD Audio manager. My default output device is "Realtek Digital Output."

    What worries me is that the "Realtek Digital Output" properties state "Rear Panel Optical Jack" under properties. This leads me to believe that the HDMI port is producing the same output as the optical jack. This would explain why the only surround sound I get is 5.1 channel when a Dolby or DTS stream is present. Otherwise I am stuck with stereo. This "Realtek Digital Output" device is the only audio output device listed besides the built-in speakers.

    Relevent details:
    -Original m15x
    -Realtek HD Audio (ALC885, I believe)
    -Windows 7 x64

    Any insight is appreciated.
     
  2. Breaking Brian

    Breaking Brian Notebook Evangelist

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    M15x only supports 5.1. Anything other would be strictly software emulation.
     
  3. Flash676

    Flash676 Notebook Enthusiast

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    That makes me wonder why the user manual states the HDMI port supports 8-channel audio. And also why the included Realtek audio chip supports 7.1+2 channels.
     
  4. Breaking Brian

    Breaking Brian Notebook Evangelist

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    When I ordered dell they made it very clear to me that my machine was 5.1... Still says it in the invoice/packing slip thingy.
     
  5. cyrus88

    cyrus88 Newbie

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  6. MrValle

    MrValle Notebook Evangelist

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    Yes i believe it is wery much possible to get 7.1 via HDMI. Because all the hdmi does is to send a PCM untouched signal to your external amp which in turn takes care of the rest.

    So if you are playing a media with true 7.1 its up to your amplifier if you get 7.1.

    Im playing all kinds of movies via my hdmi/DP. I get DD5.1, DTS, DDHD, DTS-HD mastersound.

    But i only have a 5.1 system as of now though.
     
  7. cyrus88

    cyrus88 Newbie

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    I just answer how u can get that