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    M11x R2 No 5.1 Audio via HDMI out?

    Discussion in 'Alienware M11x' started by American Madman, Apr 12, 2011.

  1. American Madman

    American Madman Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey All,

    First time poster. I've been lurking here for a while and this seems like a great community with lots of knowledge.

    I have run into an issue that I'm hoping someone on these forums can assist with.

    I've hooked up my M11x to my Sony home theater (STR-DH810) via HDMI. For some reason the M11x will only transmit 2 channel LPCM to the receiver.

    This receiver supports up to 7.1 surround sound and all of the latest audio codecs.

    When in the control panel, under Manage Audio Devices, I see the Sony listed as "SONY AV". Under properties it shows the Sony as only supporting 2 Channel audio even though it is HDCP compliant. It is using the Intel Display Audio driver to operate the Sony Amp.

    Anyone know how to get the M11x to send a 5.1 signal via HDMI? Thanks in advance for your assistance.
     
    American Madman, Apr 12, 2011
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  2. Xtinction

    Xtinction Newbie

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    You need to install RealTek Audio Manager
     
    Xtinction, Apr 13, 2011
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  3. American Madman

    American Madman Notebook Enthusiast

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    That came pre installed on the PC. Whenever I adjust settings in the Realtek Audio Manager via control panel it only effects the speakers in the laptop itself - not the signal from the HDMI out.

    Is there a different version I need to download aside from the one provided by dell?
     
    American Madman, Apr 13, 2011
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  4. yelohotshot

    yelohotshot Notebook Consultant

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    I have been fiddling with the sound output on my M11x.

    I noticed that once connected via HDMI, you can go into sounds options in control panel, you should be able to see 2 icons, one for the internal laptop speakers and the other your HDMI connected speakers (Your SONY TV). if you select your TV output and click on properties/configure you will be able to choose from stereo or 5.1
     
    yelohotshot, Apr 13, 2011
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  5. American Madman

    American Madman Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey Yelohotshot,

    I noticed the same thing. I see the Sony AV listed, but it only lists stereo when in the Configure Speakers menu. The Sony supports up to 7.1, so I'm not sure why more options aren't listed.

    In the driver tab it says that the Intel Display Audio driver is controlling the receiver. I'm thinking this might be limiting my speaker configuration choices.

    Does anyone know how to get an R2 to use the Realtek driver for HDMI audio instead?
     
    American Madman, Apr 13, 2011
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  6. American Madman

    American Madman Notebook Enthusiast

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    I figured out why I was unable to get a 5.1 signal via HDMI from the R2. It was a setting on the Sony receiver that was causing the issue.

    In the HDMI menu on the Sony, the input was configured as TV+AMP. Because of this setting, the R2 was detecting settings from my TV. Since the TV doesn't support 5.1, it limited my choices to 2 channel stereo.

    By changing the setting on the receiver to AMP only, it detected all 7.1 channels and all the codecs it supports.

    Thanks to those who tried to help!
     
    American Madman, Apr 13, 2011
    #6