Studio XPS 16 (1640) - Dolby Digital through HDMI Possible?

Hello,

So as the title states, I am wondering if it is possible to play a video with audio encoded in Dolby Digital on my laptop, pass it through to my TV via HDMI, then out via optical to my receiver. I have a friend who owns a HP business laptop with a SoundMAX sound card, but also an ATI graphics card. We are both running the Realtek ATI HDMI 2.39 drivers, I have the latest drivers from Dell for the IDT sound card on my Studio XPS 16 (1640). He says (and I've seen) he is able to do Dolby Digital this way through an option (see attachment).

However, I do not have this same "Custom" tab / option, and we are running the same driver version (at least to my knowledge). Can anyone help me in finding out if this is doable, and if so, what software (and versions) are required?

 

I have that option for me on my 1640. I just installed the Realtek HDMI audio driver. I did not update the sound card driver from the Windows one.

I cannot test it though since I do not have a capable receiver atm. Maybe a reinstall is needed?

 

Which version of the Realtek HDMI audio driver did you use? Where did you download it from?

 

The driver was R2.39 and I got it from Realtek's site.

 

I don't think your TV are able to do this. Normally they only pass out STEREO signals even though you're using an optical cable. If the TV should be able to do this, I think it must have an integrated dolby digital decoder (?).

I've had this issue myself with a Samsung LCD-TV.

 

Well... i know the systems are a bit different but i have no problem with my 1645.. and yes your tv must have a dolby digital decoder ... i know the samsungs had a firmware upgrade a while ago to adress this issue..may want to look into that Limstift

 

This will be dependent on your TV specifically. Almost all HDTV's will have an optical out from the TV to be sent to a receiver. In most cases this feature only applies when the tv is receiving HD signals over anteanna. (Free broadcast HD Channels with 5.1DD)

Your HDMI cable will automatically send the dolby digital signal to your TV which will then decode as 2.0 Stereo, if your fortunate enough to have a tv that will pass through to your receiver then you can do what you like. But if your not your tv will still only output at 2.0 or not at all from the fiber optic port.

Best bet is to send the HDMI directly to your receiver and get a receiver that can decode HDMI audio 5.1 signals. (some that can will still downgrade to 2.0 Stereo)

This is the case with my Sharp Aquos 46D62U, but I know some samsungs offer the passthrough option.