Output to 7.1 HT with the 8150

Ladies/Gentlemen,

I just recently purchased an NP8150, and had a mind to utilize it as an HTPC while I had it at home. Using the HDMI out, it outputs video and 2 channel audio just fine, but I want to output 7.1 if at all possible. Or at least some surround.

I don't have a shelf system, just a Samsung 7.1 HT - model 6930w, if that helps. Basically I have all my HDMI running through that, and a single out from the blu-ray/receiver running to the TV. So:

Is it possible to output 7.1?
Does it require additional software?
Does it require additional hardware?
Would the other audio outs work better than HDMI?

Any help, or good resources to read up on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

You can output 7.1 audio, but typically it's done through all four of the mini jacks on the side as follows:

• Headphone-Out Jack = Front Speaker Out
• Line-In Jack = Rear Speaker Out
• Microphone-In Jack = Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
• S/PDIF-Out Jack = Side Speaker Out (for 7.1 Surround Sound Only)

This is done through the realtek drivers that come with the machine. No need for extra software.

I'm not certain if the HDMI does actual 5.1 or 7.1 sound output without using Dolby Digital enabled software and devices. You may have to check that. My home theater system works fine in 5.1 with the HDMI, but it does a type of virtual surround that will artificially create surround sound when it's not getting all the channels it should.

 

From the looks of your receiver, it doesn't appear to have very many options for connections. You do have the optical input port though on the receiver and that should work with the S/PDIF on your laptop.

I think with that S/PDIF it will only handle 5.1 but it will be true Dolby Digital surround sound, that would be your optimal choice in my opinion. I don't think you would notice much of a difference between the 7.1 though and the 5.1 Dolby Digital though I could be wrong.

I'm not entirely how the HDMI works on the laptop and what its limitations are, but theoretically, the HDMI should also output to 7.1. Have you played with your settings on the receiver and your laptop at all?