Connecting HDTV for Surround Sound

by Anonymous

Would I have true surround sound if I plug all my components using HDMI into my HDTV, and just have the optical cable out from my tv to the receiver? Thanks.

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Hi

In short, no you wouldn't have 'proper' surround sound.

The sound coming from the TV would be restricted to stereo audio, and you would only be able to use Dolby Pro Logic II or DTS Neo:6 to get 'surround sound'.

If you have an AV receiver, then this needs to be the hub of all your connections.

Ideally, you will connect your system something like this:



This has all devices connected to the receiver. The receiver processes the surround sound, sends the picture to the TV and switches between the different sources.

Alternatively, you could just connect all the audio sources to the receiver, and then connect the devices directly to the TV for the picture. A bit like this:



However, this involves more cabling and will be slightly more complicated to switch between sources.

This is explained in a bit more detail in the guide to the AV receiver. There is also a general introduction to surround sound systems which covers some more detail.

All the best.

Paul (Site Editor)

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