Only get 2 channel sound using Arcsoft Total Media Theater 5

vanayet · 02 Apr 2013

I have been using TMT 5 and it seems to be OK, I just drag and drop a Bluray and listen using my headphones ... until I decided to try the new 5.1 (soon to be 7.2) speaker setup and noticed that I only have 2 channel sound and not 5.1

My notebook is connected to the AVR via HDMI and I found out that the Realtek sound driver is missing, this was a Vista notebook and is now a Win 7.

The Rrealtek sound driver on the Toshiba site for my A200-TH7 notebook only works on Vista and fails to install on Win 7 32 bit so I obtained the current version from the Realtek website and it installed fine and now I have Realtek HD Audio Manager in the Control Panel in Hardware and Sound BUT it only shows a 2 channel stereo configuration. Unlike here where there is 5.1 audio output

http://www.arcsoft.c...dio-output.html

I am unable to figure out how to obtain 5.1 (7.2) sound using my TMT 5 when playing a Bluray rip on my notebook connected via HDMI to an AVR, help is needed and appreciated.

fireberd · 02 Apr 2013

Generally (in all cases I've seen) the HDMI audio is separate from the standard PC audio. HDMI audio may be generated either by the video card or from an S/PDIF connection to the motherboard.

Usually, the Vista drivers work OK on Win 7 as Win 7 is only "Vista improved" and uses the same drivers.

When you upgraded, did you install the motherboard chipset drivers? If not, give that a try first.

The Realtek drivers, from the RealTek site may or may not work properly as they are general and not specific to any PC vendor's hardware configuration. They even have a statement to obtain the drivers from the PC vendor.

The sound type should be able to be set in the Control Panel/Hardware and Sound and finally the Sound panel. Both the "speakers" (sound card) and HDMI can be set in the Playback panel.

I know nothing about "TMT 5". However, I see version 6 is now out. Have you checked with the software vendor for any updates?

vanayet · 02 Apr 2013

Fireberd, Thank-you very much for you advice. The motherboard chipset drivers are correct and latest for Win 7 32 bit.

I have uninstalled the generic Realtek audio driver and managed to locate and install the correct Realtek audio HD driver for my Toshiba A200-TH7 notebook running Win 7 32 bit.

I continue to have the following picture in Control Panel for Realtek HD Audio Manager:

BUT I need to see/have this:

fireberd · 03 Apr 2013

Laptops are notorious for limiting what is available or can be used. Blame that on the PC vendor and the hardware it chooses to use.

I know of Dell systems that will only output 2 channel stereo in HDMI or on an S/PDIF digital interface. Not capable of 5.1, 7.1, etc.

vanayet · 04 Apr 2013

Looks like I have an issue caused by hardware limitation(s).

However, an MKV movie plays fine in surround mode using VLC media player?

A Blue Ray rip that has audio selection manages rear sound but difficult selecting the 5.1 option ...still need to work on this.

Lastly, I wonder if I could purchase a USB sound card that would permit surround sound and still have the video transferred by HDMI and somehow connect to the AVR? I found this one but need advice so as not to make a buying mistake.

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi HD Sound Card | Creative Labs Online Store