I have my surround sound connected to my tv thru optical cable and my tv connected to pc by hdmi. When I configure sound in windows there are two options. The intel display audio and the realtek digital output. My soundbar doesn't have an hdmi option so I'm forced to use the optical cable. So when I try to configure the display audio, it only has the stereo option. Is there a way around this so I can configure 5.1 in windows?
If you have Intel Display Audio, that is HDMI audio. With the TV connected via HDMI, you should be getting the audio via the HDMI and the optical shouldn't be needed.
You should be showing HDMI as the default audio playback in the Control Panel/Hardware and Sound and finally the Sound Playback panel. If you click on the HDMI and the Configure there should be options for speaker type and be able to configure for 5.1, if its available.
The other option would be to install a separate Video card with HDMI and use that instead of the Video from your Intel CPU.
When I go into configure the only thing is stereo. I have a Gigabyte z87x-ud4h-atx-lga. I feel like I don't have something set correctly. The main obstacle is the sound bar doesn't have an hdmi option. I have a Vizio sound bar 38" 5.1
Also, when I make the Realtek the default, I didn't get sound at all.
The PC should be connected to the TV, VIA the HDMI. The Sound Bar should be connected to the TV.
If the Intel HDMI Audio will only configure to Stereo, you will have to install a separate sound card that will give you the HDMI surround sound option.
Suggest you go to intel and run the driver update utility and install the latest Video drivers for your CPU which will include HDMI Audio. Then check to see if your options have changed.
Intel® Driver Update Utility
I was thinking adding a sound card. That being said, how would I change my connection? Leave the TV connected via hdmi and connect the sound bar to the new sound card?
A different sound card MAY give you 5.1 digital. Make sure you select one that has that capability. Generally, the inexpensive sound cards do not have 5.1 digital.
However, if you get a separate video card with that capability then all you need is the HDMI connection to the TV and the audio connection from the TV to the sound bar.
HDMI will enable your sound features once it detects a compatible device has been connected. Meaning – if your TV is only 2 channels, which most are, then you will only have the option for 2 channel audio through HDMI. Connecting your HDMI to a 5.1 Audio receiver will give you the option to set 5.1 surround.
You mentioned you connected the optical out (called SPDIF Out) to your sound bar. If your sound bar is able to receive a 5.1 signal (again, not all can) then you should be able to configure your SPDIF out for 5.1.
If you post the model of your TV and Sound bar I may be able to recommend a solution.
Here you go.
Specs
Vizio TV - vizio e500i-a1
Vizio Soundbar - S3851w-D4
GA-Z87X-UD4H Motherboard
Intel® Core™ i5-4670K Processor
The Soundbar doesn't have an HDMI out that's why I used the optical cable.
Your i5 4670k is equipped with the Intel HD Graphics 4600. This is 5.1 compatible. Your Realtek ALC898 sound chip is also compatible to output 5.1 audio.
Although vague, your TV somewhat states it can accept and pass 5.1 audio through the HDMI connection.
Connect your HDMI to the TV, then use the optical out from the TV to your sound bar (do not connect your Realtek audio).
In the Audio settings for your TV, change the Digital Out to “Bitstream” (make sure both computer and sound bar is turned off!!). Turn on your PC then go to the audio properties for your Intel HDMI and see if DTS is within the supported formats tab. If so then in the advance tab you should see DTS 5.1 Surround in the drop down.
Give that a shot!
There isn't a "bitstream" option. Only Dolby Digital or PCM
Quote