playing 5.1 on computer ?

spiritgumm · Member Joined: 27 Jan 2004 Location: United States

I'm taking music from 5.1 dvd movies, and I'd like to preview the front and the rear speakers separately, without the center channel which usually has dialog. Currently I have to demux the audio into 6 mono channels, etc. before I can get an idea if it's worth doing. I'm only using stereo headphones, and I don't know if the computer sound card has any 5.1 limitations. I tried using Classic Media Player and fiddling with its Audio options (checking-boxing which channels to hear), but I always hear dialog when I know the front or rear channels are mainly music/fx. Any help?

tinker · Member Joined: 25 Oct 2006 Location: Canada

Even if you use a sound card with 5.1 capability, stereo head phones will produce stereo signal. 5.1 converted to stereo.
I think only way to get one channel off, is to use software which will allow you to do that or doing it your way.
I know people here do not like Nero, but version7 can mix 5.1, I never used it for that, but if you have Nero you can try.
It may not accept ac3.
Other way would be to run your sound through 5.1 amp of your home theatre setup and turn off the volume for center speaker, in setup.

spiritgumm · Member Joined: 27 Jan 2004 Location: United States

Figured it out in MPC:
Filters->AC3 Decoder->Decode to Speakers-> 3 Front + 2 Rear
Then check-box which channels to be heard under: Audio->Options