Can't Get 5.1 from Windows Media Player

[mikemcd]

I can't get Windows Media Player to output 5.1 on a Windows XP SP2 system.

I get 5.1 SPDIF when I play a DVD using WinDVD. But, I only get stereo SPDIF when playing through WMP. I have selected all the "Digital", "SPDIF", and "5.1" options that I can find. I have reinstalled WMP and downloaded WMP codecs from the Microsoft web site.

Any ideas as to what I'm doing wrong?

[offline]

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/windowsmediaplayer/51audio.mspx

[mikemcd]

Offline,
Thanks. I had found that site, as well as the MS site that supposedly has the WMP drivers for 5.1.

As I mentioned, I can get 5.1 whe using WinDVD, so my system is capable.

Could WMP somehow be using the wrong CODEC? Is there some way to check?

[offline]

It should work but I'm not familiar with your sound card. No plugin
should be required. A possible sound card driver issue??

Try Codec Sniper to check your WMP codecs.

[mikemcd]

I fixed it.

Installed AC3Filter - DirectShow filter for AC3 decoding to play .AVI with AC3 audio tracks and MPEG2 (DVD):

http://ac3filter.sourceforge.net/

Now I get 5.1 SPDIF from Windows Media Player.