HDMI Audio 5.1?

[NautTboy]

I've read that HDMI could handle up to 8 channels is that true? So if I hook up the HDMI to stereo reciever, I don't need an optical cable? I just bought Sony Home Theater from Walmart and doesn't seem it is outputting DD/DTS. Tho, all speakers are working, probably just in dolby surround(2ch). If it HDMI is 5.1 capable, I might just play around with the setting.

[jagabo]

HDMI is capable of carrying up to 8 audio channels, including DD and DTS 5.1. Of course, the devices at both ends of the cable have to support them.

[edDV]

I've read that HDMI could handle up to 8 channels is that true? So if I hook up the HDMI to stereo reciever, I don't need an optical cable? I just bought Sony Home Theater from Walmart and doesn't seem it is outputting DD/DTS. Tho, all speakers are working, probably just in dolby surround(2ch). If it HDMI is 5.1 capable, I might just play around with the setting.

Depends on the spec for the receiver.

Some just switch HDMI to the TV without audio decode. In that case you use the optical or coax in parallel to the receiver.

Some decode audio from HDMI but are limited to DD and 16/48 stereo PCM

Some also do DTS.

Some also do 24/96 stereo. Very expensive models may do four to eight 24bit 96Kbps.

[sphinx99]

It also depends on the source. A decent Blu-ray player ought to have full function HDMI audio output however if you are trying to send audio from a PC with a HDMI-equipped video card, your fortunes will depend on the video card and drivers....

[NautTboy]

Thanks for the input again guys. I found the problem. The High End Sony default the sound to mix instead of 5.1 from HDMI of Sony Blu Ray. I just had to select DTS from HDMI and not DTS from optical.