Expert: Cleggsan - 9/30/2010

Question
QUESTION: Let me start by saying I am not very well versed in setting up electronic equipment. Currently I have my receiver (Sony STR- DE515), Blue Ray player (Sony BDP-5370) and sub woofer (Sony SA W305)set up through my television (Sharp Aquas). I hear what appears to be surround sound, although when I switch to 5.1 on the receiver there is no sound. I think I must have something set up incorrectly but have no idea on what it could be. Due to the age of the receiver the manual does not provide much information. Any thoughts or suggestions?

ANSWER: Your receiver is very ancient and does not support the digital or optical 5.1 coming out of the tv probably.  To get 5.1, according to the manual on your receiver, you need an external decoder box that will feed the 5.1 signal through 5 cables to the receiver.

You probably need a new surround sound receiving system.

Best wishes.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the information. Out of curiosity what is the name for the surround like audio coming from the rear speakers now considered?

Answer
Stereo fed into your receiver which does not include 5.1 encoding would merely be stereo doubled. It is often referred to as stereo squared.  There is nothing wrong with listening to double stereo; if you like it then enjoy it.  Sound quality it subjective in nature and it is what pleases the ears that are doing the listening that is most important.

Most new surround sound systems - during the past few years - have 5.1 encoding chips built into their circuitry but there are still a few stand alone dolby decoders around that you could acquire and use with your system, perhaps.