Samsung BDP-2500 7.1 surround problems!

[Rossmeister2]

All right guys.

I'm new here on the forums, but I've lurked for some time. I have a problem with my 2500 player and my 7.1 surround system. My surround system is a Creative GigaWorks S750 which is originally made for use with a PC and 7.1 Creative soundboard. However, I bought the 2500 specifically so I could connect my S750 to it. Before I explain, I will link to some pictures of the I/Os on both the 2500 and the active subwoofer of the S750 set.

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S750:

http://www.media.allerinternett.no/p...40&frame=0&ee= (left one)

http://www.xbitlabs.com/images/multi...heatsink-s.jpg

http://img.toya.net.pl/recenzje/ggig7.jpg (best pic)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/6/636...d306f1.jpg?v=0

BDP 2500:

http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/sc/33229263-2-440-DT2.jpg
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Now, onto my problem:
When I first bought the player, I hooked it up like I would any other system. I had bought RCA cables to replace the PC's 3-to-4-jack which wouldn't work in the analogue connections on the BDP.

So, using the correct cables I connected the S750 sub to the BDP as the manual says. My RR/RL went into the "SURR. BACK" RCAs of the BDP, and the SR/SL went into the "SURROUND" ones.

The good: 7.1 source material plays fine
The bad: 5.1 is rerouted. The RR/RL signal is run through the SR/SL speakers

The what's what: The BDP manual says that when using a 5.1 system, the SURR. BACK L/R are not to be used. So the REAR speakers must be connected to the SURROUND outputs, and NOT the SURR. BACK, which one might think. This is okay when I want to listen to 5.1 stuff, but I can't listen to 5.1 on my 7.1 setup because the rear signals come from the side speakers.

My temp. solution: I connected the speaker cables differently when I wanted to listen to 5.1. I simply pulled out my SR/SL speakers and replaced them with my RR/RL speakers. Incredibly awkward and stupid. Turning the woofer around and shifting cables around when switching from a 7.1 movie to a 5.1 one? No chance, Lance.

I called Samsung: The dude there didn't know anything bout that (of course) and called ME back the next day, after he talked with another guy. He said the SURR BACK were actually the SIDE channels! I asked why the hell it was like that, since it's called BACK after all. BACK means rear speakers to me. I DO understand it's like that on a 5.1 system, but I have a 7.1 system so that doesn't fly with me! He agreed it sounded stupid and didn't know why the translation was like that. He said I had to hook it up like a 5.1 system, and just put the excess speakers (when hooking up 7.1) in the BDP "SURROUND." Those would be the SR/SL speakers.

Ok, so I tried this. Everythings connected like the guy said:
My rear speakers -> "SURROUND" RCA on BDP.
My side speakers -> "SURR. BACK" RCA on BDP

Ok, so I whip Master and Commander in to test the beautiful rear channel activity in the first battle scene. Sounds great, cannon shot and wooden splinters in my entire room, and in the back channels. Great. But I sorta knew this, since it's the manual setup except for the last two 7.1 speakers. I need confirmation so I play 3:10 to Yuma which is 7.1 in all its sweetness. It sounds good, except I get a hunch the side and rear signals are getting MIXED. An object comes flying "through" the screen and I don't hear it behind me, more in the sweet spot, where I'm sitting. This would happen if the signals were mixed. Ok, I'm not an audiophile per se, so I need additional proof of this. I put in one of my Star Wars DVDs and run the THX setup (I don't have any other calibration material). It's only 5.1, but it has a test of 7.1 setups. As the white noise shifts from speaker to speaker, my fears manifest themselves. The screen show the side speakers bu the noise comes from the rear. Then the screen shows the rear speakers but the noise comes from the sides.

So here I am: What the manual says doesn't work. What the support guy said doesn't work and I have NO idea anymore. I'm really dumbfounded by this. This is pretty logical stuff, but I'm not getting it right.

So can you guys help me at all? Any other 2500 and 7.1 owners here?
I really dont know what else to try.

[shooter3295]

Hmmmmmm,......from your pictures,......I'd say it was more of a problem with how your "older" sound system is able to handle the stream from the 2500. I have a 2500,......and also an older receiver. A Denon that is capable of 5.1,....and 6.1. It does not have an HDMI input or enough analog inputs to cover 7.1. I would also have to leave off the 2 side channels.

So,....I hooked it up with an Optical cable from the 2500 to the receiver. While it still won't do TRUE 7.1,....the 5.1 and 6.1 still come through in the correct speakers,....both Dolby and DTS,....and they sound awesome. I see you do not have an Optical input on your system.

I think you have two choices,......1) find a cable combo that "sounds" good to you and go with it,....or 2) Sell it on Ebay,....and buy a newer 7.1/HDMI capable receiver.

I can't see any way you are going to get True 7.1 out of that system,.....to quote "Johnny Five",.......not enough "INPUT"

[Rossmeister2]

I already told you I get 7.1 perfeclty well. Look closesly at the connections on the active sub. The eight connections on the right side are where all the speakers go.

The FOUR connections on the left are as follows:
Center/Sub
Front
Sides
Rear

In these I have jack-RCA cables that go to the RCA connectors in the BDP.

[bootman]

Originally Posted by Rossmeister2

This is okay when I want to listen to 5.1 stuff, but I can't listen to 5.1 on my 7.1 setup because the rear signals come from the side speakers.

This is actually correct.
The additional 2 channels in a 7.1 system are rear back.
You had it hooked up right the first time.
5.1 rears are actually rear side.
In a 5.1 only setup they are in the back but pointed inwards just like a rear side setup in a 7.1

Look here to see for yourself.

http://www.dolby.com/consumer/home_e...omlayout2.html