How Can I listen to cable tv in 5.1?

[Another_Dude]

That's right, just make sure you go into your cable box's menu and make sure that the audio output is correct as was mentioned above.

[Erman_94]

Originally Posted by Another_Dude

That's right, just make sure you go into your cable box's menu and make sure that the audio output is correct as was mentioned above.

thanks

also, i will still use my hdmi-dvi connection for video correct?

finally, since my receiver and cable box can both accept either a coaxial or optical cable...is there one that is better than the other for any particular reason? (be it audio quality, price, versatility etc)

[brettallica]

Originally Posted by Erman_94

thanks

also, i will still use my hdmi-dvi connection for video correct?

finally, since my receiver and cable box can both accept either a coaxial or optical cable...is there one that is better than the other for any particular reason? (be it audio quality, price, versatility etc)

There's probably a technically correct answer to your question, but given the same conditions as you (and actually, I am under the same conditions with my DVD recorder and its connectivity with my receiver), I would use a fiber optic cable with your cable box's and receiver's connections. Something about RCA/coaxial cables bug me and I avoid them if I can.

That said, you can't go wrong either way, and the opinion expressed above is simply my preference.

[Erman_94]

thanks for the reply brettallica, always good to get insight on preference.


can anyone else offer some insight on to which may or may not be better in terms of their performance or is it just a preference issue?

[Erman_94]

any other opinions guys?

[DeadDog]

From my understanding both Optical and Coaxial cables carry digital audio signals. It really shouldn't make a difference at all. In fact they're similar enough that a converter can be purchased if you ran into a problem of only having an optical output with a coaxial input (or vice-versa).

I'd say go with whichever is easier to hook up. If you already have an RCA/Coaxial cable laying around then I would say save a few bucks and use that. If for some reason you don't think it sounds good (but it should) then switch to optical. Either way you should have nice 5.1 audio from your cable box.

[dolphinc]

Aslo remember not all programs broadcast in 5.1 surround. If your watching a football game then you will hear it in 5.1 which sounds awesome by the way but if your watching a re-run of Gilligans Island then NO SS.