After smashing my head for weeks, I finally got 5.1 from my PC to my Sonos Beam and surrounds. This was very confusing because there is no direct way to troubleshoot where the problem is coming from. But, ultimately I was able to do it.
SOLUTION:
I bought a Dolby Digital - Sound Blaster X-FI USB device from MicroCenter and bypassed my videocard's audio. The Beam is hooked to the SB Pro (X-FI) via the optical chord it came with.
It was a super old device, I don't think they make it anymore. Thank goodness the guy I spoke to was as passionate about audio as much as I was. Turns out my PC board didn't have enough ports to upgrade the soundcard internally, so I couldn't do it that way, but this guy was a godsend. No need to upgrade, usb works fine.
*After you install the soundcard you still have to switch your default audio to SPDIF -Out (SB Pro), by default it won't be this.
There you go, month's of research and here's the solution. Hope this helps someone.
Answered
Get 5.1 Dolby Digital from my PC to Sonos Beam
Best answer by kljustice
Forgot to put SOLVED in the headline.
After smashing my head for weeks, I finally got 5.1 from my PC to my Sonos Beam and surrounds. This was very confusing because there is no direct way to troubleshoot where the problem is coming from. But, ultimately I was able to do it.
SOLUTION:
I bought a Dolby Digital - Sound Blaster X-FI USB device from MicroCenter and bypassed my videocard's audio. The Beam is hooked to the SB Pro (X-FI) via the optical chord it came with.
It was a super old device, I don't think they make it anymore. Thank goodness the guy I spoke to was as passionate about audio as much as I was. Turns out my PC board didn't have enough ports to upgrade the soundcard internally, so I couldn't do it that way, but this guy was a godsend. No need to upgrade, usb works fine.
*After you install the soundcard you still have to switch your default audio to SPDIF -Out (SB Pro), by default it won't be this.
There you go, month's of research and here's the solution. Hope this helps someone.
SOLUTION:
I bought a Dolby Digital - Sound Blaster X-FI USB device from MicroCenter and bypassed my videocard's audio. The Beam is hooked to the SB Pro (X-FI) via the optical chord it came with.
It was a super old device, I don't think they make it anymore. Thank goodness the guy I spoke to was as passionate about audio as much as I was. Turns out my PC board didn't have enough ports to upgrade the soundcard internally, so I couldn't do it that way, but this guy was a godsend. No need to upgrade, usb works fine.
*After you install the soundcard you still have to switch your default audio to SPDIF -Out (SB Pro), by default it won't be this.
There you go, month's of research and here's the solution. Hope this helps someone.
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Forgot to put SOLVED in the headline.
After smashing my head for weeks, I finally got 5.1 from my PC to my Sonos Beam and surrounds. This was very confusing because there is no direct way to troubleshoot where the problem is coming from. But, ultimately I was able to do it.
SOLUTION:
I bought a Dolby Digital - Sound Blaster X-FI USB device from MicroCenter and bypassed my videocard's audio. The Beam is hooked to the SB Pro (X-FI) via the optical chord it came with.
It was a super old device, I don't think they make it anymore. Thank goodness the guy I spoke to was as passionate about audio as much as I was. Turns out my PC board didn't have enough ports to upgrade the soundcard internally, so I couldn't do it that way, but this guy was a godsend. No need to upgrade, usb works fine.
*After you install the soundcard you still have to switch your default audio to SPDIF -Out (SB Pro), by default it won't be this.
There you go, month's of research and here's the solution. Hope this helps someone.
SOLUTION:
I bought a Dolby Digital - Sound Blaster X-FI USB device from MicroCenter and bypassed my videocard's audio. The Beam is hooked to the SB Pro (X-FI) via the optical chord it came with.
It was a super old device, I don't think they make it anymore. Thank goodness the guy I spoke to was as passionate about audio as much as I was. Turns out my PC board didn't have enough ports to upgrade the soundcard internally, so I couldn't do it that way, but this guy was a godsend. No need to upgrade, usb works fine.
*After you install the soundcard you still have to switch your default audio to SPDIF -Out (SB Pro), by default it won't be this.
There you go, month's of research and here's the solution. Hope this helps someone.
There's also a workaround available which enables Dolby Digital 5.1 surround support on 'any' endpoint (such as NVIDIA HDMI or motherboard optical out). Info can be found here: https://forums.geforce.com/default/topic/1023992/geforce-drivers/-petition-add-5-1-7-1-dolby-digital-live-dts-connect-encoders-to-nvidia-hdmi-sound-drivers-/post/5921475/#5921475
I've tested it myself and works pretty good. Good luck!
I've tested it myself and works pretty good. Good luck!
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