Can I get 5.1 sound from analog cable signal?

Question

I receive a normal (ie not digital) cable signal. I was wondering if I could use this signal to get 5.1 sound? (I've got a digital receiver.) So basically will this work, and if not what can I do to make it work (what electronics do I need to purchase)? Sorry this is so poorly worded, I'm not real familiar with the A/V vernacular.

Answer 1

No you cannot. only with digital cable channels can you get digital sound and thats only 2 channel.The only way you can get 5.1 sound is with the HD channels.but you would need a coaxial or fiber optic(toslink)audio link between your hd cable box and your receiver. One thing you could do if you have standard definition tv is get an hd cable box, get a cable splitter and split the signal with one line to tv and one to hd cable box, then watch regular tv channel but use sound from hd channels

Answer 2

Yes and No.

If your receiver has Dolby Pro Logic II then yes. But only in a matrix format.

Dolby Pro Logic II

Surround Sound for Stereo Broadcast Transmissions

Transform ordinary two-channel audio into realistic and engrossing surround sound for your television broadcast audience with Dolby Pro Logic™ II and Dolby Surround technologies. Matrix surround sound is possible on any two-channel analog or digital television service or entertainment media, including programs destined for over-the-air and stereo-only television, PC and console games, or VHS tapes.

During creation, Dolby Pro Logic II and Dolby Surround programs are matrix-encoded onto two audio outputs. They are treated as two-channel or stereo audio throughout the broadcast distribution chain, then decoded back into surround sound by the viewer's home receiver. Dolby Pro Logic II and Dolby Surround broadcasts perfectly complement the Dolby Digital 5.1 broadcasts available on DTV services.

Dolby Pro Logic II is incorporated into nearly every Dolby Digital home theater system, and offers five full-range channels (including stereo rear channels), advanced steering logic for maximum channel separation, and an exceptionally stable soundfield. Dolby Pro Logic II programs provide five-channel playback on consumer systems equipped with Dolby Pro Logic II decoding, and are fully backward-compatible with Dolby Surround Pro Logic, stereo, or mono systems.

During program production, the Dolby Pro Logic II encoder combines five input signals-Left, Center, Right, Left Surround, and Right Surround-into the matrix-encoded, two-channel Lt/Rt signal.