Can you get 5.1 surround sound from PCM signal?

Question

Since getting Hi-Def box and taking the digital audio out to my Surround Sound system,5.1 Movies are being displayed as PCM on System display

Answer 1

5.1 Dolby Surround and PCM are different things.

First, I'd check your HD box manual to fix the output to 5.1.

If this is a HD box it HAS to be able to output 5.1, otherwise it cannot legally use the HD logo nor it can be named Hi-Def.

Second, if you only can get the PCM, then check your sound system. Some have the capability to 'simulate' 5.1 from PCM. But this is totally up to your sound system. Mine does but I don't like it... it is not the same quality. I prefer true 5.1.

Answer 2

You can only get a "true" 5.1 uncompressed PCM via an HDMI cable. (you would need a receiver with HDMI decoding capability at the other end also of course).

If you specify uncompressed 5.1 PCM for audio playback and you are using an optical cable, you only get 2 Channel,  (stereo), since it cannot carry all the bandwidth of a full 5.1  track. HDCP prevents an optical cable from delivering multichannel high definition audio...2.0 uncompressed is the best you can get. Assuming you are connected via optical cable, 2.0 uncompressed is the best you can get, which then is utilized by the Dolby 5.1 matrix, (or whatever other sound field you select), in your receiver. That is why, with an optical cable, can get normal 5.1 Dolby digital, the core mix which is much better than the standard, but it is not "true" high definition audio.