Do the red and white audio cables transmit 5.1 surround sound or is there a special audio cable?

Question

I have an xbox360 and I'm considering purchasing a 2.0 "virtual surround sound" system (or perhaps a 5.1 system.) The system I am interested in is listed as having one Stereo Audio input. I know a little about the HD cables versus standard component video cables but I know nothing when it comes to audio output/input. The xbox360 HD analog cables include the standard red and white audio output and I'm wondering if these cables alone will transmit all the audio data involved in 5.1 surround sound or if there is some sort of special audio cable that is needed to transmit more than just standard stereo sound? Does an HDMI cable have anything to do with it or is this cable just for digital HD video? Thanks for helping out an audio illiterate!

Answer 1

The red and white cables can  carry surround sound,

but not on the 360.  

The source and the receiver have to have the normal left and right jacks and also rear left and right, center and subwoofer.  The 360 doesn't have these.  You're right about the HDMI, it carries both HD video and  surround sound sound audio, however you will need to split the audio.  I don't have a 360 with HDMI so I can't tell you the best way to go about that.

The  other option, if you're using the component video output, is to add a optical cable, this plugs into a flap next to where the component video cables come out, and goes to your receiver, probably the easiest and cheapest.  Should be able  to find one for under $10.

Answer 2

nope.. it does not provide 5.1 audio. you would need an optical cable.. inspiretech sell one for around 3 bucks. http://www.inspiretech.com

Answer 3

yes......but only  (dolby sorround stereo)....which means you'll get stereo audio but better quality that regular stereo......it's sharper....

Now....there is some movies or select dvd's that have DTS 2.0 which is the same thing is just 2 channels of audio....now...to get 5.1 out of your (xbox)...you need 2 things.

1.A special divice or decoder for it...like a 5.1 home theater

2.A HDMI,optical cable or a coaxial one...those deliver 5.1

Answer 4

It does NOT TRANSMIT Dolby 5.1....ONLY the Optical audio cable or the ORANGE Digital Coax connectors do.....

And if HDMI is available, it can transmit Dolby 5.1 audio...

So....what outputs does your XBox have again??

Component outputs only or HDMI??

IF HDMI, does it also send Dolby 5.1  or Dolby Stereo ? Look at the specifications page of your XBox instructions....Or the Connections page.....if you can do Surround sound, it will have a chapter on it in the audio /stereo pages...