How do I get surround sound out of my T.V while watching cable?

Question

I just bout a 5.1 digital surround sound system and it works through the DVD player, but now I want the surround sound while I am watching cable television. I have a basic tube television.

Help!

Thanks! ; )

Answer 1

Surround sound systems that run through a DVD player are Home theaters in a box (HtiB).  All HtiB's are extremely limited in their connectivity and expandability.  You need to check the back of your DVD player/head unit to make sure you have any inputs at all.  Most of the low end units do not support any outside sources.

If you do have an input, you'll have to run a cable from the back of your TV from the Red and White stereo ports to the back of your head unit.

Answer 2

There isn't enough info here to be sure.

If you use cable direct to the TV you would have to have an optical or digital coax output from the TV to get true surround sound to the surround system. If you have stereo output jacks (red/white) on the TV you could get matrix surround if there is Dolby Prologic on the surround system. If you have only a single RCA audio output you can't get surround.

If you have a cable box you may have an optical or coax output on it (or HDMI)... which could feed your surround system if there are suitable inputs. The same caveats apply re stereo and mono.

Just note that not all TV programs have surround sound even if you can connect up with suitable cables.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

To get true 5:1 from your cable you will need a cable box with either a coaxial or digital output to run to your receiver.  You will not get it with the "red/white/yellow" cord or without a box.

weeder