How do you connect a pc to a receiver using Spdif to get sound from all speakers?

Question

I recently wanted to connect my PC to my receiver to utilize the 5.1 surround sound. I have it connected using a SPDIF coax. I am only getting sound out of two speakers. I have searched all over and have yet to find a simple way to get sound out of all five speakers. How is this done?

Answer 1

Using Toslink might be the answer. If you're using RCA to RCA or 3.5 to RCA COAX i think it only outputs stereo. Im having a similar problem, and as i said im not sure but give it a try (and let me know if it works :p)

Answer 2

Make sure everything on your audio control panel on your pc is set for you to use 5.1.  If you're just listening to music, or even most videos and movies, you're just listening to stereo material, so they don't have tracks for the other speakers.

Pop in a DVD with a 5.1 surround track...that will be a good tester.

Answer 3

You are probably playing stereo material.  If this is the case, just set your receiver to 5 channel stereo mode.