I have an HDTV with built-in tuner. I am getting the over-the-air digital broadcast. How can I get 5.1 sound

Question

The TV has a built-in ATSC tuner. Therefore, I connect the antenna directly to my TV. I know that digital broadcast comes with 5.1 surround system. What can I do to watch shows in 5.1 dolby digital. Do I have to buy an external ATSC tuner and an A/V receiver? Or can I take advantage of the TV's built-in tuner? (I would like the cheapest solution).

Thanks in advance...

Answer 1

Do you have a home theater system capable of 5.1 sound? If you do, check the TV for a digital audio out port (either optical digital or digital coaxial) get the appropriate cable, hook it up to your TV and HT system, set the TV's audio to the correct output option (it'll be somewhere in the TV's menu system depending on the TV model--look for "Audio" or "Sound" options). Enjoy!

Answer 2

To be able to hear 5.1 surround you must have an amp that can decode the 5.1 source which should be transmitted from your TV by a Digital/Optical Cable. Then you must have the neccessary speakers to produce the decoded signal (One Center, Two Front, Two Rear and a Subwoofer.)

Answer 3

Your TV should have either an optical or coaxial-digital output.

You feed an AV receiver with this to give you 5.1 sound.

Note: Just because 5.1 is included - many TV shows (even on the HD channels) only produce 1.0 or 2.0 sound.  So dont think that every HD show does surround.

Answer 4

To avoid costly mistakes in selecting equipment, installation, settings, etc...

I would recommend the following reading material.