What do I need on my computer to play these new 5.1 digitally remastered DVDs?

Question

Hello,

I recently purchased some remastered 5.1 DVD music discs. I want to be able to play them in my laptop out through a 5.1 home theatre. Right now my laptop just has a headphone jack, im assuming you cannot achieve TRUE DTS 5.1 through that! I also don't have a system yet, and would like to know what is recommeded for me to buy to listen to 5.1 music. Sorry if this sounds so newbie!

Thank you,

Adam

Answer 1

You are right, unless your laptop has an optical (square black jack) or digital coax (usually and orange coloured RCA jack) out you can't get surround.  You can from a desktop computer if it has a surround sound card (e.g. 3 headphone jacks or optical).

The best way to get surround is optical, digital coax or HDMI ... all are digital.

I suggest a dedicated sound system ... the speakers will be better than computer speakers and to really get any benefit from the 5.1 disks (vs stereo) you need both surround speakers and good quality ones.

A normal DVD player should have optical and/or digital coax output (no need for HDMI), but if you want to get the best video for surround movies on an HDTV or projector you probably want an up-converting DVD player ... and that means HDMI output.

Overall you need a DVD player, A/V surround receiver (or amp) and surround speakers ... basically the same setup you would need for a Home Theatre setup ... except you can play surround audio and movies on it.

Hope that helps.