How to setup my PC with my Home Theatre System?

essolfc · 17-11-2010, 12:37

Hi All,

I would very much like to hook my surround sound system up to my PC if possible. Below are the details of both my PC and the surround sound. I'm hoping its as easy as buying a Digital Optic Cable (If thats the right term?) and connecting the two as the two devices appear to have these slots available.

Grateful if anybody could clear this up for me and point me in the right direction of a decent cable that will do the job for me?

DESKTOP: Acer M3800 Tower Desktop, Core 2 Quad Q8300, 4GB RAM, 750GB HDD, DVDRW, ATI 5450, Windows 7
Home Premium 64bit

Close up picture of Back Panel (Mine is same machine as this but next model up with 4GB RAM):

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/225771

SURROUND: Samsung 5.1 HT - Z320

Thanks in advance.

DocDutch · 17-11-2010, 13:14

1st of all

having a quick look at the pc on Ebuyer it looks like you got Optical on it... below the psu where you have the 2 USB ports. If correct that should be output and on the Z320 its input so via that method it should work.

essolfc · 17-11-2010, 13:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocDutch

1st of all

having a quick look at the pc on Ebuyer it looks like you got Optical on it... below the psu where you have the 2 USB ports. If correct that should be output and on the Z320 its input so via that method it should work.

Cheers for the response.

So I just need to order a digital optical cable?

Would this do the job fine?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Hi-Q-1M-Optica...item19c08c7b4e

Thanks again.

DocDutch · 17-11-2010, 13:40

that should do the trick...but make sure that my eyes where correct and check that you have SPDIF (Digital) at the back of your pc and that it is output.

essolfc · 17-11-2010, 13:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocDutch

that should do the trick...but make sure that my eyes where correct and check that you have SPDIF (Digital) at the back of your pc and that it is output.

Ok I shall check but what exactly am I looking for? I might just order the cable anyway as its only 4 quid and not end of world if not correct.

Is there a chance my PC could have another type of Digital Optical output and that would require another cable. is that what you mean?

DocDutch · 17-11-2010, 13:53

at the back of your pc you have 2 "floating" usb ports??? If so there should be a Optical connector next to that... at least thats the case on the pc you referenced to on Ebuyer. If you pull out that black connector that is the optical.

essolfc · 17-11-2010, 13:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocDutch

at the back of your pc you have 2 "floating" usb ports??? If so there should be a Optical connector next to that... at least thats the case on the pc you referenced to on Ebuyer. If you pull out that black connector that is the optical.

Ye the back of that machine I posted is pretty much exact same as mine. I remember seeing similiar optical port on my PC at home. Thats enough information for me to order the cable. Though it was a bit weird the way it was shaped compared to the cable but clearly I have to pull out the piece.

Appreciate your help.

essolfc · 18-11-2010, 17:27

Ok so I have got my digital optic cable and connected to both my pc and surround sound. I have placed surround sound on to d/in channel but nothing happening.

I have checked connections are secure and the cable is working as red laser is present when removing from either end to test. I have looked under sound in device manager but can't see anything that suggests digital optic. I have a pre built piece of software on here called realtek and this is failing to pickup any audio devices.

Any ideas on how I can get this sorted? I'm thinking maybe driver issue but dont want to jump the gun.

18-11-2010, 17:39

you will need to set the PC up to output digitally.

in control panel Hardware and Sound/sound what options do you have? there should be a digital option

vanman · 18-11-2010, 18:11

look here but pick digital optic.
http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/35118678-post3.html

essolfc · 18-11-2010, 18:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by ooogemaflop

you will need to set the PC up to output digitally.

in control panel Hardware and Sound/sound what options do you have? there should be a digital option

This is what I have. However I have now disabled my HDMI sound as said by other guy but am left with no sound at all now as it fails to detect anything.

The sound was coming through HDMI as I'm hooked up to HDTV so auto came through that but want it through my surround which is all connected up.

---------- Post added at 17:35 ---------- Previous post was at 17:16 ----------

Useless thing. Why can't it just be simple

18-11-2010, 18:53

have a look at the option in the realtek manager. My system is realtek hd audio but I have the option where you do not

essolfc · 18-11-2010, 19:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by ooogemaflop

have a look at the option in the realtek manager. My system is realtek hd audio but I have the option where you do not

I get this mate:

DocDutch · 18-11-2010, 19:25

do you know what mobo you have as you might have to reinstall the drivers for the soundcard

essolfc · 18-11-2010, 19:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocDutch

do you know what mobo you have as you might have to reinstall the drivers for the soundcard

Is this the info you mean mate?