What are the bare minimum cable requirements for 5.1 dolby surround?

Question

I just bought a Dolby 5.1 compatable home theatre surround system. I was wondering if the cables I am using will allow for the surround sound to work properly. It's a pretty cheap system, and it doesn't allow for video to go throught the Amp, and then to the TV. So the audio must come directly from the TV.

My setup is this:
DVD player to TV with AV cables (Yellow, Red, White)
TV Audio to Amplifier with AV cables (Red, White)

I'm not sure if AV cables are the proper term, but it's the older style Audio/Video cables with the Yellow for video and the red and white for Audio.

Will the surround sound still work when I put a DVD in with 5.1 compatable audio?

Answer 1

If you connect the red and white audio from the dvd player to the receiver, it wont decode Dolby Digital 5.1. It will decode Dolby Pro-logic and /or Dolby Pro-logic II. To get DD 5.1, you have to use the digital audio out from the dvd player (coaxial or fiber optic). If your dvd doesn't have these outputs, then just use the red/white for regular Pro-Logic.

If you are using a cable box or satellite receiver, then connect the audio out from that to the receiver. User digital audio outs if they have it, otherwise, use the red/white audio outs.

If you are not using cable box or satellite, then just connect the audio out from the tv to the receiver.

All video from dvd, cable box, or satellite will go directly to tv.

Answer 2

ok im going to make it easy for you no that wont work. your reciever is dolby digital. so you have to either buy a optical audio cable that goes from your dvd player to your reciever. or you can buy a coaxial cable that goes from your dvd play to your reciever these are the only 2 that will work if you want dolby digital. now for your video from your dvd player you should upgrade to a s video or component cable to your tv.

Answer 3

No it will not. you will need a digital connection; digital coax, optical, or an HDMI. If you do not have this those red and white RCAs will only carry to speakers. Some stereos will give surround with only the RCAs; however, it will be the stereos interpertation of the sound as apposed to true 5.1.