What do I need for surround sound?

Question

I've had a 5.1 surround sound system for quite a while now, and I still haven't figured out how to set it up. Back when I got it, I connected it to my PC, and according to the manual that I lost long time ago, the motherboard had to be able to support 6 channels in order for me to get surround sound. I switched from 2/4 channels to 6 channels and only the frontal speakers worked, the rear left and rear right speakers weren't working. When it's on 2/4 channel, all of the speakers work but not with the result I was expecting, or is this what surround sound is all about?

I recently bought an Xbox 360, connected my surround sound system and I had the same issue. Do I have to buy a special cable to connect the system to the xbox 360? I read in other questions optical cables were required. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Hi. Here is a diagram showing how all the parts of a Home Theater network are connected.Hope this helps.

http://www.hometheaternetwork.com/

Answer 2

If it is a PC surround system you need a 6 channel surround card.

below is a USB model sound card.

As far as the x box goes, I don't think it is a wise choice to hook up, you are better off getting a dedicated surround system for your home theater, vs a PC that would be possible but a nightmare to hook up.