How to connect RCA 5.1 surround sound to receiver?

Haha. Yes maybe I am a bit of a masochist! Gotta save that money though if possible.

Indeed, when I had set the tv output to Dolby Digital some horrendous noises came from the speakers that would have been great in a horror film. Got it back to PCM just like you’ve said :)

The DAC (Digital Audio Converter) with the optical input and 2 RCA’s out is actually exactly what I’m using.

Instead of plugging it in to the “TV/Aux” inputs, I’ve now plugged it into the VCR inputs like you said. Sadly, I’m still hearing nothing from the two rear speakers.

Tested the following:
- YouTube Dolby Surround Test that does 1 speaker at a time (when it’s supposed to do a rear speaker, it does the front speaker instead)
- Game of Thrones (confirmed that HBO sound setting is surround sound)
- TV’s “DTS TruSurround” setting both on and off

Confirmed that receiver is set to “Dolby Surround Pro-Logic” and confirmed that the rear speakers are working by using the receiver’s imitation surround sound setting with mp3 audio from my phone.

I think you’re thought was that the VCR inputs would give us better results than the TV/AUX inputs, yeah? Any other ideas?

Well, make sure you have the proper material, and that the receiver is set to Pro Logic and not just stereo. :)

I find Netflix is a good place to find stuff.

Also, not sure what your TV has for settings, but if it has a downmix setting, use it. :)

Also check the surround levels.

Best,

E

Also, make sure your receiver is set up properly. They usually need to know whether or not you have a center, surround and sub.  If you have it set to work without surrounds, that is what will happen.