Can't wrap my head around sound in/outputs...

[theboytampon]

I just can't understand audio inputs and outputs. I've done research for hours and hours, and I just can't get a grasp on the concept. I can do fine with video, but when it comes to audio... I'm lost!!! All I want is 5.1 sound, Dolby or DTS.

My TV has numerous RCA inputs, and a PC audio input. It has HDMI and it has Digital Audio Output (Optical). HOW THE HELL DO I CONNECT ITEMS SO THEY GIVE ME 5.1 SOUND?

I have my Wii connected through the only way possible, RCA. I have a PS3 through HDMI and my upconverting dvd player (which is my reciever) through HDMI as well.

WHAT DO I DO TO GET 5.1 SOUND ON EVERYTHING? Do I connect a cable from the Digital Audio Out on my TV to the reciever? With my PC speakers I simply plug them in to the headphone jack and EVERYTHING plugged into the tv goes through them.

This is what my sound system has:

Audio Line IN (Analog) x 1
Audio Input (Front, Mini) x 1
Headphone Jack (3.5mm)

Please help me this is bloody driving me insane.

[Kings-Rook1]

Audio Line IN (Analog) x 1 = Buy an A/V selector switch ($20-$300)

http://rsk.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pRS1C-2862685w345.jpg (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2296193&cp=2032057.2032187.2032188.2032200&allCount=15&fbn=Type%2F3-way&f=PAD%2FProduct+Type%2F3-way&fbc=1&parentPage=family)

Or just buy a newer 5.1 Receiver. Also, make sure the receiver you have now is 5.1 capable as well. Hopefully that helps some.

[The Postmaster General]

If I'm understanding the scenario correctly, the TV would work as an A/V selector switch. There shouldn't be a need to buy additional hardware. It sounds like the TV has plenty of connections, but the confusion is in getting Dolby ready set up to come out of the receiver in 5.1

theboy- hm... theboytampon, is your receiver Dolby 5.1? You should be able to plug everything into the TV how you have now, then just run rca from the TV to the receiver. It would just be two plugs, L & R, then the receiver decodes it into the multiple channels. The dolby is encoded inside those two connections and the receiver just decodes it. Is that what you're confused about?

It would really help to know what receiver you had.

[Dexter]

I would just plug everything into the reciever.

[The Postmaster General]

I would just plug everything into the reciever.

It sounds like he has only 1 input.

Either way - looks like he figured it out.:confused: