XPS 1730 - Getting 5.1 - What Cable

[Creashor]

Hi

I have a Dell XPS 1730 that I want to connect up to my Home Cinema. It has a DVI out for video and two headphone jacks for audio out. However it says it can delivere 5.1 out. My question, what cable do I need to achieve this (destination is an optical in on the back of my Sony Amp)?

Thanks

Nick

[Creashor]

Hi,

I have answered my own question. The 5.1 is actually supplied in S/PDIF out of the S-Video port....weired!

Cheers

[Martin_av]

Hi there,

Despite you answering your own question - can I ask - did you connect your XPS1730 to your Sony DVI to HDMI ?
I'm about to try and connect mine, so just wondering how you did it finally ?

Cheers,

Martin.

[Creashor]

Hi

yes i did. Make sure its a direct video connection though (not through an amp). The xps 1730 recognised the Sony LCD and I get a lovely 1080p image (stunning).

If you go through the amp it gets itself into a right pickle!

Cheers

Nick

[Martin_av]

Sound. Been on he Maplin site and so many options to connecting, so rather than waste money on leads, thought I'd do a search first. Great news that you're getting the full 1080p.
Was looking at something like this for the picture signal
http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?...48585&doy=27m5

Another question - I'm going to use mine for displaying my own home video stuff (lot less than 1080p so less of an issue), and digial pics. Did you have any issues with HDCP - I'm new to HDCP and so on, and don't know if there are issues with types of cable and whether pictures trasnmit ok.

I've looked for a while for an SPDIF connector - can you tell me what you got ? I have S-Video connectors lying around - are these the ones that split into three connectors for input into the TV ?

Sorry for dumb Q's

[Creashor]

Hi

That cable looks fine. You don't need to spend huge money on those as long as the cable length is in the normal range.

You need to order a special cable from Dell for the SPDIF. There are two available, one with a composite video connector and one with a component connector. Given that you will be using the DVI out you only need to get the composite one, they are about £15 I think. You must make sure that you switch the SPDIF on in the audio control panel when you hook it up. I didn't know that when I first tried and thought it didn't work! All you need is a decent RCS connector cable to hook from the SPDIF Dell cable into your amp. Really very simple.

No HDCP issues my end.

One other thing to ensure is that you have the correct version of any DVD play back software you plan to use. Not all of the versions come with multi channel audio support (particularly those that are supplied as OEM with a DVD srive or new machine). I use Cyberlink 7 (for HD-DVD and Blu Ray) and had to upgrade to a better version to get the surround sound out of it.

All in all though it is a great solution (I use Vista Media Centre) and it makes the freeview picture so much better than than the direct aerial connection to my Sony.

Good luck!

Nick

[Martin_av]

Excellent reply Nick - thanks very much - this saves me from potential pitfalls. Much appreciated.
Off to order a maplin and a dell cable.

Cheers.