[AudioRookie69]

I've been researching the perfect home theater set up the past few days and I'm going in circles! I've got a big wad of cash I plan to spend, but don't want to buy the wrong setup! I cannot find the answers to my questions. Is there someone smart out there that can answer these very simple questions?

Starting from scratch, I plan to purchase each item described below:

A laptop capable of connecting to an AV receiver, which connects to a HDTV - all via HDMI. I would like to play mp3s on my audio system and see my computer screen on the HDTV. Here are my confusions:

1) How can I tell which Mp3s are 5.1 channel, and which are just stereo? If an mp3 was not created to play as 5.1 channel, can software divide the file up and MAKE it play in 6 different channels?

2) If this laptop I buy has an "HDMI out" port, can I be assured that it will transfer sound to my AV receiver. In other words, do I need to buy an internal/external sound card, or would any HDMI capable computer send the sound through that cable?

3) Are there any recommended video cards to get to ensure the HDMI out sends the highest quality picture to my HDTV?



Thank you for helping!

Jerry

[Jeff Gatie]

1) No need for software to do it, most (all??) A/V receivers will have a DSP which does what you want and IMHO, they all sound like crap. 2.0 channel is 2.0 channel and just because it can be routed to more speakers doesn't mean it should be. Other people feel differently, but the purist in me hates all DSP's.

2) You'd have to check the specs on the laptop itself.

3) Ditto.