Improving "fake" 5.1 sound from a real source but connected through stereo RCA (1 Viewer)

[retaeht]

I have a 5.1 source on a laptop which I connected to my tv through hdmi (it downgrades it to stereo—does it throw away the extra channels or put them into the front channels?) which I connected through stereo RCA cables to my home theater sytem which then gives me "fake" 5.1. Is there anything I can do to improve this? When watching movies I either get almost nothing in the rear speakers or too much and all I get out of surround tests is an echo.

 

[schan1269]

Does this sound system Not have optical?(or coax)If no, no.

 

[retaeht]

It does but last time I tried doing something with that, I didn't because I realized it was too much of a pain in the ass.

 

[schan1269]

Welcome to why no one likes HTiB. Get a real AVR and speakers.A $150 refurb from A4L and a $200 5.1 set on Amazon will...Be easier to use Grow with your needsMost important, sound better

 

[retaeht]

I don't have an HTiB, my home theater thing is just really old (90's)

 

[schan1269]

It helps us, to help you, if you mention what you have...

 

[DaveF]

I have a 5.1 source on a laptop which I connected to my tv through hdmi (it downgrades it to stereo—does it throw away the extra channels or put them into the front channels?) which I connected through stereo RCA cables to my home theater sytem which then gives me "fake" 5.1. Is there anything I can do to improve this? When watching movies I either get almost nothing in the rear speakers or too much and all I get out of surround tests is an echo.

Short answer: you're getting stereo. Confirm by reading the TV manual.Solution: get an HDMI capable receiver. Or maybe simultaneously output video to the TV from hdmi and surround sound from the PC via optical out. Posting specifics of your hardware may help. Without it, people are making blind guesses in the dark as to what you limitations are.