- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
In order to utilize the 5.1 surround, I believe you have to have the High Definition A/V pack instead of the standard A/V plug-in with the three RCA connectors for video,right, and left channel (stereo). You can get this at most retail stores like Circuit City, Best Buy, EB Games, Gamespot, etc. Once you have attached the HD A/V plug-in to the Xbox and stereo reciever (which supports 5.1), go to the main menu of your Xbox and select "Settings". Then select "Audio". A screen will appear that gives you two choices: Dolby Digital and DTS. I would enable both of them to make sure your bases were covered. You stereo receiver will decode your Xbox signal in 5.1 if it has been selected on the receiver to do so. I have a JVC home theater unit with 5.1 and as long as you have a fiber optic audio cable (which the HD A/V pack has), it automatically selects the 5.1 system. But you still have to change it on your Xbox.
The Xbox is smart, in a way, because it can tell if you have the HD A/V pack or not. If you are using the standard A/V plug-in that came with the unit, then it will not give you the option of Dolby Digital or DTS in the settings menu. It will show you selections for mono, stereo, and Dolby Surround.
Is this clear as mud?