Simulated 5.1 for Streamed Music?

[Brandon0448]

Is there a way to get the Apple TV2 to push simulated 5.1 to my home theater system via a digital audio cable for music streamed through iTunes? When ever I stream music to my Apple TV it only sends 2.1 audio to my receiver. Any help would be appreciated as I would like to get the most out of my surround sound system! The whole reason I bought it was so I could stream music to my surround sound system.

 

[DustinT]

Well, the Apple TV is doing what its supposed to do, send the music to your Home Theater. If your music was 5.1 encoded it would send that, but it sounds like your music is just stereo. Well, thats what 99% of peoples music is, so don't be upset.

If you want to drive all your speakers then just fool with the settings on your receiver. There's some settings like Dolby Music, or DTS: Music that will synthesize a surround mix from a music recording. Or, just have your system output stereo through all six speakers like my old Yamaha could do.

Fair warning, most of the techniques I mentioned above will sound like crap. Its stereo music, not surround. If you want surround, get a concert DVD. Those sound great.

 

[milbournosphere]

If your receiver supports ProLogic II, it should be able to simulate the sound in all speakers. If your aTV is going straight to the receiver via hdmi or optical, you shouldn't have any issues.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolby_Pro_Logic#Dolby_Pro_Logic_II

 

[goMac]

Your receiver should be able to do this.

Keep in mind, a 5.1 conversion can actually degrade the audio quality. You're not necessarily getting "the most" out of your sound system by doing this.

I keep my sound system in stereo for stereo music content. When you convert to 5.1, the audio just doesn't sound right sometimes. It sounds kind of fuzzy, less sharp.

For music streaming, it's probably just best to stick to 2.1. A 5.1 sound system really isn't for playing things loud, it's for playing more detailed 5.1 content. If you want loud, just buy a really good 2.1 set.

 

[Brandon0448]

Okay thanks guys ill try some of the methods mentioned. And I'm not trying to blast my music super loud or anything. I just like being surrounded by the sound. Just sounds a little better imo. It's a pretty cheap receiver so I don't know how well this will work but ill try it out. If I can't get it to work then I know its time for a receiver upgrade. Thanks again guys.