Stereo to 5.1 (XP)

2010-11-26 15:31:17

I'm sorry for this probably newbie question, but I didn't know where else to ask.
I'm using XP with 5.1 sound (asus motherboard internal sound, realtek drivers) . When listening to stereo sources, most programs (like foobar2000) just upmix it to the rear and center channels (they do not change anything, just fill the channels up with the same sound - just like most linux systems I used do). But some programs (like adobe's flash) don't do this, they only play the sound on the front channels.
Do you know a way to change this behavior? I want control over my channels! ;-)

Stereo to 5.1 (XP)

Reply #1 – 2010-11-26 20:06:11

Haven't used XP in a long while, but I don't think this has changed much (only how you get to it)

from the sound icon in the system tray, you should be able to get to a list of your audio devices, where you can open their properties.  If you've installed the drivers from your motherboard disk or manufacturer's site (realtek, etc) there may exist a setting for upmixing all stereo output to your speakers

Stereo to 5.1 (XP)

Reply #2 – 2010-11-26 21:36:09

I would guess upmixing goes from your receiver (or built in speaker's amplifier if you use some PC speakers), but if it is done outside PC that couldn't explain playing only front speakers by some other program.
How do you connect speakers in your PC? - Is it only in middle "speaker out" or you use all three outputs or you use other connection like SPDIF maybe

On Windows 7 (it's same on XP IIRC) there is "Speaker Fill" option in "Realtek audio manager" (click ugly brown speaker icon in the tray). If you find it, see it's status. That's the only upmixing option by Realtek driver AFAIK, although it does not have any effect in my foobar (default output device)