Issues with 5.1 Surround Sound with Windows 10

Hey, I don't mind if Microsoft gets maligned, and I absolutely agree they could put pressure on these other services. Why? Even from enlightened self interest.

I'm about to blow a few thousand dollars on a damn A/V receiver so that I can get the content I pay for, instead of upgrading my HTPC. That's a loss in revenue for Microsoft.

There's also a lot of hate here, even people blaming Microsoft for content that's only sent in 2 channels. It's like blaming Ford for the fact that your Home Depot Pine 4x4 wasn't old growth Walnut by the time you got it home. Gotta be Ford's fault right?

The browser makes a big difference too. I used to get 5.1 from YouTube in IE if I remember right, but I haven't tested that in a while. Not that much 5.1 content necessarily on YT anyway. 

The one that really bugged me was NetFlix. I even tried paying for high def streaming, which still looks like **** even on my high end 4K monitor. Blacks that look like Minecraft.

I started using the 4K monitor, even though only 2 audio speakers., because the home theater was only using 2 channels.

If your system plays 5.1 with DVD's - the Microsoft part works fine.

If Streaming only sends 2 channels - then it's the streaming service OR the browser. Google was terrible about 5.1. Ironically IE was good about 5.1

This is only from websites that actually send 5.1, mind you.

I've confirmed through Amazon tech support as well as Netflix that I'm only getting 2 channels.

How do you expect your Windows PC to invent 4 channels when the information is missing?

What browser are you using?

Hi John

Thanks for explanation. My tech knowledge of all this is superficial. I have just invested in a new high spec gaming PC. My interest is flight simulation but I have been testing the sound with Amazon music.......

Based on what you say I will retest using my flight simulator and see if that makes a difference.

if I have maligned Microsoft then I take it back but I still think the industry could collaborate to solve this issue given the long term scope of complaints

Rgds - Roger

I am running Win 10 Pro . Realtech driver dated 7/2/19, version 6.0.87.46.1. 5.1 works that way.

There are no "compatibility" issues with Windows 10 per se.

For a while, people were able to use their old windows xp or vista or windows 7 apps and drivers with Windows 10. Then Microsoft made changes to the OS to close security vulnerabilities, thus making old stuff "incompatible".

This is a licensing issue. Nobody is paying Dolby licensing fees because Google/Youtube + Netflix won the war.

Windows Licensing Program

If you would like to license the Dolby Audio™ technologies included in the Microsoft Windows® operating system, please complete the questionnaire on the Windows Licensing Program page and indicate how many devices your OEM company will be making per year. Based on your response, we will assist you with obtaining a new licensing agreement to support the use of Dolby Audio™ (supporting Dolby Digital Plus™) in Windows and which will be natively supported by the new Microsoft Edge browser for the playback of web-based content as well as accessible by third-party Windows Store and Universal apps. You must have an agreement with Dolby prior to the shipment of any Windows devices.

https://professional.dolby.com/licensing/