can I run 5.1 surround sound with sound bar?

[mraec]

I have an all Panasonic setup. My TV has lots of connections including a SCART (enabling me to connect my old DVD/VHS recorder!). I have just bought the big HB880EGB Sound bar. I connected this to the TV with an HDMI (ARC) connection. I also have a Home Cinema 3D Blu ray Player (5.1) with 5 separate speakers.

Is it possible to connect this with optical audio and HDMI so that when I play a disc on my HomeTheatre I get sound from my 5 home theatre speakers but when I switch off the Home Theatre I get sound from the sound bar?

 

[mraec]

Yes you can connect it ie from the disc to the sound bar with the help of optical and the 5.1 with the regular cable

 

[mraec]

Wow, finally I have my Panasonic Home Theatre 5.1 3D Ble-ray player back using the connection you confirmed.

Whilst I thought the HB880EGK Sound bar was very good my Home Theatre by comparison IS OFF THE SCALE!!!!

So thanks, I now have a DVD/VHS Recorder, a 600W Soundbar, a WiFi 3D Smart TV AND a 3D Blu-ray Home Theatre system well connected and working perfectly together (and from the one remote when using Panasonic's VIERA Link system!).