Philips HTS3544 Home Theater System

[CataclysMcClam]

How can I properly connect this to pc audio and get true 5.1

 

[jFiveNYC]

YES. According to page 19 of the user manual, your home theater system has the capability to accept and decode a Dolby Digital and DTS signal supplied via HDMI 1.3 or a digital coaxial (S/PDIF) connection.

http/download.p4c.philips.com/files/h/hts3544_37/hts3544_37_dfu_aen.pdf

However, your computer must have a digital coaxial connector OR an HDMI jack with a 1.3 spec. If so, the computer can supply the audio system with 6 (5+1) channels. This will be determined by the source video, video player and built in A/V section of your motherboard. Check to see if your motherboard has the ability to output Dolby Digital/DTS.

My recommendation for video playback software is VideoLAN player, a/k/a VLC. Here: https/www.videolan.org/

If you provide the model of your computer or motherboard, we can try to help further.

 

[CataclysMcClam]

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128521
My motherboard model, thanks for the help and for any further assistance

 

[jFiveNYC]

Unfortunately for your setup, the motherboard has only a optical digital port.

Good news is there are easy solutions that can be very price friendly. Be aware that the below items are what you need to get the job done. They are by no means considered high quality or audiophile units.

By adding either of these, you would shift the audio responsibilities from the integrated audio portion of the motherboard to the newly added interface. You will have the option of using one or both of the interfaces simultneously. Totally up to you since you know your situation better than anyone else.

This is an internal audio interface (a/k/a sound card). You would insert the card in to one of the two PCI expansion slots on your motherboard. Look for the RCA connector, furthest from the bracket screw hole. That's the connection you're looking to use which it also on the rear input panel of your Philips home theater system.
- http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829956001

Here is an external USB audio interface (a/k/a sound card):
- http/amzn.com/B00A2QKZ16


If you want to keep shopping, just do some searches for "SPDIF sound card" or "SPDIF audio interface." Just be sure it has a SPDIF RCA or SPDIF coax (coaxial) jack.

An example of a S/PDIF coaxial RCA would be this:
- http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA1050NV9621

S/PDIF is an acronym for the connector technology you need, it stands for Sony/Philips Digital Interface. It carries a digital audio signal over a special RCA cable or an optical TOSLINK wire. While you can use any RCA cable, you should look for a "SPDIF RCA" or "SPDIF coaxial" cable. This special cable has a specific impedance necessary for a healthy digital connection. More info about S/PDIF here: https/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S/PDIF

 

[CataclysMcClam]

Thank you so much, I'll look into getting a sound card, I appreciate the help and I will report back with any problems