Windows 10: 5.1 option missing from SPDIF output

This one has had me stumped for a week now.

For years now I have had perfect 5.1 sound with no issues, SPDIF from EVGA z97 Classified (on board Sound Blaster 3Di) to my amp.

This week something has changed and now it will only give me 2 channels. Have run a few tests with 5.1 testing videos and when it comes to L/R surrounded it will come through the front speakers and no sub either.

Advanced options in sound settings will not give me the 5.1 or DTS ect options.

Things I have tried:
Uninstall drivers then reinstall.
Upping the audio quality.
Tried installing creative surrounded doesn't recognise any audio device.
Tried installing Realtek driver's nothing happened.
Tried installing the cracked version same again nothing.
Tried the optical passthrough from my TV again nothing.

In supported formats I can test the DTS and Dolby Digital and it works great but it wont work any other time.

Can't use the HDMI through the amp as it only supports 30fps 4K so before anyone suggests that it's been tried.

Nearly at the reinstall windows phase.

WTF is causing this?

Specs:
EVGA z97 Classified
Intel i7 4790K
2x Galax 1080ti sli
Samsung SSD running windows 10 Pro version 1909
32gigs of ram
Amp:
Yamaha RX-V375

:)

 

5.1 surround sound issue in Windows 10

Hi,

Thank you for your response.

I suggest you to follow the steps below and check if it helps.

If you’re connecting an optical cable the settings would be changed so try the following steps

Two options:

1. Use the optical S/PDIF output of your motherboard.

2. Use the HDMI output of your GPU. (This is what I'd recommend if you're using a HDMI display).

I suggest you to follow the steps below and check if it helps.

• 
  Go to control panel.
  
• 
  Select sound.
  
• 
  Click on playback devices.
  

For option 1- connect the cable and set the 'Realtek digital output' as default device.

• 
  Then right click on it.
  
• 
  Go to properties.
  
• 
  At the rightmost tab select DTS or Dolby Digital or 5.1.
  

For option 2-connect the HDMI cable through the receiver and set the 'Nvidia HDMI Output' as your default device. Then click 'Configure' and select 5.1 and check if it helps.

If the issue persist then, I suggest you to connect the speakers directly and check in the realtek audio manager if he gets the 5.1 option or not using the SPDIF\output.

Keep us posted on this issue so that we can assist you better.

 

Problem with SPDIF/IO on Windows 10 with Sound Blaster X-Fi Extreme Audio

Deepak, thanks for the detailed response! Actually the troubleshooter solved the issue because it

has a switch that directs all sound activity to the SPDIF digital output. This switch is missing in the system settings.

In the updated drivers for my specific sound card, The SPDIF settings are strangely disabled. Once I checked the 'digital only' check box in the troubleshooter. All the missing sound returned.

It is recommended to consider to add such option in the Windows 10 settings as many users will connect their Windows devices as home cinema media centers.

 

PowerDVD Ultra OEM SPDIF help

The Audio Output option inside powerdvd doesn't show SPDIF. It used to show on PowerDVD 5 version.