OK, so unfortunately I ended up solving this problem like 6 hours after posting the bounty, so that was 50 rep wasted…
Anyways, it wasn't a software problem, or at least not on Windows's end.
Here's what I did:
- Go to
Sound --> Playback --> Realtek Digital Output --> Properties --> Supported Formats
and select only Dolby Digital.
- Select
|> Test
. - While Windows is sending the test signal, set the receiver to
Auto Sound Digital
mode, and the Listen Mode toPro Logic
. - After test completes, click
Yes
.
I can now listen to anything I want in 5.1 (ish - see below) surround.
The only issue is that the two rear speakers (the surrounds) are set to play the same signal, so it's really 4.1 surround (FrontR + FrontL + Center + Surround + Sub). This isn't too much of an issue, as it already sounds way awesomer.
I hope this helps someone else, and I'm willing to give the bounty away to somebody (post an answer to get put in the drawing - up votes to Question/Answer appreciated to help recover -50).
UPDATE:
It will play true 5.1 surround given a 5.1 source, like a DVD or other movie. But music seems to get 4.1, unless specifically written for 5.1.
And the bounty expired while I was out of town. So +50 really wasted.