surround sound compatiblity?

Hi,

I recently got a TV with surround sound. However, with TV and with DVDs, I can't really hear the surround effect well (except with some things like the animations for film companies at the beginning of DVDs).

I was wondering whether there is a "surround sound enabled" sort of thing for modern DVDs. i.e. a bit like HD-enabled.

For example, if I have a DVD of the latest film in the cinema, then I will get surround sound, but if I had a DVD of a 1950's film, the surround sound wouldn't really work. Is that the case?

Thanks for any help.

The main thing is how the DVD is connected to the TV (or the sound system), and how the TV is connected to the surround sound system. If you are using the red and white RCA cables in any of your connections, you will not get true surround sound. Usually, the best method of connection is through optical or digital straight from the DVD player to the sound system.

If you have one of the home theatres "in a box" (DVD & Surround sound system combo), then it could be the DVD or the setup. Also check that the placement of the speakers is even and that the back speakers are close enough to hear.

As far as your question about "surround sound enabled" goes - if the box says surround sound (5.1) it will be surround (many old movies are converted as well). If your TV has surround sound, without it being fed through a home theatre capable of processing it coming from the TV, you will only get a simulated surround sound effect, because the TV itself likely only has at the most 3 small speakers in it. True Surround Sound 5:1 is achieved only through a system that will bring that out, with 5 smaller speakers + a sub-woofer for bass. To answer your question directly, most DVDs have both Dolby 5.1 and regular stereo available. Usually, the Dolby 5.1 is the default selection, and you don't have to go into the setup menu to activate it. However, if you want to be sure, go to the DVD's setup menu, audio menu or subtitles menu; you can then select the output you want. Yup, you've pretty much got it sussed there, Alex!