Connecting an xBox 360 to surround sound

[Maty]

Well I've taken the plunge and bought myself a surround sound system, this one to be exact;

http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/4-/910...

I've sorted my PS3 and BT vision box out but I am a bit confused about the 360.

At present my 360 is connected to the TV via the VGA socket, there are also Red & White phono plugs connected to a 3.5mm adapter, this adapter goes into an audio port on the back of my TV.

So can I get 5.1 sound with the lead I already have, or do I need to buy something else (eg optical cable)??

If I do need something else can anyone describe exactly what I connect to what for example;

Xbox - optical - receiver

Cheers!

[headcase]

you do need to connect an optical cable between your 360 and surround to get 5.1. The red and white are just stereo audio. BUT i seem to remember with the 360 that if you are using the RGB/Y(RW) lead that comes with it (form your description it sounds like you could be) then the end of the cable that plugs into the 360 actually blocks the optical audio output, if that is the case then you can only use the hdmi output on the 360 if you are going to use the optical.

[Maty]

Still confused, sorry!

I am using this cable;

http://www.play.com/Games/Xbox360/4-/719745/Offici...

I checked it last night, on the plug that connects to the 360 itself there is an optical port. Do I therefore just need to get an optical lead like this one;

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Madcatz-Optical-Cable-Xbox...

Connect it to the optical port on the existing cable and then plug it into the Sony receiver??

If that is the case, I take it I leave the VGA cable connected to my Tv?
Do I also leave the red/white phono leads connected to the TV??

[sharpygreen]

Optical to surround sound,just leave the red and white leads unplugged.

[headcase]

what tv have you got btw?

[Maty]

Tv is a Samsung LE32R888D, why the hell don't they just call them Samsung 32A through to Z, much easier!

Thanks for the help guys, sussed it now. I connect the optical to the existing plug in the 360 and the other end into my amp. Someone else said I can leave the phono's plugged in so that I still get sound if the AV is turned off.

[sgrimshaw]

Does your XBOX 360 have an HDMI output?

[UncappedTag]

Maty said:

Still confused, sorry!

I am using this cable;

http://www.play.com/Games/Xbox360/4-/719745/Offici...

I checked it last night, on the plug that connects to the 360 itself there is an optical port. Do I therefore just need to get an optical lead like this one;

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Madcatz-Optical-Cable-Xbox...

Connect it to the optical port on the existing cable and then plug it into the Sony receiver??

If that is the case, I take it I leave the VGA cable connected to my Tv?
Do I also leave the red/white phono leads connected to the TV??

Ignore these tools they appear clueless (j/k)

Yes you need an optical lead (SPDIF) like the madcatz one. On the Xbox connection in the below picture, you will notice a hole top left, the Optical cable goes in here and the other into your amp

http://images.play.com/covers/719745x.jpg

HTH

Edited by UncappedTag on Tuesday 30th June 12:06

Edited by UncappedTag on Tuesday 30th June 12:06

[Plotloss]

Red and White RCAs (Phonos) - Capable only of carrying matrix surround (Pro Logic etc)
SPDIF (Digital Coaxial) and TOSLink (Optical) - Capable of digital multichannel (DD 5.1 etc)
HDMI - Capable of digital multichannel at higher bit rates and HD sound formats (TrueHD etc)

[Maty]

UncappedTag said:

Maty said:

Still confused, sorry!

I am using this cable;

http://www.play.com/Games/Xbox360/4-/719745/Offici...

I checked it last night, on the plug that connects to the 360 itself there is an optical port. Do I therefore just need to get an optical lead like this one;

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Madcatz-Optical-Cable-Xbox...

Connect it to the optical port on the existing cable and then plug it into the Sony receiver??

If that is the case, I take it I leave the VGA cable connected to my Tv?
Do I also leave the red/white phono leads connected to the TV??

Ignore these tools they appear clueless (j/k)

Yes you need an optical lead (SPDIF) like the madcatz one. On the Xbox connection in the below picture, you will notice a hole top left, the Optical cable goes in here and the other into your amp

http://images.play.com/covers/719745x.jpg

HTH

Edited by UncappedTag on Tuesday 30th June 12:06

Edited by UncappedTag on Tuesday 30th June 12:06

Thanks for that, I sussed it in the end! Works a treat, never knew Forza could sound so good.