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How to Hook Up My XBox 360 to Surround Sound With HDMI Cables

The Xbox 360 includes multiple audio and video options. For instance, you can connect an HDMI cable to your high-definition television to play your games with enhanced visuals. The HDMI cable presents problems for beginner audio/video enthusiasts attempting to connect the console to their surround sound receiver because the HDMI cable transfers sound and video through a single plug-in. If you want to use an HDMI cable with your console, you have to purchase a digital audio cable to transfer the sound from the console to your surround sound receiver.

Things You'll Need

S/PDIF digital audio cable

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the console, TV and receiver.
- 2
  Connect the HDMI cable to your console's "HDMI" port, positioned in the middle of the system's backside. Hook the other end into your HDTV's "HDMI" port.
- 3
  Plug the digital audio cable into your console's "S/PDIF" port to the left of the "HDMI" port. Plug the opposite end into your receiver's "S/PDIF" or "Digital" port. This cable transfers your console's sound to the receiver.
- 4
  Turn on the console, TV and receiver.
- 5
  Set your receiver to the "Digital" input. See the receiver's manual if you are unsure how to change the device's input setting.
- 6
  Set your TV's input to "HDMI." See the TV's manual if you are unsure how to change the device's input setting.
- 7
  Open the console's "System Settings" menu from the dashboard's "My Xbox" area.
- 8
  Open "Console Settings."
- 9
  Choose the "Audio" option.
- 10
  Choose "Digital Output." Digital audio options appear.
- 11
  Choose "Dolby Digital 5.1"

Xbox 360