I hooked up a Samsung HTIB last night to my TV via HDMI. I have DirecTV HD going to the HTIB also via HDMI.

dish receiver (HDMI) -> theater receiver (HDMI) -> TV

I am able to get nice Dolby 5.1 from a DVD. I can't seem to get true 5.1 from normal TV though. I was watching some CBS show last night that said "broadcast in 5.1 sound" but my HTIB would only give me rear sound if I used the Pro Logic feature, which I understand is analog and sounded crappy to me.

Is there any way to get true 5.1 from a DirecTV signal?

 

Are you sure you're even getting audio through the HDMI from your satellite? I know a lot of receivers can't receive audio through HDMI and is merely just a video switching hub. Maybe trying using a coaxial/optical wire for the audio.

 

Yeah, it's an HD receiver connected through HDMI.

I called Samsung and they said their Pro Logic II mode puts out the 5.1 when the show you're watching is in 5.1. Pro Logic is analog for every other signal apparently.

I guess I've got to believe him.