Can't play HL2 with surround sound on!!??!

[muadebe]

I need some technical help. I can only play the game with 2 channel sound even though I have 5.1 surround.

I'm running XP media edition on a 1 week old Sony Vaio, top of the line system. Other games I have like Doom3 have no problem being played in surround but for some reason HL2 won't let me play in surround. My system settings check out and work. When I start HL2 the 5.1 option is auto selected but I only recieve sound from the center channel. If I select "2 channel" I get the full stereo sound but only from 2 speakers, normal stereo. I have all up to date drivers, checked them.

Does anyone have any idea why I wouldn't be able to play in surround? I feel like I'm missing something in the experience by playing in regular stereo. Ideas???.....Anyone?????

 

[`unreal]

i dont know, seems strange. What i usually do, is the surround sound test, but it usually works out ok for me.

Let my head rest on it... *rubs chin*

 

[DrDevin]

how are you conecting your speakers digital or analogue or post speaker name "logitech z640 etc"

 

[`unreal]

Mine are analogue, since im using the fairly cheap Inspire 6.1 setup. I have to use older ForceWare sound drivers in order to get every speaker working correctly

 

[DrDevin]

I would suggest using the 5.10 drivers from nvidia http://www.nvidia.com/object/nforce_udp_winxp_5.10. I have the same motherboard and they work great for my surround sound. The newer drivers help performance and "address audio issues" as it says on the site. Also your using a 6.1 speaker system with a 5.1 sound card?

 

[NeptuneUK]

you cant play it with SS?

holy crap!!!
you dont know what you're missing!

its cool being able to hear the enemies behind you. and you can tell where they are by hearing combine radio chatter. which also sounds amazing! and when being shot at.. it will actually sound like someones shooting you from that general direction!
echoes in HL2 in some areas also sound amazingly real!

ill shut up now... but once u get your speakers up. try starting the game again and take more notice of the sounds!!

 

[`unreal]

Well im not the one with the big problem, but it is a bummer that I cant use the latest drivers. And I know im using a 6.1 set for a 5.1 capable system, but im getting the Audigy ZS soon anyhow. So for the meanwhile i will be using the nVidia sound only.

 

[DrDevin]

what happens when you try to use the newest drivers? lockup or something? Make sure you use the speaker wizard to configure your setup and set windows to use 5.1 Post back if your new Audigy 2zs doesnt work or just tell me about the sound quality and if it is any better. I have been wondering how they sound since i have never owned any of the audigy line. And make sure to use newest drivers for your new card!