VLC not outputting surround sound (but Windows Media player does)

[Dazzer1234567]

Hi folks,

I have the following issue:

My PC is connected to my TV, which in turn passes the audio to my Denon receiver via eARC.

So the video goes: PC > TV
And the audio goes: PC > TV > Denon receiver > 5.1 speakers

When I play a video in VLC, i only get stereo sound.

However, when i just double click on the .MKV file, windows default video app opens up (called "Media Player"), and then i do hear surround sound!

BUT! - using Media player gives me no picture.

I think this is because of codecs built into VLC, but not present in Windows.

This is possibly confirmed by the fact that if i try to open the .MKV with "Films & TV" (another Windows built in app), i get the message that i need to install the HVEC extension at a cost of 99c.

Sooooo, does anyone have any theories on why VLC wouldn't output surround sound? Any particular setting i can check?

Thanks in advance!

[Lotesdelere]

Menu Tools -> Preferences -> Audio
Tick Use S/PDIF when available and select the correct device.
Once done, don't forget to click on the Save button then exit and restart VLC for the change to take effect.