Mac mini 2018 HDMI surround sound output

audiodisplayporthdmimac-mini

I have a new Mac mini 2018. I want to get surround sound over HDMI.

I have a receiver that is capable of transmitting 5.1 surround sound to my speakers, and HDMI video to my projector. I have confirmed that this is possible using alternative hardware (e.g. Windows PC).

When I connect my Mac mini to the receiver, I get video to the projector and sound to the speakers. However, the sound is only 2 channel stereo.

I have tried using the Audio MIDI Setup app to configure the audio. I can choose 5.1 Surround as speaker configuration, but when I test that setup, sound is only output through the two front stereo speakers.

Strangely, the Audio MDID Setup app identifies my audio as DisplayPort, even though it should be HDMI.

DisplayPort in Audio MIDI Setup app

In the Output tab of Sound settings, the port is also shown as DisplayPort, no other options available

Sound Output settings - DisplayPort

Also a bit strange, in the Sound Effects tab of the Sound settings, I can choose EPSON PJ for Play sound effects through, but Output volume is disabled.

Play sound effects through EPSON PJ

I am running the currently latest macOS, Mojave 10.14.1. My receiver is a SONY STR-DN1040 AV-receiver. My projector is an Epson EH-TW9200

Best Answer

Ok, I managed to get 5.1 surround to work!

The solution was to configure the SONY Receiver to accept A.F.D. AUTO, which

Presets the sound as it was recorded/ encoded without adding any surround effects.

according to the manual.