Not sure doing any of this will resolve my last remaining problem.
FIRST OF ALL — SUCCESS!
I studied the Sony Receiver’s “easy setup” guide and diagram.
I had always been confused about HDMI connections (a) directly to the Sony Bravia and (b) connections to the four HDMI IN-puts on the receiver. I had previously configured an HTPC as input to the receiver — at that time, an ONKYO. Not any problem, but I didn’t use the “Smart” features of the LG HDTV I was using at the time. This was when we got our TV signal via COAX to something like a TV Tuner card or a SiliconDust HDHomeRun Prime or similar networking device, distributing in the local LAN to all PCs and LAN-connected TVs or HT Receivers. IN my case, COAX-to-HDHomeRun-to-Network-to-PC-to RECEIVER-to TV. That was when we were all using WMC. But now, we’re streaming directly to SmartTV from Ethernet/Internet. So my Movie/Music-PC-Jukebox is now connected only to the Bravia. And — currently– the optical BD/DVD player and the Receiver “OUT” “eARC/ARC” are the only inputs to the Sony TV. Further, it is acceptable or necessary to use TOSLINK optical cable to connect the TV to the Receiver — particularly in the event that “passthrough” isn’t available on the TV for all sound sources going through the TV.
I have connected the TOSLINK anyway, but I believe that it might not be necessary. The Sony Receiver diagram seems to specify connecting it, but says the same thing — with functional eARC/ARC, it isn’t necessary.
So what changes did I make to assure this all worked? According to the Receiver diagram, connect the PC to the Receiver instead of the TV; output from the Receiver to TV goes through the eARC/ARC “TV Out” HDMI jack of the Receiver. So I only had to switch one cable as connected to the Intel HDMI on the motherboard.
NOW — 5.1 configures and tests properly, BUT!—- the sub-woofer isn’t getting a signal. Is it the cable? Is it the subwoofer? Is it a setting on the Receiver?
The last time I had any sound from the Receiver and JBL speakers, it was configured as quadrophonic — the only way I could get any sound — that was yesterday. NOW — I get five-speaker output for Surround, but no bass from the subwoofer. Tried messing with the switches and dials on the back of the Sub-woofer, but — no Cigar except for the green “ON” LED.
I’ll go back to configure the Sony Receiver tomorrow. We’ll see what develops. But this is stable output to the Receiver and speakers, whether from streaming input to the TV via Ethernet, or from the PC. However, I don’t think I missed the bass from the TV streaming. Is this something new? Or something I’ve missed for some time?
Not sure.
UPDATE: Sufficient online information about combination Sony Receiver, PC and TV with 5.1 speakers suggests this is often a damaged cable. I don’t have another one to test it anyway, so ordered a $12 cable from Amazon.