revolstar wrote on 2025-03-10, 10:03:

So I'm looking for something to play DVDs with 5.1 surround sound on my Windows 98 rig. I've tried PowerDVD but it doesn't allow me to select 5.1 speakers in the options menu, even though my SB Audigy seems to be configured correctly and games do work fine in EAX mode. Is there any other program I could try?

Power DVD required a paid upgrade for 5.1 support, so it can do it, but you would need that upgrade. How to get that upgrade I cannot tell you, but if you found a way it would solve your issue.

Looks like Media Player Classic or Media Player Classic HC with the associated K-Lite codec pack should fit the bill.

Also looks like WinDVD may work.

cyclone3d wrote on 2025-03-10, 15:03:

Looks like Media Player Classic or Media Player Classic HC with the associated K-Lite codec pack should fit the bill.

Also looks like WinDVD may work.

This raises the question of the OP's actual hardware - the only DVD software that has worked reliably for me on a K6-2+ CPU @ 500 MHz with Windows 98 on my TXP4 is Power DVD. Admittedly, I've never put a lot of effort into making anything else work since I have a copy of Power DVD XP, and I only have stereo speakers for my retro PCs, so the lack of 5.1 has never been an issue for me. Media Player Classic would always stutter, but this likely wouldn't be an issue with a CPU only a little bit faster.

Dolby Headphone was included in the full versions, I think.
It could use 5.1 streams to simulate a better headphones experience, too, I think.
I bought Power DVD 6 Deluxe because of that and other things.
Power DVD XP was fine, too, though. Its CD-ROM was part of my DVD drive.
Power DVD 3 was also useful, I remember. Because it could run in VMs and play DVDs.
Also worked with region-free drives (RC1), I vaguely remember.

Repo Man11 wrote on 2025-03-10, 13:39:

How to get that upgrade I cannot tell you, but if you found a way it would solve your issue.

Wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more 😉

I'll give WinDVD a go as well and report back with my findings.

I've tried both PowerDVD 6 and WindDVD 3.1 and can attest both work fine with my 5.1 setup. Thank you for your suggestions fellas. Case closed I guess.