I have an Inspiron 530s with integrated 7.1 audio (Realtek). What do I need to get 5.1 surround sound?

The integrated audio card has 4 analog outputs jacks. Is there any audio receiver that would have corresponding inputs?

I read that SPDIF is the way to go. However, the intergated card doesn't seem to have an SPDIF jack.

Do I need another sound card with SPDIF support?

If that's the case, I would need a low-profile standard PCI card because I don't have any free PCI Express slot. I also saw some USB sound card, is there any pitfalls with them?

Most receivers have multichannel inputs that you can use.  If not, you could either get a low profile sound card, or you could get an USB soundcard.  Here is a link to the connectors on the back of your computer: http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/insp530s/EN/OM/setting.htm#wp1103477

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Just my $0.02.

I built-in a Soundblaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio card with a SPDIF port for this very reason.  Depending on the audio format of the video I am viewing this card pipes out excellent audio to my A/V receiver.  I can verify that DTS, Dolby Digital, etc. is working via the read out on the receiver.

What was a shocker was that the free CyberLink software (v7.0) on the X-Fi install CD loaded a tile in the program library. 

Utilizing this tile I am able to adjust the CyberLink settings for Video and Audio.  Video settings include adjustments for "Video Enhancement" (CLEV2, where it is possible to select None, CLEV, Theater, Bright and Vivid) and "Video Stretching" (CLPV, allowing you to fill the screen using an intelligent stretch technique.)  Audio settings allow for selecting the speaker environment.  This is where I set CyberLink for SPDIF.

It is my understanding that these settings only apply during DVD playback.

I set my speaker settings in the control panel.  The SPDIF works great via the Creative X-Fi software.  The rich sound I enjoy via my A/V receiver rocks!

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PM me with your ASUS Striker Extreme Horror Story..

My video card is a ATI Radeon 2400 PRO and I just saw that in the specs.

"Integrated HD audio controller with multi-channel (5.1) AC3 support, enabling a plug-and-play cable-less audio solution".

I'm not sure how it works (how the sound end-up to the video card?) but it seems that it could be my best option.

I need a special DVI-HDMI adapter

http://shop.ati.com/product.asp?sku=3526142

The notes on the adapter says "This adapter will not enable HDMI through the DVI output of any Radeon™ HD 2000 series board; it will only work if your product was originally shipped with a DVI-HDMI adapter."

Dell didn't ship the adapter with the computer does it means that it will not work?