What do you need to get 5.1 channel surround sound?

[backpackerx]

I'm looking at some simple speaker setups for movies and my PS2 in my small apartment. I see 5.1 speaker sets but do I need a 5.1 receiver or decoder also or is this built into most DVD players and the PlayStation 2?

Any help would be appreciated, I don't know much about this.

[Bob12]

I don't know about the PS2 for other equipment, you MUST have a 5.1 decoder. While all DVD players will output 5.1 sound, it still must go through a decoder before being shipped to the speakers. You can buy receivers with decoders built in relatively low cost. Pioneer, and others have extensive selections of Home Theater receivers. There are also a variety of "self-contained" systems that have the player, decoder, amp, receiver all in a single unit.

[backpackerx]

Thanks a lot. I'll look into this more.