Audio Systems: television audio problem, antenna satellite, playstation xbox

Question
I am connected through direct cable, and it goes directly into the tv. Audio/video outputs go into the receiver.  But when I unhook everything and just run cable and nothing else I still get video, just no audio except for 2 channels.  I have a brand new Onkyo receiver.  All of my other "toys" PS2, xbox, dvd player....  all sound fine when using them, its just when watching cable television.  I used another tv in the house to determine if it was the cable, or the wiring, and when i hooked it up to just direct cable I got audio and video on that set.

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Followup To
Question -
I have a 36 inch RCA televsion that only gets audio in 2 channels (really low though).  The picture is fine on all of the channels, the playstation, xbox, cd player, dvd player all comes out of the stereo speakers as well as the television speakers.  I have unhooked everything and just ran direct cable into the tv -- still no audio except 2 channels.  I used another tv in the house and just ran direct cable and I got all channels audio and video.  Any ideas?
Answer -
Dear Brad,

I can help, but I need more information, please.

How is the TV connected to your receiver, if at all? What kind of TV reception do you get: antenna, satellite, cable? How is the input from the antenna/satellite/cable connected to the TV? Through the DVD player? Directly to the TV's "ANTENNA IN"? What kind of receiver do you have? How many other speakers, besides the front channel/stereo speakers are connected?

Kindest regards,

Kevin

Answer
Dear Brad,

From what information you provide, it appears that you are receiving analog cable. Analog cable runs directly to TVs. Analog cable provides only two channels of audio. Only digital cable will provide more than two channels of audio. Digital cable runs through set-top decoding boxes.

If your receiver has the capability, you can program the TV's output for "ALL CHANNEL STEREO", which sends the TV's audio signal to the surround channels. Consult your receiver's owner's manual for how to do this.

Kindest regards,

Kevin