I'd play it from your laptop to the TV with good old HDMI. If your TV won't pass 5.1 (many don't) then you need the usual audio extractor. There are dozens of such things so the link I'll share is just for you to start your research.
Hookup is pretty simple. Laptop HDMI out to extractor with video going to the TV and the audio link to the capable receiver.
-> https://www.amazon.com/slp/hdmi-audio-extractor/xc32yz93wutk759
My devices :
LG 4K smart TV UJ6320
Old Samsung DVD 5.1 home theater HT-Z220, No Hdmi in/ARC
Current setup:
TV - >optical out->old Samsung home theater system - >HDMI out - > TV
Being a smart TV, I enjoy 5.1 true multichannel surround sound when I watch Netflix or google play on my TV.
However, I have a collection of BRripped 5.1(2F2M/LFE) and 7.1(2F2M2R/LFE) movies on my laptop that I also want to watch. As far as I've checked, their sound formats vary between DTS-HD MA and dolby true HD. Currently, I only enjoy watching these via headphones using dolby atmos for headphones software on my laptop.
I've found out that simply projecting wirelessly or via Hdmi to my TV won't allow the 5.1 audio to reach my speakers as my laptop only sends stereo. I've also learned that even if I don't have old send 5.1 to my TV, without HDMI arc, my optical out can't send 5.1 to my home theater system. Something about lossless uncompressed audio.
Besides buying a new laptop / home theater system/ or receiver, what options do I have to watch my digital movies with 5.1 Audio?
So far, I've read about external sound cards, or using a flash drive or external hard drive. Will these do? Are there other options?
Thanks!

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