How do I get 5.1 from my laptop to AV receiver?

[bretty]

I have a Toshiba Satellite A20 laptop (top of the line 7 years ago, when I bought it. I'm surprised it's still alive and functioning well). I've recently started downloading films. I'm using a 3.5mm to RCA lead from the headphone jack to my AV receiver, which is giving me stereo, but i'm wondering if I can get 5.1 from the laptop to the receiver, as I don't have an optical out on the 'top.

Any help gratefully received.

Be gentle with me, my computer knowledge is poop.

 

[nads]

without buying a media streamer/player i don't believe that you can.

 

[davejberry]

Software that supports DD / DTS and external soundcard or a media renderer like WDTVlive etc.

 

[bretty]

Thanks for the advise guys. I've just bought this:

41GLuNzmt2L._SL500_AA280_.jpg

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sumvision-Cyclone-Adaptor-Supports-firmware/dp/B002U2SJC2/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1

And this:

319ST-zQdlL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/319ST-zQdlL._SL500_AA280_.jpghttp://www.amazon.co.uk/Hitachi-LS-1000-EMEA-3-5-inch-Simpledrive-External/dp/B002TV5JWW/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_2