How do home entertainment systems with surround sound work?

All I can find is that the system will work with dvd's. If I buy one and hook it up will the surround sound work with my cable tv?? Is there something special I have to do to make it work with my cable tv. What should I look for in a home entertainment system when purchasing one.

You will get full functionality from the surround with DVD's because they are MADE to use all the channels (particularly the rear ones). The rear usually providee the background sounds-not the conversations, but the sound of the person walking across the carpet. Cable TV is NOT mastered for surround, so you will not get all your system involved. But if you have good speakers, it will still sound good.

You really have answered your own question.

Look for the features you want it to do, like DVDs, TV, VCR,CD player,etc.

Plug in the R and L channels of your cable box into your receiver and see if it works. Make sure the broadcast is in Dobly Surround too. Some digital cable boxes have the coaxial digital or optical digital output. These will definitely work with your receiver. Check with your cable company if you are not able to get surround sound through your system.

it will work with you tv with no problems