Can anybody recommend a free DVD player that supports 5.1 channels?

I have used various versions of Power DVD (version 7 being the latest) and VLC, but they only seem to output in stereo, even when you select 5.1 from the software.
For example, in VLC, when I go to Audio>Audio Channels I can see and select 5.1, yet on the receiver it is only in stereo.

I don't think it's a problem with the receiver, as I open the same DVD in Windows Media Player, the receiver picks up all the channels instantly. My PS3 also has full surround sound too, so I do believe the receiver is fully functional.

Has anyone got any suggestions?
or maybe some VLC tweaking is in order?

If it helps, the receiver is a JVC RX-6012v running an optical cable from my Realtek on board sound card (gigabyte motherboard).

The simple answer would be to use Windows Media Player, but prolonged use of that program may result in various objects being hurled at the monitor.