does the ps3 output 5.1 audio via hdmi?

i have 5.1 sound system but it only has 1 optical in. If i use the optical out on my tv and connect it to the speakers then use hdmi audio on the ps3 will the audio that comes out be surround sound? im able to set on the tv if i want to use the tv speakers or the external speakers and then gives me the option for auto or pcm for external sound. There are lots of audio options that i dunno about so before i go messing its better to know if the ps3 even sends a 5.1 signal through hdmi

i would prefer to keep the optical connected to the tv as i use it for netflix and other movies so id prefer not to have to connect the ps3 directly to the speakers

The PS3 will output 5.1.

I don't understand your set up. You don't want to connect the PS3 directly to your speakers, so you have the hdmi running from PS3 to your TV, then the optical from your TV to your speakers? But you say you want to keep it like that because of Netflix and movies, which can both be handled by the PS3. So why not just keep the PS3 connected via hdmi, and run the optical from the PS3 to your speakers and cut out the middle man? MC-Reap