A8V-E : 5.1 SPDIF (Realtek '97) Audio Problem

[Legolas2]

Hi
I have trouble w/ my A8V-E's onboard Realktek Audio. I am using the SPDIF
output to connect my HTPC to my Yamaha 995 AV receiver. When I use the Sound
Manager to generate a test tone in a 5.1 settings, I hear a tone only through
left, right speakers.

When I use the test tone from my AV receiver I can hear it from all speakers (ie
the speaker connections are fine).

Any suggestions in debuging/solving this issue ? I do have the latest AC '97
drivers from Realtek (v3.72 is what I have, looks like they have a new version
from yesterday!!):

http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/dla...neid=5&famid=12&series=8&Software=True

 

[RobsTV]

Without getting too technical, S/PDIF will only output 2 channels, unless it is pre-encoded DD 5.1 (AC3) audio, such as with a DD 5.1 DVD or HDTV Tuner card that is receiving a DD 5.1 signal (note that some DD can be 2.1). Any other sources will only be 2 channel (Windows, Games, MP3's, CD's, etc). The exception is motherboards that use nVidia MCP-T or MCP-D, as they have onboard DD encoders.

To use your onboard audio with a receiver in 5.1 mode, (not DD 5.1), you need to use 6 cables, and an Analog connection.

Good luck!

 

[Legolas2]

Umm, this is interesting..... When I generate a test tone through Sound Manager,
it seems to mark the 5 speakers as being used!! Do you mean that the 5 channels
are output only through the ananlog connectors and not SPDIF?

If this is true, I should have bought the Nvidia chipset MoBo

Originally posted by: RobsTV
Without getting too technical, S/PDIF will only output 2 channels, unless it is pre-encoded DD 5.1 (AC3) audio, such as with a DD 5.1 DVD or HDTV Tuner card that is receiving a DD 5.1 signal (note that some DD can be 2.1). Any other sources will only be 2 channel (Windows, Games, MP3's, CD's, etc). The exception is motherboards that use nVidia MCP-T or MCP-D, as they have onboard DD encoders.

To use your onboard audio with a receiver in 5.1 mode, (not DD 5.1), you need to use 6 cables, and an Analog connection.

Good luck!

 

[RobsTV]

Originally posted by: Legolas2
Umm, this is interesting..... When I generate a test tone through Sound Manager,
it seems to mark the 5 speakers as being used!! Do you mean that the 5 channels
are output only through the ananlog connectors and not SPDIF?

If this is true, I should have bought the Nvidia chipset MoBo

Yes, that is true. It is outputting 5.1 through analog only.
It will only output 5.1 through S/PDIF when playing DVD's or other pre-encoded DD 5.1 stuff.

nVidia MCP-T or MCP-D was only available for Socket A, in some NF1 and NF2 boards.
Newer nForce boards do not use it anymore, so they too can not output non Dolby Digital through S/PDIF.

A few weeks ago, Dolby made an annoucement that they have a new replacement technology, that will be like the MCP-T/D, only better, and most of the major manufacturers have already lined up to use this in their new boards. I would expect things to be great in about 6 months.

http://investor.dolby.com/ReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=157806

The biggest issue at this time is with gamers.
There is no product that can "reliably" use S/PDIF for 5.1 in games except MCP-T/D.
Intel's effort was a flop.

Analog is not a bad choice, except for all the cables you need to run.
Some things, such as DVD-A, (or high def audio on DVD), will only play through Analog. WMV-HD same thing.

Another option, although not cheap.
http://www.nvnews.net/reviews/x-mystique/

My HTPC's have Soundstorm (MCP-T), which is good.
Laptop had junk audio, so added SB Audigy 2 ZSN.
After getting used to it, I now prefer gaming with 6 channel analog instead of S/PDIF.
S/PDIF actually has only one advantage. Cables. One cable.
It is compressing the 5.1 into digital, which is not as good as pure 5.1 analog.

 

[Legolas2]

RobsTV
I wish I asked this info on this forum long ago.... spent a lot of time trying to
figure out what is wrong. Thanx for all the invaluable help. Now I am tempted
to ask another audio related question. I will ask in a new topic