DVI-to-HDMI cable that passes audio for ATI DVI-I cards?

[VirtualLarry]

I need a couple of these. Bought two from Newegg on sale, one review claimed that they passed audio for his NV card, but I recently tried one on a HD4850 reference card, and they won't pass audio.

Alternatively, I need a source for DVI-to-HDMI adapters that pass audio for ATI DVI cards like the HD4800 series. My two cards each came with one, but I seem to only have one left.

Cable is preferred over the adapter though.

 

[lucklessgorath]

You need a compatible DVI to HDMI adapter for certain ATI/AMD cards. This converter has an EDID chip in it to tell the TV/receiver it's an HDMI port. Nvidia puts this chip on the video card before the DVI port.

This one should work.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-010-_-Product

But first, check your playback devices under windows Control Panel > Sound.
You should have ATI/AMD HDMI audio or ATI/AMD SPDIF audio set as default.
And under Properties > Supported Formats you should have only DTS Audio and Dolby Digital checked. Select each format and run a test. If you don't hear sound then your cable doesn't support your ATI card.

http://cdn.avsforum.com/a/a9/a9fbf0dd_vbattach135478.png

If you don't see ATI/AMD audio listed under Control Panel > Sound then you will need to get the driver from AMD (Windows XP) or Realtek (Windows 7 & 8).

 

[DesiPower]

You will be better off buying a $20 newer card with HDMI output. The DVI with audio look too be very complicated and proprietary and old, I would avoid dumping any more money into it.

 

[lucklessgorath]

You will be better off buying a $20 newer card with HDMI output. The DVI with audio look too be very complicated and proprietary and old, I would avoid dumping any more money into it.

This.

If you are just using the PC for HTPC duties a $10 (after rebate) HD 5450 will do everything you need. It'll use less power and be fan-less for no noise. And since the HDMI is built into the card it can do HD audio, while your 4850 will not.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814131338

For $34 (after rebate) you could opt for a HD 6450. A little better performance if you want to do post processing of your video.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102933

However if you are also gaming then the HD 4850 is going to out perform both cards above. Your looking at maybe $70 for a R7 250 which will be a side grade in gaming to the HD 4850.

 

[piasabird]

When DVI is converted to HDMI it loses some quality in the conversion process. On the other hand stereo cables mini-jacks are kind of cheap.

I wonder what kind of audio is being passed through a DVI cable? It is probably not 5.1 digital or blu ray quality.

 

[poofyhairguy]

When DVI is converted to HDMI it loses some quality in the conversion process.

No, its all digital. No significant signal loss.

I wonder what kind of audio is being passed through a DVI cable? It is probably not 5.1 digital or blu ray quality.

You can bitstream full DTS HD tracks (so Blu Ray quality) via DVI. I do it all the time. The GPU just has to support that.

 

[Charlie98]

For $34 (after rebate) you could opt for a HD 6450. A little better performance if you want to do post processing of your video.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102933

That's the card I have in my HTPC... I like it a lot. :biggrin: I think I got mine for $24 AR... something like that. Even at $34, it's probably money well spent vs. buying cables and/or adapters.

 

[VirtualLarry]

This isn't for HTPC usage. This is so I can connect my Q9300 quad-core rigs with the HD4850 cards to my 26" KDS LCD screens, using the HDMI port (and carrying audio), so that I can use the DVI input and the analog audio input with my other C2D rigs.

I ended up purchasing a pair of "ATI DVI to HDMI" adapters off of eBay. USA seller, under $5 ea shipped. I'll just have to live with the extra adapter sticking out of the back of the PC.

The PC is going into a desk cubby, so I didn't want the extra length of the adapter, but if I have to, I have to.

Edit: My 26" KDS LCD died this morning. Unsure if the video card killed it.