HDMI video cards with high-bandwidth audio

[pianoetudes]

I've been watching this forum for several days and decided to join today.

I'm building my HTPC (Dell, AMD X2, 2GB RAM, 250GB drive, media center, Vista premium, onboard video) and Hitachi projector 720p, Onkyo TX-SR605 receiver (supports HDMI and Dolby TrueHD/DTS HD).

For the HTPC to play Blu ray and HD-DVD, I'm thinking to buy an LG-drive and get new ATI Radeon HD2600 Pro with HDMI-out. I read from other thread that this video card supports HDMI and transmits audio. Via HDMI cable, I'll connect this video card to the receiver.

Can someone suggest whether this configuration works? I read Toshiba product manual that Dolby TrueHD is uncompressed high-bandwidth audio which is not possible to transfer via Toslink or coaxial cable. The only option is using HDMI cable. Then I was wondering if I play HD-DVD encoded with Dolby TrueHD, does the sound, Dolby TrueHD, is transmitted by the ATI Radeon to my receiver? I'm confused because, according to the product description at newegg.com web site, it transmit 5.1 audio with no other detail.

Thanks for any help.

 

[themisfit610]

that's how things are supposed to work.

HDMI has enough bandwidth available to push the TrueHD / DTS HD unmodified.

It should all work fine, since HDMI audio works the same in principle as SPDIF.

~MiSfit

 

[guezz]

5.1 sound
Even though it?s just a pass-through implementation ? thus not a dedicated decoder since the CPU does all the work:

Beyond3D
The HDMI solution is a novel one, the board working with an active DVI-to-HDMI adapter to transmit audio out over the spare pins in a dual-link DVI port (the current revision of HDMI that R600 supports -- 1.2 -- is analogous to single-link DVI), audio provided by an on-chip HD Audio controller. Yes, the new Radeon's are also rudimentary HD Audio controllers, too, and all audio processing for that controller is currently done on the CPU. That makes it no less a solution to provide protected path audio out via encrypted HDMI, though, using one of the DVI ports on the board.

It supports up to 16-bits / 48kHz PCM (2.0) and regular Dolby Digital and DTS (5.1).

The Buyer's Guide: 6600GT - 8800GTX / HD2900XT - Performance and Technology

 

[pianoetudes]

Thanks for the replies. I'm not clear about what audio format the ATI Radeon 2600 Pro transmits via HDMI.

HD DVD decoded with Dolby TrueHD can contain 8 channels audio, much higher bandwidth than 5.1 Dolby Digital. Since Radeon 2600 Pro only transmit 5.1, am I correct to assume Radeon 2600 Pro can not transmit Dolby TrueHD? I don't expect the video card encodes the Dolby TrueHD. Anyway I want the Onkyo receiver to encode it. I just want to know whether Radeon 2600 Pro is capable to transmit whatever audio bitstream from the HD DVD. Any help is appreciated.

pianoetudes

 

[themisfit610]

hmmm probably not. That sucks.

BTW - when you say 'the video card encodes to trueHD' or 'i want the receiver to encode it' you mean to say decode

The HDMI spec supports it, it depends on how its implimented on the 2600. Not sure.

~MiSfit

 

[kylebisme]

Originally posted by: pianoetudes
Can someone suggest whether this configuration works? I read Toshiba product manual that Dolby TrueHD is uncompressed high-bandwidth audio which is not possible to transfer via Toslink or coaxial cable. The only option is using HDMI cable.

Not quite true. TrueHD is compressed, and it can be decoded on the PC and output over analog connections rather than being output over HDMI. I'm not sure on the details of HDMI output options as I use the analog method for HD audio formats like TrueHD, as well as for surround sound in games.

 

[themisfit610]

Right. You can always decode the audio stream and output analog. That's honestly a good solution, but it's a pain because for 7.1ch audio it means 8 RCA cables (or four 3.5mm stereo -> 2 RCA cables coming out of your sound card - yuck!)

~MiSfit

 

[pianoetudes]

The Dell on-board audio card supports 7.1. But as MiSfit says, I have multiple audio cables between pc - receiver (4 cables of 3.5mm stereo-to-RCA). It works but not ideal solution and somehow the output volume is not loud. Maybe the on-board audio card is not very good.

I read somewhere either this forum or Beyond3D, that Radeon 2600 Pro supports HDMI 1.2 which I think the reason it's only 5.1 audio, not 7.1. I guess if I watch HD DVD and want 7.1, I have to use the analog audio out via on-board card.

pianoetudes

 

[pianoetudes]

The Dell on-board audio card supports 7.1. But as MiSfit says, I have multiple audio cables between pc - receiver (4 cables of 3.5mm stereo-to-RCA). It works but not ideal solution and somehow the output volume is not loud. Maybe the on-board audio card is not very good.

I read somewhere either this forum or Beyond3D, that Radeon 2600 Pro supports HDMI 1.2 which I think the reason it's only 5.1 audio, not 7.1. I guess if I watch HD DVD and want 7.1, I have to use the analog audio out via on-board card.

pianoetudes

 

[AMDBOY]

Hi, may I ask how the HD2600 PR0 512MB DDR2 PCI express "enables a one-cable HDMI connection to to high definition home theaters" as stated on the outside of the box. All I see on the actual card itself are two DVI connectors and a super video out. Where in the heck can I connect an HDMI? Tia. It's been a about a year and a half since my last build. I'm a little rusty.


Part two--please- This card was a BB BF purchase for my son. When he plays Counterstrike on this card he complains of people accusing him of speed hacks. They also see his character moving in the game too fast. What could be causing this? Also of note, is a slight pausing/glitching during movement in the game. Thanks for any input.