HTPC Optical/Coaxial Audio out to Receiver = Done Deal?

[Ramma2]

Working on putting together a HTPC. So long as my motherboard as a digital audio out (either optical or coaxial) and my receiver supports those connections, am I good to go for digital audio? My receiver ca decode the signals, I just need to be sure that the MB will be outputting the right stuff.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Are you playing games on the computer?

 

[s44]

Yeah, but SPDIF isn't the best digital audio these days.

You probably won't notice unless you're playing Blu-Ray though.

 

[Modelworks]

Try to go with optical if you can. That will eliminate any chance of a ground loop, or noise from the pc .

 

[Ramma2]

No games for now. Maybe some MAME stuff in the future, but I'll setup a standard analog connection for that.

My receiver is a few years old now (6ish I think) so optcial audio is the best I gots for now.

 

[jacc1234]

The only thing you will need to worry about is Windows modifying the bitstream. You will need to make sure that volume is set to 100% and ouput is set to 2 speakers. Depending on the drivers there might be a selection for SPDIF or Digital output that needs to be selected. If a DTS or AC3 stream is modified in any way all you will get is static. Once you tackle that you will need the proper software and/or codecs to do the SPDIF passthrough to your receiver. I personally use AC3 filter and select the SPDIF preset. If everything is working correctly when you play a mulit-channel movie your receiver should automatically switch to DTS or Dolby Digital and you will have surround sound.

 

[Ramma2]

Originally posted by: jacc1234
The only thing you will need to worry about is Windows modifying the bitstream. You will need to make sure that volume is set to 100% and ouput is set to 2 speakers. Depending on the drivers there might be a selection for SPDIF or Digital output that needs to be selected. If a DTS or AC3 stream is modified in any way all you will get is static. Once you tackle that you will need the proper software and/or codecs to do the SPDIF passthrough to your receiver. I personally use AC3 filter and select the SPDIF preset. If everything is working correctly when you play a mulit-channel movie your receiver should automatically switch to DTS or Dolby Digital and you will have surround sound.

Very good info, exactly the stuff I was looking for. Thanks!