HTPC: Sample Rate and Bit Depth

[Shawn]

I finally got my computer hooked up to my receiver via an optical digital connection and it's awesome. I finally got rid of that background hiss that I had with analog and the audio just sounds better in general. I can also now watch recorded HD shows and DVDs from my computer in 5.1 surround. I no longer need a separate DVD player now. :thumbsup:

My question is in Vista's sound settings there is an option for the default sample rate and bit depth. It was set to 16bit and 44100Hz. Would it make a difference to bump it up to 24bit and 96000Hz? I did but I can't really tell any difference. I've only tried to play mp3s though and they are 44100Hz I think. My receiver won't let me set the sample rate any higher than 96000Hz.

Will setting the output to 96000Hz cause the receiver to create more heat? If so, I'll put the settings back to how they were.

 

[keeleysam]

96000Hz is the best.

DVDs are 48000Hz, so you're downsampling running at 44100Hz.

 

[mrSHEiK124]

PAGING DR. JELLO

 

[Shawn]

Originally posted by: mrSHEiK124
PAGING DR. JELLO

He's offline.

 

[Shawn]

anyone else?

 

[BigJ]

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=713073&highlight=bit+depth

That should tell you all you need to know about Vista. I suggest you register so you can search through the posts.

 

[UNCjigga]

I've got my HTPC connected via optical cable as well. I don't know about Vista, but my Envy24 drivers allow me to switch between AC3 output (fixed at 48khz) or PCM output at 44.1/48/96. I've noticed a slight difference playing music at 96khz (it sounds "brighter" and I can hear different instruments clearer when listening on headphones) but I usually keep output set at AC3 48khz for surround sound compatibility.

Here's a tip--if you use ffdshow make sure your audio decoder settings are set correctly for AC3 output (use the max bitrate of 640 or so)--otherwise you won't get multichannel audio from your xvid rips (and be sure to rip your DVDs with ac3 and not 2 channel mp3 audio!)

 

[pulse8]

If you're using Dolby Digital it doesn't matter what the setting is in Vista. It's passing the raw signal to your receiver unchanged.

 

[UNCjigga]

Originally posted by: pulse8
If you're using Dolby Digital it doesn't matter what the setting is in Vista. It's passing the raw signal to your receiver unchanged.

That doesn't sound right. I'm no audio engineer, but the "raw signal" can be encoded in any number of formats. Even if your source material is 44.1khz MPEG compressed PCM, processing at a higher sampling rate allows your decoder/equalizer do a better job at "guessing" and filling in the gaps in your audio from the recording and compression processes. Of course, it all depends on the quality of the DACs in your receiver too.

 

[hellokeith]

Use the Vista sample rates test button on the s/pdif output properties here.