HTPC Sound Problems. Suggestions?

[NaughtyGeek]

I recently started using a Dimension 4700 with Media Center for my TV. I have installed a Hurcules Fortissimo III for the digital output. What I don't undestand, is why the digital out isn't outputting Dolby. Also, I have a Toslink to Coax converter and after having the sound on for about 45 mins. to an hour the sound starts to lag the picture and eventualy I get a sound like I have tuned to a station with nothing but static. I unplug my converter, plug it back in and I'm good for another 45 mins. or so.

First, my thoughts.

1. The converter isn't converting fast enough and eventually the sync gets so far out it just quits. Therefore it must be a piece of junk and needs replaced.

2. The Fortissimo III advertises Dolby but doesn't actually support it and I need another sound card to pass true digital to my receiver.

Second, Info

1. The converter will pass the Dolby signal from my other PC to my receiver so I know the converter isn't stopping the Dolby.

2. The PC has a 2.8 GHz processor and the Intel 915 chipset if it matters.

So, am I correct in thinking that I need a new sound card and converter, or is the Fortissimo causing all my problems? Your input is greatly appreciated.

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: NaughtyGeek
I recently started using a Dimension 4700 with Media Center for my TV. I have installed a Hurcules Fortissimo III for the digital output. What I don't undestand, is why the digital out isn't outputting Dolby. Also, I have a Toslink to Coax converter and after having the sound on for about 45 mins. to an hour the sound starts to lag the picture and eventualy I get a sound like I have tuned to a station with nothing but static. I unplug my converter, plug it back in and I'm good for another 45 mins. or so.

First, my thoughts.

1. The converter isn't converting fast enough and eventually the sync gets so far out it just quits. Therefore it must be a piece of junk and needs replaced.

I've never tried using a digital->analog converter for DD, but if unplugging and replugging just the converter fixes it, then it sounds to me like yes, something is wrong with the converter.

2. The Fortissimo III advertises Dolby but doesn't actually support it and I need another sound card to pass true digital to my receiver.

I find it unlikely that DD5.1 passthrough just doesn't work on the card -- are you sure you have the DVD player, drivers, etc. set up properly? Usually there is an option in the player and sound card to 'pass through' the digital signal instead of trying to decode it onboard. Keep in mind that you will only get a DD5.1 signal from a DD5.1 source -- this card cannot encode DD5.1 from normal audio, so if you are playing a game or listening to normal 2-channel audio, you won't get DD through the digital out.

 

[NaughtyGeek]

Matthias, thanks for the reply. Just to clear one thing up, the converter isn't digital to analog, just digital Toslink to digital coax. Also, the test for Dolby was conducted with a DVD known to have Dolby. The Media Center displays that the disc is in fact Dolby and the sound is setup for a SPDIF output therefore, it should (to my knowledge) be a passthrough. One thing I noticed when I used this card on my main PC was that it would never output Dolby. Using WINDVD (4.0 I think) with 5.1 enabled in the DVD player, the channels wouldn't output properly. Anyone have one of these cards that works properly?