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What does integrated 5.1 audio mean? PLEASE HELP!!!

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imported_Ziggy

Senior member
I got a dell 4600, I ordered it with integrated 5.1 audio, however my packing slip only says integrated audio. I also have a confoirmation email with 5.1 listed. On my computer, there is no 5.1 output (meaning no place for an optical cable to go) What gives?
 
5.1 can also be analog, using 3 miniplugs or a proprietary connector. "5.1" does not mean optical or coax digital out, just that there are 6 channels (including low frequency / .1).
 
Hmm, it has 4 little outputs on the back that appear to for audio. All the same size. I don't understand how it could do 5.1. Doesn't it have to be digital? Like optical or coaxial.
 
On my computer, there is no 5.1 output (meaning no place for an optical cable to go) What gives?
Click to expand...


5.1 can come in two forms,analogue(normally 3 sockets on back for front speakers,rear speakers,bass/sub) digital comes in two forms connection wise (optical & coaxil).

Depending on the motherboard in question you may have both analogue and digital or just analogue,some boards come with or offer an add-on PCI bracket for digital output connection.


Also depending on the speakers etc they too may only have analogue connections or just digital only,some have both options which means you are covered eitherway.
 
Originally posted by: DrEvilEvil
Hhmm, well do I have anything against them with the packing slip being different thatn the order confirmation?
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Probably not. Usually, a packing slip lists just basic contents, and does not go into detail (in my experience). I'm sure your system is capable of 5.1 sound, it's just you are not knowledgable enough about what different kinds of connections are out there.

When I purchased my Soyo Platinum Ed mobo over a year ago, it came with analog and digital (both optical and coax).
 
Look in your dell manual and i'm sure it will explain to you how to hook up an analog 5.1 system.

What kind of 5.1 system will you be using anyway? Just computer speakers, or will you be hooking it up to a receiver?
 
It sounds like you have the standard AC-97 onboard 5.1 sound. It is analog and does support the 6 speaker set up. The only onboard digital sound I'm aware is that with the nForce boards. Don't place too much emphasis on the packing slip. If your order specified Digital 5.1 , then you have something to complain to them about. Otherwise it seems completely normal.
 
For games, music, or DVDs?

Game audio is only 2-channel stereo through an optical or coax digital connection since only nForce motherboards can do dolby digital encoding of game audio in real time.
 
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