Digital Out in Sound Cards


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I'm building a new computer, and I'm trying to cut down on external costs. I have a hooked up sound system already, and want to run my computer's sound into it. What I need to know if what sound cards support digital output (coax or optical), and what cards support Dolby Digital output to my receiver. So far it seems none of them do, and I'll be stuck with Pro Logic as long as the sound is going to my reciever. Any suggestions?

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Originally posted by threetonesun

I'm building a new computer, and I'm trying to cut down on external costs. I have a hooked up sound system already, and want to run my computer's sound into it. What I need to know if what sound cards support digital output (coax or optical), and what cards support Dolby Digital output to my receiver. So far it seems none of them do, and I'll be stuck with Pro Logic as long as the sound is going to my reciever. Any suggestions?

Wake up dude

lol

Sound Blaster Audigy (5.1 DD)

Sound Blaster Live 5.1

Sound Blaster Extigy

i belive you'll want the Platinum Models of the SB Live or SB Audigy, they have this big box called the Live!Drive or Audigy Drive. they have all that cool stuff in them.

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Ah yes...there was the other problem. Price. Is there anything besides DVD playback that uses 5.1 Dolby Digital on a PC? Also, maybe I'm just an idiot, but I can't seem to find reference to what sort of digital output most sound cards have. They just refer to "digital" connections that work with home audio systems. Any knowledge in that regard?

I think I'm just going to get a cheaper sound card a leave my PS 2 to handle DVDs, but I'm curious to see what my options are.

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turtle beach sound cards also have great quality for the buck so try them. and also the panasonic sound cards whatever they are called now also have 5.1 and digital and are less expensive than creative or turtle beach.

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i like my Turtle Beach Santa Cruz (link ).

I am pretty sure it is coax out, haven't used the digital but the analog sounds GREAT! You can get it pretty cheap from newegg.com too.

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Hi, the Gamesurround Fortissimo from hercules has a digital in and out (optical) with powerdvd you get a 5.1 sound when your amp or reviever can decode it, and for a good price

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Ah...powerdvd does 5.1 decoding eh? That might be helpful. People have cited the 3 cards I have been looking at...so apparently I'm on the right track. I believe the Santa Cruz may be my answer.

Thanks!

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Originally posted by threetonesun

I believe the Santa Cruz may be my answer.

Thanks!

Also look at the Hercules Game Theatre XP

It uses the same DSP as the Santa Cruz, but has more outputs, like the Extigy. I looked at this when I bought my TBSC but decided I didn't need all of the extra outputs.

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Originally posted by joeneo13

Uhlalala, no powerdvd doesn't give 5.1 sound!

Ah, but a sound card supporting 5.1 will output 5.1 with PowerDvD, correct? As in...the player itself supports it, so long as the sonud card does, correct?

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Originally posted by joeneo13

yes it gives a 5.1 output but your reviever must decode it!

Oh yeah?? :p

I knew that. I just meant that PowerDvd can decode Dolby Digital off the disc. Or, read Dolby Digital off the disc. Or, is capable of Dolby Digital output. That's what I meant.

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