I keep loosing track

[Funkstar]

Whats the state of play with audio output over HDMI from a PC?

At the moment I have a Gigabyte GA-MA780G-UD3H based system. Can this output audio over HDMI? and what kind of audio?

I don't have an HDMI receiver yet, but that's on the cards. I might even be persuaded to go for a 7.1 setup just for the hell of it.

I don't mind having to replace the built in graphics with another one if that makes things easier.

[Stringent]

I'd be surprised if a graphics card outputted the audio through the HDMI port, I assumed that was just for display only. You might have to get an SPDIF cable and hook it up to your sound system or something.

[MadduckUK]

I'd be surprised if a graphics card outputted the audio through the HDMI port,

ATI cards do although newer cards do it better. i dont think the 780g can though - i think all the 4x series does 7.1 but worth checking on the card you get specifically to make sure. 3x series was a mix of 2.1 and 5.1 iirc :/

[Funkstar]

Thats what I suspected Madduck.

I could probably settle for 5.1 over optical and just leave the HDMI for video. I'll see.

Actually, If i had 2.1 over HDMI that will be sent to my TV, and then 5.1 to my receiver. That would work. Would also save me having to get a new receiver (though it would be nice).

[MadduckUK]

Actually, If i had 2.1 over HDMI that will be sent to my TV, and then 5.1 to my receiver. That would work. Would also save me having to get a new receiver (though it would be nice).

if you can use optical, then just use optical. if it was an upgrade from analogue wires then it may be worth fussing over, but as it is nah

[Funkstar]

Probably right

Moving to HDMI would be a bit of an excuse to get a new receiver, but then I don't really need any of the lossless audio tracks (as nice as they would be to have).

I should just spend some money on half decent speakers instead

[aidanjt]

According to Asus, their M3A78-EM is fully HDMI compliant, audio pass-through and all.

http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_I...M2D&templete=2

[dshepsman]

i just got an asus p5q-em, and i can get both sound and vision to a plasma screen via hdmi... the wonders of all onboard

just need to work out why at 1080p, the screen looks like its zoomed in, so can see the task bar etc...