Souncard Question - SPDIF Output w/ 5/7.1 Output In Games

[mrchu]

I'm currently using an A8N-SLI mobo with onboard Realtek AC97...my computer is connected to a receiver (DA1200ES) via optical cable...I cannot find a way to play games in surround using this method (DVD's are fine as it simply passes through the AC3/DTS signal to the receiver for full 7.1)....so my question is could anybody recommend a soundcard to me which will enable full channel output over optical in exactly the same was as discretely connecting via RCA ( the 4 seperate output jacks ) ... so that games such as Fear, Half Life, WOW etc.. will work in surround over optical.

(or even better, state a way to make this work over the Realtek...)

many thanks hexus users!

[Skillian]

I use the X-Mystique, though I think there's an updated version of that card now.

I did see the other day http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/106539/rb/23575806245 which seems to be based on the same chip and also allow Dolby Digital over SPDIF. It's a great price too

There's not really much choice though. This is a real weakness in PC sound I believe, and because of this issue, surround sound is one of the few areas where console gaming has a real advantage over PCs.

edit: there's simply no possible way to get this to work with Realtek

[MadduckUK]

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/106539/rb/23575838227
thats what im currently using, dirt cheap and works great!

if your feeling a bit more flush http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/11...ch_x-meridian/
one of those would do the job (not sure where to get em tho)


edit: yep the first one listed is basically a cheaper X-Mystique.

[Skillian]

Yup, that X-Meridian is the update to the X-Mystique I was talking about.

It's a lovely card with gold plating etc., but with the same chip and such a good price for that Asonic one at Ebuyer I'd definitely go for that.

[Clunk]

I have the X-Plosion (not the liquid one) and it is fantastic, I had a Mystique as well, and that was great, although it didnt have the DTS on the fly encoding.

[mrchu]

So, just to clarify, if I use one of the recommended sound cards I can connect it via optical to my amplifier and the result will be 7.1 surround much like connecting dedicated computer speakers to F R/L, S R/L, R R/L, S/C analogue ports on a sound card.

[Clunk]

for 7.1 encoded sources, yes, and for stereo encoded sources, it will encode on the fly and give you 5.1 channel DTS or DD depending what card you go for.

[mrchu]

I'd just like to thank you all for taking the time to reply, you pointed me in the right direction to solving a problem I thought couldnt be solved...god bless DDL encoding...I ordered the ASonic in the end.

thanks again.

[MadduckUK]

no problems. let us know how it goes