• Welcome to TechPowerUp Forums, Guest! Please check out our forum guidelines for info related to our community.

Blu Ray PC player?

7.62

New Member
Joined
Jun 2, 2009
Messages
313 (0.06/day)
Location
Mt Buller, Victoria
System Name Bretts Computer?
Processor i5 2500k
Motherboard GA-P67A-UD3-B3
Cooling Intel stock cooler
Memory 4 Gig DDR3-1333
Video Card(s) HD 6970
Storage 500GiG SATA and 160GiG IDE
Display(s) Benq G2400WD 24" Full HD LCD
Case Treated Pine with Cypress edges
Audio Device(s) Xonar DG + Z-680 speakers
Power Supply OCZ 750W
Software W7x64
Hi all

Here is my setup at the moment.
I have a HD 4890 for graphics, realtec ALC889a for onboard audio and Logitech Z-680 speakers. (Z-5500 like)
These speakers have the 3 mini jacks, Coax and optical in.

I am about to buy a big new television as the gameboy I have now is not big enough.

I have just bought a Blu ray ROM drive and I would like to plug all this into my television to watch Blu ray movies.

How can I get the True HD audio to play through the speakers I have currently?
 

streetfighter 2

New Member
Joined
Jul 26, 2010
Messages
1,655 (0.33/day)
Location
Philly
The way I sees it you have three paths...

1) Buy a new graphics card that supports bitstreaming TrueHD/DTS-HD and a receiver which supports TrueHD/DTS-HD, HDCP and HDMI. Then rewire your speakers into the receiver...

2) Get a soundcard that supports TrueHD/DTS-HD (and end up sending the audio out analog because the Z-680 doesn't decode TrueHD/DTS-HD)

3) Let your fast as heck CPU encode the audio stream to LPCM in software and realize that the difference isn't noticeable unless you actually live in a movie theater. (I'm assuming that the Z-680 has a digital input for this to work.)

I'd go with three myself.
 

7.62

New Member
Joined
Jun 2, 2009
Messages
313 (0.06/day)
Location
Mt Buller, Victoria
System Name Bretts Computer?
Processor i5 2500k
Motherboard GA-P67A-UD3-B3
Cooling Intel stock cooler
Memory 4 Gig DDR3-1333
Video Card(s) HD 6970
Storage 500GiG SATA and 160GiG IDE
Display(s) Benq G2400WD 24" Full HD LCD
Case Treated Pine with Cypress edges
Audio Device(s) Xonar DG + Z-680 speakers
Power Supply OCZ 750W
Software W7x64
Yes.
No 3 looks good. I have no idea how to do that, but the speakers do have digital inputs. I have them plugged in via the 3 mini jacks and the Coax. I use the Coax for DVD and Blu ray movies, and the 3 mini jacks for games.
 

streetfighter 2

New Member
Joined
Jul 26, 2010
Messages
1,655 (0.33/day)
Location
Philly
It looks like your mobo, GA-X38-DS4, has both optical and coaxial SPDIF connectors. I'm not sure whether your speakers have optical, coax or both.

Anyway about it you'll need to a cable (coax or optical) running from your mobo to your Z-680. You'll then need software (like Cyberlink PowerDVD) that can decode DTS-HD/TrueHD and output multichannel audio over SPDIF.

Done and done.
 

7.62

New Member
Joined
Jun 2, 2009
Messages
313 (0.06/day)
Location
Mt Buller, Victoria
System Name Bretts Computer?
Processor i5 2500k
Motherboard GA-P67A-UD3-B3
Cooling Intel stock cooler
Memory 4 Gig DDR3-1333
Video Card(s) HD 6970
Storage 500GiG SATA and 160GiG IDE
Display(s) Benq G2400WD 24" Full HD LCD
Case Treated Pine with Cypress edges
Audio Device(s) Xonar DG + Z-680 speakers
Power Supply OCZ 750W
Software W7x64
Ohh, well thats how it is setup now :), but I thought that SPDIF passes through the signal for something else to decode? That would mean that my speakers receiver is decoding the signal? maybe if I asked PowerDVD to send the audio out via the mini jacks the PowerDVD would be decoding the MA in software?
 
Last edited:

streetfighter 2

New Member
Joined
Jul 26, 2010
Messages
1,655 (0.33/day)
Location
Philly
Yes, SPDIF does pass the audio digitally for something else to decode. From what I read of the Z-680 speaker set can decode DTS and DD (Dolby Digital).

I don't think you can send DTS-HD/TrueHD over SPDIF. Consequently PowerDVD should detect that your output is using SPDIF and change the audio for you without user intervention. If you sent out the audio analog using the mini jacks (the 3.5mm stereo plugs right?) you'd be relying heavily on the quality of your onboard soundcard which, I can tell you from experience, is a bad idea.
 

Thatguy

New Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2010
Messages
666 (0.14/day)
everything is backwards.

Connect the audio source to the TV. this way anything else you plug into the tv will by single sourced. If you planning to use your pc with your tv as a media center/monitor. your all set. If you have a digital cable bax, the audio is pass through. Most TV's have optical outs.

Use the hdmi output on the motherboard and disable the internal sound card. Install the needed drivers. There is no need to rencode the audio. its just going to be a hdmi pass through. Let the TV handle that, but if you hook the z680 to the TV via optical. All your problems are solved and you have one audio source. the z-680 has built in decoding.

So you can make life difficult. Or you can make it easy.

I can recomend the vizio's. Mine works great and it has both a Optical and SPDIF output which menas one small optical cable is hooked to my reciver. . I got the 120hz 47inch for a steal.
 

7.62

New Member
Joined
Jun 2, 2009
Messages
313 (0.06/day)
Location
Mt Buller, Victoria
System Name Bretts Computer?
Processor i5 2500k
Motherboard GA-P67A-UD3-B3
Cooling Intel stock cooler
Memory 4 Gig DDR3-1333
Video Card(s) HD 6970
Storage 500GiG SATA and 160GiG IDE
Display(s) Benq G2400WD 24" Full HD LCD
Case Treated Pine with Cypress edges
Audio Device(s) Xonar DG + Z-680 speakers
Power Supply OCZ 750W
Software W7x64
Ok cool. Thanks for your help. So if I leave the settings the way they are, I wil be watching blu ray with standard definition DTS and DD.

Thats ok with me.
 

Thatguy

New Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2010
Messages
666 (0.14/day)
Yes, SPDIF does pass the audio digitally for something else to decode. From what I read of the Z-680 speaker set can decode DTS and DD (Dolby Digital).

I don't think you can send DTS-HD/TrueHD over SPDIF. Consequently PowerDVD should detect that your output is using SPDIF and change the audio for you without user intervention. If you sent out the audio analog using the mini jacks (the 3.5mm stereo plugs right?) you'd be relying heavily on the quality of your onboard soundcard which, I can tell you from experience, is a bad idea.

depends on which version of spdif it has. spdif can in thoery support up to 8 audio tracks at around a 48khz bandwidth.
 

7.62

New Member
Joined
Jun 2, 2009
Messages
313 (0.06/day)
Location
Mt Buller, Victoria
System Name Bretts Computer?
Processor i5 2500k
Motherboard GA-P67A-UD3-B3
Cooling Intel stock cooler
Memory 4 Gig DDR3-1333
Video Card(s) HD 6970
Storage 500GiG SATA and 160GiG IDE
Display(s) Benq G2400WD 24" Full HD LCD
Case Treated Pine with Cypress edges
Audio Device(s) Xonar DG + Z-680 speakers
Power Supply OCZ 750W
Software W7x64
Ok just so I understand a little clearer.

Graphics card -> TV via HDMI
Onboard Audio -> TV via same HDMI
TV -> back to speakers via optical SPDIF.
 

Thatguy

New Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2010
Messages
666 (0.14/day)
Ok just so I understand a little clearer.

Graphics card -> TV via HDMI
Onboard Audio -> TV via same HDMI
TV -> back to speakers via optical SPDIF.

yes, also if you add more hdmi sources. no hassles with trying to route stuff together.

BTW check into a good remote like a logitech harmony "the low end model is $40 usb programmable and works with everything" and a IR reciever for the pc. This way everything can be run from one remote including volume controls.

if your married, it'll make your spouse happy as having 1 remote is easier then 3-5.

if you use your computer to play music, your stereo is now you z-680
wathcing a movie z-680
playing video games z-680
if you add a digital cable box or reciever for hdtv z-680

your single sourcing your sound down to the easiet place to route from. the tv.
 

streetfighter 2

New Member
Joined
Jul 26, 2010
Messages
1,655 (0.33/day)
Location
Philly
HD 4890
Integrated HD audio controller with support for stereo and multi-channel (up to 7.1) audio formats, including AC-3, AAC, DTS, enabling a plug-and-play audio solution over HDMI

His card does not support bitstreaming DTS-HD/TrueHD (hence no pass through of those formats); Conversion to LPCM (or whatever it does) should be automatic though.

If he wants to wire it to the TV to centralize the wiring that seems like a good idea but he's still not getting master audio.

EDIT 1:Just found this (I think you may find it interesting):
http://www.avforums.com/forums/6277578-post2.html

EDIT 2: Thatguy is correct, TrueHD/DTS-HD can be sent over SPDIF but not with HDCP. Hence no blu-ray will ever play TrueHD/DTS-HD over SPDIF unless HDCP support is added (somehow).
Source: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=12717414&postcount=8
 
Last edited:

7.62

New Member
Joined
Jun 2, 2009
Messages
313 (0.06/day)
Location
Mt Buller, Victoria
System Name Bretts Computer?
Processor i5 2500k
Motherboard GA-P67A-UD3-B3
Cooling Intel stock cooler
Memory 4 Gig DDR3-1333
Video Card(s) HD 6970
Storage 500GiG SATA and 160GiG IDE
Display(s) Benq G2400WD 24" Full HD LCD
Case Treated Pine with Cypress edges
Audio Device(s) Xonar DG + Z-680 speakers
Power Supply OCZ 750W
Software W7x64
Yes that is interesting, although I am using Power DVD 10. The SPDIF setup is working fine. The reciever does flick over to DTS or DD whenever I put a digital source in the drive.

SD audio will do for now ;)
 
Joined
May 18, 2010
Messages
3,427 (0.68/day)
System Name My baby
Processor Athlon II X4 620 @ 3.5GHz, 1.45v, NB @ 2700Mhz, HT @ 2700Mhz - 24hr prime95 stable
Motherboard Asus M4A785TD-V EVO
Cooling Sonic Tower Rev 2 with 120mm Akasa attached, Akasa @ Front, Xilence Red Wing 120mm @ Rear
Memory 8 GB G.Skills 1600Mhz
Video Card(s) ATI ASUS Crossfire 5850
Storage Crucial MX100 SATA 2.5 SSD
Display(s) Lenovo ThinkVision 27" (LEN P27h-10)
Case Antec VSK 2000 Black Tower Case
Audio Device(s) Onkyo TX-SR309 Receiver, 2x Kef Cresta 1, 1x Kef Center 20c
Power Supply OCZ StealthXstream II 600w, 4x12v/18A, 80% efficiency.
Software Windows 10 Professional 64-bit
Hi all


I have just bought a Blu ray ROM drive and I would like to plug all this into my television to watch Blu ray movies.?

Connect your video card to the tv via HDMI/DVI out.

How can I get the True HD audio to play through the speakers I have currently?



The Logitech Z-680 does not have a decoder that supports Dolby Digital True HD or DTS Masters, so unforunately you can not listen to the HD Audio standards. You will need a AV receiver that supports those standards. Yes hi-fi equipment.
 

Mussels

Freshwater Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 6, 2004
Messages
58,413 (8.21/day)
Location
Oystralia
System Name Rainbow Sparkles (Power efficient, <350W gaming load)
Processor Ryzen R7 5800x3D (Undervolted, 4.45GHz all core)
Motherboard Asus x570-F (BIOS Modded)
Cooling Alphacool Apex UV - Alphacool Eisblock XPX Aurora + EK Quantum ARGB 3090 w/ active backplate
Memory 2x32GB DDR4 3600 Corsair Vengeance RGB @3866 C18-22-22-22-42 TRFC704 (1.4V Hynix MJR - SoC 1.15V)
Video Card(s) Galax RTX 3090 SG 24GB: Underclocked to 1700Mhz 0.750v (375W down to 250W))
Storage 2TB WD SN850 NVME + 1TB Sasmsung 970 Pro NVME + 1TB Intel 6000P NVME USB 3.2
Display(s) Phillips 32 32M1N5800A (4k144), LG 32" (4K60) | Gigabyte G32QC (2k165) | Phillips 328m6fjrmb (2K144)
Case Fractal Design R6
Audio Device(s) Logitech G560 | Corsair Void pro RGB |Blue Yeti mic
Power Supply Fractal Ion+ 2 860W (Platinum) (This thing is God-tier. Silent and TINY)
Mouse Logitech G Pro wireless + Steelseries Prisma XL
Keyboard Razer Huntsman TE ( Sexy white keycaps)
VR HMD Oculus Rift S + Quest 2
Software Windows 11 pro x64 (Yes, it's genuinely a good OS) OpenRGB - ditch the branded bloatware!
Benchmark Scores Nyooom.
everything is backwards.

Connect the audio source to the TV.

that doesnt work. you only get stereo audio out from the TV if you do that, even over SPDIF.


the HDMI standard is designed to only give audio direct via HDMI to a receiver, or stereo only to prevent piracy.




His only solution with his current hardware is to stick with analogue, or to downgrade the audio to DTS or DD, so that he can use the digital ports (for no real audio quality boost)


IMO, stick with analogue. far easier to deal with.
 

7.62

New Member
Joined
Jun 2, 2009
Messages
313 (0.06/day)
Location
Mt Buller, Victoria
System Name Bretts Computer?
Processor i5 2500k
Motherboard GA-P67A-UD3-B3
Cooling Intel stock cooler
Memory 4 Gig DDR3-1333
Video Card(s) HD 6970
Storage 500GiG SATA and 160GiG IDE
Display(s) Benq G2400WD 24" Full HD LCD
Case Treated Pine with Cypress edges
Audio Device(s) Xonar DG + Z-680 speakers
Power Supply OCZ 750W
Software W7x64
What do you mean stick with the analoge? isnt this digital as it is? even with the standard definition audio?
 
Joined
May 18, 2010
Messages
3,427 (0.68/day)
System Name My baby
Processor Athlon II X4 620 @ 3.5GHz, 1.45v, NB @ 2700Mhz, HT @ 2700Mhz - 24hr prime95 stable
Motherboard Asus M4A785TD-V EVO
Cooling Sonic Tower Rev 2 with 120mm Akasa attached, Akasa @ Front, Xilence Red Wing 120mm @ Rear
Memory 8 GB G.Skills 1600Mhz
Video Card(s) ATI ASUS Crossfire 5850
Storage Crucial MX100 SATA 2.5 SSD
Display(s) Lenovo ThinkVision 27" (LEN P27h-10)
Case Antec VSK 2000 Black Tower Case
Audio Device(s) Onkyo TX-SR309 Receiver, 2x Kef Cresta 1, 1x Kef Center 20c
Power Supply OCZ StealthXstream II 600w, 4x12v/18A, 80% efficiency.
Software Windows 10 Professional 64-bit
What do you mean stick with the analoge? isnt this digital as it is? even with the standard definition audio?

Oh boy, you seem confused.

Analogue isnt digital audio. Analogue was suggested by others because your speakers do not have a decoder that can decode HD audio (DD True HD, DTS Masters HD) and hence analogue is the only method of playing back HD audio in PCM. As others have said SPDIF supports typically upto 5 channels and hasnt got the bandwidth and/or lacks the support to run the HD audio standards.

your options are as follows:

1.) use analogue - wont be HD standards you expect (DD True HD, DTS Masters HD)
2.) use SPDIF - some BluRay movies allow you to select normal DD and DTS in the menu (not HD)

3.) buy a proper AV receiver that supports DD True HD and DTS Masters HD.
 

Thatguy

New Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2010
Messages
666 (0.14/day)
that doesnt work. you only get stereo audio out from the TV if you do that, even over SPDIF.


the HDMI standard is designed to only give audio direct via HDMI to a receiver, or stereo only to prevent piracy.




His only solution with his current hardware is to stick with analogue, or to downgrade the audio to DTS or DD, so that he can use the digital ports (for no real audio quality boost)


IMO, stick with analogue. far easier to deal with.

DTS is more then sufficient for 99% of listeners.
 

Mussels

Freshwater Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 6, 2004
Messages
58,413 (8.21/day)
Location
Oystralia
System Name Rainbow Sparkles (Power efficient, <350W gaming load)
Processor Ryzen R7 5800x3D (Undervolted, 4.45GHz all core)
Motherboard Asus x570-F (BIOS Modded)
Cooling Alphacool Apex UV - Alphacool Eisblock XPX Aurora + EK Quantum ARGB 3090 w/ active backplate
Memory 2x32GB DDR4 3600 Corsair Vengeance RGB @3866 C18-22-22-22-42 TRFC704 (1.4V Hynix MJR - SoC 1.15V)
Video Card(s) Galax RTX 3090 SG 24GB: Underclocked to 1700Mhz 0.750v (375W down to 250W))
Storage 2TB WD SN850 NVME + 1TB Sasmsung 970 Pro NVME + 1TB Intel 6000P NVME USB 3.2
Display(s) Phillips 32 32M1N5800A (4k144), LG 32" (4K60) | Gigabyte G32QC (2k165) | Phillips 328m6fjrmb (2K144)
Case Fractal Design R6
Audio Device(s) Logitech G560 | Corsair Void pro RGB |Blue Yeti mic
Power Supply Fractal Ion+ 2 860W (Platinum) (This thing is God-tier. Silent and TINY)
Mouse Logitech G Pro wireless + Steelseries Prisma XL
Keyboard Razer Huntsman TE ( Sexy white keycaps)
VR HMD Oculus Rift S + Quest 2
Software Windows 11 pro x64 (Yes, it's genuinely a good OS) OpenRGB - ditch the branded bloatware!
Benchmark Scores Nyooom.

7.62

New Member
Joined
Jun 2, 2009
Messages
313 (0.06/day)
Location
Mt Buller, Victoria
System Name Bretts Computer?
Processor i5 2500k
Motherboard GA-P67A-UD3-B3
Cooling Intel stock cooler
Memory 4 Gig DDR3-1333
Video Card(s) HD 6970
Storage 500GiG SATA and 160GiG IDE
Display(s) Benq G2400WD 24" Full HD LCD
Case Treated Pine with Cypress edges
Audio Device(s) Xonar DG + Z-680 speakers
Power Supply OCZ 750W
Software W7x64
Oh boy, you seem confused.

Analogue isnt digital audio. Analogue was suggested by others because your speakers do not have a decoder that can decode HD audio (DD True HD, DTS Masters HD) and hence analogue is the only method of playing back HD audio in PCM. As others have said SPDIF supports typically upto 5 channels and hasnt got the bandwidth and/or lacks the support to run the HD audio standards.

your options are as follows:

1.) use analogue - wont be HD standards you expect (DD True HD, DTS Masters HD)
2.) use SPDIF - some BluRay movies allow you to select normal DD and DTS in the menu (not HD)

3.) buy a proper AV receiver that supports DD True HD and DTS Masters HD.

Thanks. If I cannot have High definition digital audio, then standard definition digital audio is fine.
I do understand the difference between digital and analogue. I would rather the 5.1 DTS via SPDIF than the 5.1 Dolby via 3.5mm jacks.

I was confused, and then became more confused after I posted the OP. ;)

Thanks all, I am not willing to pay the money required to hear the MA, or the Dolby equivalent. Good old regular digital 5.1 is good enough.
 

Thatguy

New Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2010
Messages
666 (0.14/day)
Thanks. If I cannot have High definition digital audio, then standard definition digital audio is fine.
I do understand the difference between digital and analogue. I would rather the 5.1 DTS via SPDIF than the 5.1 Dolby via 3.5mm jacks.

I was confused, and then became more confused after I posted the OP. ;)

Thanks all, I am not willing to pay the money required to hear the MA, or the Dolby equivalent. Good old regular digital 5.1 is good enough.

if you wanna dump like $20K into your room, then you might really apreciate that extra sonic definition. but with typical rooms in homes, even 5.1 is a waste.
 

7.62

New Member
Joined
Jun 2, 2009
Messages
313 (0.06/day)
Location
Mt Buller, Victoria
System Name Bretts Computer?
Processor i5 2500k
Motherboard GA-P67A-UD3-B3
Cooling Intel stock cooler
Memory 4 Gig DDR3-1333
Video Card(s) HD 6970
Storage 500GiG SATA and 160GiG IDE
Display(s) Benq G2400WD 24" Full HD LCD
Case Treated Pine with Cypress edges
Audio Device(s) Xonar DG + Z-680 speakers
Power Supply OCZ 750W
Software W7x64
Ok,

I have it all set up, I have the PC connected to Coax digital in on the speakers, and the TV connected to optical in on the speakers. I cannot for the life of me get my 4890 to output sound via HDMI?

I bought a high quality DVI to HDMI cable, not an adaptor. The CCC says its not pluged in? even though there is a kick ass video stream?
 

Mussels

Freshwater Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 6, 2004
Messages
58,413 (8.21/day)
Location
Oystralia
System Name Rainbow Sparkles (Power efficient, <350W gaming load)
Processor Ryzen R7 5800x3D (Undervolted, 4.45GHz all core)
Motherboard Asus x570-F (BIOS Modded)
Cooling Alphacool Apex UV - Alphacool Eisblock XPX Aurora + EK Quantum ARGB 3090 w/ active backplate
Memory 2x32GB DDR4 3600 Corsair Vengeance RGB @3866 C18-22-22-22-42 TRFC704 (1.4V Hynix MJR - SoC 1.15V)
Video Card(s) Galax RTX 3090 SG 24GB: Underclocked to 1700Mhz 0.750v (375W down to 250W))
Storage 2TB WD SN850 NVME + 1TB Sasmsung 970 Pro NVME + 1TB Intel 6000P NVME USB 3.2
Display(s) Phillips 32 32M1N5800A (4k144), LG 32" (4K60) | Gigabyte G32QC (2k165) | Phillips 328m6fjrmb (2K144)
Case Fractal Design R6
Audio Device(s) Logitech G560 | Corsair Void pro RGB |Blue Yeti mic
Power Supply Fractal Ion+ 2 860W (Platinum) (This thing is God-tier. Silent and TINY)
Mouse Logitech G Pro wireless + Steelseries Prisma XL
Keyboard Razer Huntsman TE ( Sexy white keycaps)
VR HMD Oculus Rift S + Quest 2
Software Windows 11 pro x64 (Yes, it's genuinely a good OS) OpenRGB - ditch the branded bloatware!
Benchmark Scores Nyooom.
Ok,

I have it all set up, I have the PC connected to Coax digital in on the speakers, and the TV connected to optical in on the speakers. I cannot for the life of me get my 4890 to output sound via HDMI?

I bought a high quality DVI to HDMI cable, not an adaptor. The CCC says its not pluged in? even though there is a kick ass video stream?

you need the ATI branded HDMI to DVI adaptor. the cable you got will not provide audio.
 

7.62

New Member
Joined
Jun 2, 2009
Messages
313 (0.06/day)
Location
Mt Buller, Victoria
System Name Bretts Computer?
Processor i5 2500k
Motherboard GA-P67A-UD3-B3
Cooling Intel stock cooler
Memory 4 Gig DDR3-1333
Video Card(s) HD 6970
Storage 500GiG SATA and 160GiG IDE
Display(s) Benq G2400WD 24" Full HD LCD
Case Treated Pine with Cypress edges
Audio Device(s) Xonar DG + Z-680 speakers
Power Supply OCZ 750W
Software W7x64
Bugger. Maybe i'll just buy a 6870? and use straight HDMI cable.
 
Top