hey mussels, Do you think my hardware does encoding?
Here's IDT's description of their CODEC.
The STAC9271/74 CODEC is a Theater Quality 10-channel audio CODEC that enable systems with 7.1 audio playing simultaneously with VoIP or another stereo audio stream. IDT's proprietary S? technology provides high fidelity with an estimated DAC SNR up to 105dB. Up to four digital microphones are supported enabling high quality voice input for increased usability of voice applications.
Features
* High performance HD Audio CODEC provides Theater Quality Audio
* High performance ΣΔ technology
* 105dB DAC SNR
* 90dB ADC SNR
* Five Stereo DACs and three stereo ADCs
* Supports 7.1 Audio with simultaneous Real Time Communication (RTC) channel such as VoIP or separate stereo audio stream
* 24-bit resolution with up to 192 KHz sample rates
* Digital Microphone Interface (STAC9274)
* Direct interface up to four Digital Microphones
* Analog Stereo Microphone
* Microphone Boost 0, 10, 20, 30, 40dB
* Six adjustable Vref outputs for microphone bias
* Integrated Headphone Amps (3)
* S/PDIF In and Out
* ADAT® Optical “Lightpipe” Output Support (STAC9274)
* Volume Up/Down Control
* Jack Insertion Detect and Impedance Sensing support Jack Retasking and Universal Jacks
* Digital PC Beep to all outputs
* +5 V analog power supply options
* Environmental 48-pin LQFP package Software Support
* SKPI (Kernel Processing Interface)
* Enables plug-ins that can operate globally on all audio streams of the system
* 12 band parametric equalizer SKPI plug-in
* Constant, system-level effects tuned to optimize a particular platform can be combined with user-mode “presets” tailored for specific acoustical environments and applications
* System-level effects automatically disabled when external connections made
* Dynamics Processing SKPI plug-in
* Enables improved voice articulation
* Compressor/limiter allows higher average noise level without resonances
* Dolby PC Entertainment Experience Logo Program
* Dolby Master Studio™ (STAC9274D)
* Dolby Home Theater™ (STAC9271D, STAC9274D)
* Dolby Sound Room™(STAC9271D, STAC9274D)
* Dolby Technologies
* Dolby Headphone™, Dolby Virtual Speaker™
* Dolby ProLogic II™, Dolby ProLogic IIx™
* Dolby Digital Live™
* Intel Audio Studio™ from Sonic Focus
* Maxx Player™ from Waves
* Microphone Beam Forming, Acoustic Echo Cancellation, & Noise Suppression from Knowles™
im not sure, can you dig up any links for me...or tell me if it does?