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Onboard Sound able to decode Digital Stream Input?

paulrules

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I'm setting up my Xbox360 to send 5.1 Audio through my computer's Optical Digital Input (SPDIF). I saw after a google that some computers/sound cards aren't able to decode 5.1 channel Digital Stream Input, so I was wondering (Just to be sure) if the onboard sound of a EVGA 790i Ultra will be able to do that. If not, could you point me/name a modestly priced card that will be able to?

I know. Shoot me for using onboard sound. Hah.
 

Mussels

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i'm entirely unsure of this as i've never had a need to send a digital stream INto a PC.

I'm here to see what answers people come up with.
 
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I'm yet to see built-in mobo audio with an optical audio IN - all the mobos i've had have only had the OUT connection.

You'll probably need a dedicated sound card - as to which one i think my xonar D2X can decode an optical input but which other cards can also do that i couldn't say - probably best to check the specs for ones you can afford to see if they have 2 optical connections (1 in, 1 out).

To see if your pc can handle the optical in just look at the list of recording devices in your sound control panel (in vista just right-click the audio icon next to your system clock and select recording devices) - if there is no digital input device then it can't handle it.
 

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human_error: i've seen some with RCA SPDIF inputs, but not optical. I just never had any devices with outputs for it, so i never tried it.
 

paulrules

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Oh I know I have a SPDIF Input port, that's not the issue. I just hope my computer will be able to decode it.... >.>

Picture attached as "proof" at least, I hope it's proper proof.

Also just because I have the input doesn't mean it will work. I wish I had that darn post to show right now. Blegh.
 

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human_error: i've seen some with RCA SPDIF inputs, but not optical. I just never had any devices with outputs for it, so i never tried it.

I remember looking about 14 months ago before i got my z-5500 speakers as a way of getting my xbox360's optical out to go into my pc's 5.1 surround sound which didn't have a digital input (basically using the optical in as a microphone and playing that sound through the speakers) -i used a creative x-fi platinum which had a 5.25" input/output module which had the optical in and out ports (but that was very expensive and the new (currently available) breakout box has less input/output on it so i can't say if a creative would work).

*pre-post edit*

I have however found this which looks like it has an optical in and is $15.99 and works through USB.

*post-post edit*

Oh I know I have a SPDIF Input port, that's not the issue. I just hope my computer will be able to decode it.... >.>

Picture attached as "proof" at least, I hope it's proper proof.

ahh fair enough - well if it has the input (an actual optical IN port) then it should be able to decode it.
 

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Oh I know I have a SPDIF Input port, that's not the issue. I just hope my computer will be able to decode it.... >.>

Picture attached as "proof" at least, I hope it's proper proof.

the concern is what kind of input is it. your picture shows several ports, but its not clear which ones the input (if you need optical in and you have coax/RCA in, you're screwed)

the concern here is the decoding ability - will he get 5.1 audio, will he get 2.0 audio, or will he get nothing.

To be honest, apart from him testing and letting us know, i dont know a way to tell.
 

paulrules

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the concern is what kind of input is it. your picture shows several ports, but its not clear which ones the input (if you need optical in and you have coax/RCA in, you're screwed)

....yeah, that would suck. Shit. Well at least I'm getting the cables today to try and work this out. I'll let you guys know on how it goes.

Yeah, turns out you were right Mussels. Doesn't work because it wasn't an input but an output. Now I have to buy a sound card that does SPDIF input which I'll have to save some money up for.

Does http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102024 look any good for what I'm doing?
 
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