S/PDIF and Multichannel Audio Questions

C

carmola

Audiophyte
Hello there.
I've always had my computer playing multichannel audio through my HT system using the analog cables.
I recently bought a new HT system that doesn't have the analog plugs, so I plugged with the coaxial cable.
My question is:
Can the S/PDIF on the computer sound card plays multichannel? The sound configuration only shows 2 channel and won't let me change it. I also have read somewhere that S/PDIF can only play 2 channel audio.
If it's true that only 2 channel audio is possible, is there a hardware that will have the analog inputs (for the 3-4 stereo cables to make 6-8 channels) and convert them to digital coaxial, so I can have back my multichannel audio?
My sound card is a Supreme FX from ASUS, on a Maximus Formula MoBo.
My HT is a Philips HTS 6600 (it doesn't have an optical connector either).

Thank you.
 
Adam

Adam

Audioholic Jedi
Welcome to the forum!

S/PDIF can indeed play multi-channel. The best way, I believe, is to set up your computer to send the raw digital bitstream out the digital audio output. If you are sending it as PCM, then it will be two-channel (as far as I can remember). On my computer, I had to set the sound card to use the digital output (it couldn't use both analog and digital at the same time), and I had to set up my software program(s) to send the straight digital stream. Your computer may be different, but I wanted to mention that because you might have to set that in more than one place.
 
C

carmola

Audiophyte
Thanks for the answer!
I am using Windows Vista, and the only output setting I can find is to select the Playback Device as S/PDIF Interface.
That will only change where Windows and other programs (that doesn't have sound configuration) plays their sounds. I know both are still working because I can play songs on S/PDIF while using headphones on the analog output for voice communication.
I can't seem to find a configuration that turns off the analog output at all. And I have been testing and the sound output on S/PDIF is stereo only.
The *Sounds* option on Vista Control Panel is nothing but an interface change program. And when I click on *Properties* there are only a few configurations available, as the volume controls, balance etc.
I know what you mean because on Windows XP I had to check the *Digital output only* box and it would disable the analog sound.
I am not sure if Vista can do both without affecting the multichannel/stereo capability of S/PDIF but I know I just can't disable analog output at all.
 

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