Novice HTPC questions, audio... (1 Viewer)

[Alex-C]

I posted this last night in AVS forum, havent got a response from anyone yet...
okay. I am obtaining the use of an Infocus LP350 and want to set it up on a temp basis at home. I have a SONY VAIO that has a nvidia card with DVI output. I want to utilize this and the DVD player in the PC for video (I hear this is a superior setup).
For Audio, I need to be able to send the digital out to my Denon 3801. So I need a new sound card capable of digital out for DTS and DD signals, right ?
What do ppl use ? I unknowlingly checked out Creative labs website and saw they had a 5.1 capable card, but after reading some posts, I see CL are not favorable.
I would like to just use a single optical cable from the PC for audio.
Also, should I get some new DVD software to play the movies ? I have been just using the stock software installed on my VAIO, and its not one of the major ones - powerDVD or WinDVD.
-alex
------------------
My HT

 

[Kimmo Jaskari]

I hear good things about the Hercules Gamesurround Fortissimo II... it has optical outs and I think you get PowerDVD 3.0 with the card. Info at http://www.hercules.com
There is also the M-Audio Audiophile 2496 that seems pretty cool:
http://www.m-audio.com/products/m-audio/audiophile.htm
Personal gut feeling (yeah I know, not much to go on, so you could also read the specs and the review they have on their page) says the Audiophile is a better part, but if you go with that one you'll probably need a SPDIF -> optical converter box too, unless you have an SPDIF digital port free on your receiver and not just an optical.
------------------
/Kimmo
[Edited last by Kimmo Jaskari on October 31, 2001 at 01:24 PM]

 

[JohanK]

I use the Philips Acoustic Edge card (