Jagan Seshadri

SPDIF output from Soundblaster Live. Help!

I just realized that my Soundblaster Live! card has a SPDIF output, so I ran it into my Yamaha RX-V1200 receiver two nights ago and was impressed that my computer could output PCM when playing sound files, and my PowerDVD software could output DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 over the SPDIF link.

Then I tried it the next day and it didn't work.
It seems that my Creative Drivers (the latest ones from their site that works with my XP Professional OS) only output "Rear Left" and "Rear Right" over SPDIF in 4-speaker mode. 2-speaker mode outputs nothing over SPDIF. Furthermore, my PowerDVD (in SPDIF output mode) software no longer outputs DTS or Dolby Digital.

I tested the digital port on my Yamaha and it works fine.

I am not overseeing obvious things like muting on the computer.

Who can help me solve this issue?

-JNS

Jagan Seshadri

Hi Jagan, I can help you solve your problem.

The SPDIF output is a stereo 1/8" outlet, and you are hooking an adapter cable to it which gives you a Red RCA plug and White RCA plug. You are using the Red plug. Although this link (from Creative Labs, maker of Soundblaster) says that the Red plug "carries no signal", it does and this is what threw you off.

The Red plug carries a 48kHz PCM pilot signal that only sends sound to the 'rear channels' when you are in "4-Speaker mode", and silently mocks you in other modes. Damn those truth-twisters at Creative Labs. Damn them all.

Solution: Use the White plug.

Don't thank me, Jagan, all I ask for is that you treat yourself to an early night's sleep so you won't have to feel like a zombie at work tomorrow. The more you help yourself, the more I can help you.

-JNS

Bob_C

LOL, thank goodness Jagan was here to help out....I was starting to worry for Jagan and his problem.

Gunnar J

Jagan,

Is it now outputing 5.1 for DVD's again as well?

Thanks.

Gunnar