Vista & Soundmax

[tyronne27]

Ok, my last stumbling block for vista. I have onboard audio via soundmax intergrated HD. Installed the XP drivers which work and pass sound through SPDIF to my AMP. however it is only passing PCM not Dolby Digital. Have searched for around for the last couple of days Asus hasnt provided any Vista Beta drivers. anyone found a work around for this? this is the only thing stopping me from putting it on my main htpc, have now got bladerunner working, austar and FTA on the same box.

[simbot82]

So the sound is through SPDIF connector but is only PCM sound? Have you set mce to output via SPDIF to 5.1? You could also try AC3filter to ffed SPDIf directly to reciever (not sure if it works under vista as I gave up as no Drivers from nvidia for component out support)

[tyronne27]

yeah, did try the AC3filter and moded the reg, to use AC3filter as the prefered decoder. ( I currently use this in MCE2005 works fine) made no difference, so I believe the issue is at driver level. Vista MCE only gives you the option to set (stereo, 5.1, 7.1). doesnt provide an option for spdif at this stage. setting to 5.1 doesnt make a difference. I am using the default MS decoder, have tried Nvidia and PowerDVD. Still no luck

[simbot82]

What is the soundmax version, I have a hacked SMWDM folder with intel inf and asus additions that fixed my SPDIF errors under MCE 2005, might be of assitance if version the same. Can't hurt either

Will upload later for ya if your interested.

[tyronne27]

am using the latest XP driver 5.1.10.4115. (I think) have read some obscure posts on other website's about it. It loads a generic Microsoft HD audio device driver during install. that only lets you connect the minijack on the back of the mobo. (no spdif). I have loaded the sound max xp driver. which works with the spdif. sounds like I'm not alone.

Asus/soundmax seem a little slow on the vista uptake considering the OS will be realeased soon. Realtek have drivers for vista and have heard good reports from it.

[rjlloyd]

HI spent all weekend trying rc2 on 2 different machines and have exactly the the same problem and came to the same conclusion as you that the problem is at driver level. probably not what you want to hear.

[rjlloyd]

Oh and for the record cant get true pass through happening with realtek either, although SPDIF working only appears to be 2 channel/Pro logic

[tyronne27]

thanks for the info on the realtek driver. it is basically what I'm getting from the soundmax. what a shame, 90% then a spanner in the works.

does beg the question if anyone has got Dolby Digital / DTS to there amp under vista. if so what hardware/driver are they using.

[gooball]

It definitely is a driver issue.

I have a realtek chip and neither the driver on windows update nor the driver from nvidia (I have an nforce 4 board) worked. The driver directly from realtek's site does, however, work. 'True' dolby digtal' passthrough.

All I can say is keep trying different drivers... eventually you will be given an spdif option in vista's setup.

[tyronne27]

unfortunately it's across the board. have done some more searching. it would appear the SPDIF issues relate to HDCP. passing Dolby digital at driver level. now if only I could find a hack

[nigel984]

I was in the same boat, I couldnt get 5.1 audio working from the 3.5 minijacks.

I am about to build a HTPC (my first REAL attempt at it). Are the features in RC2 worth the hassle over MCE2005?

Thanks!

[tyronne27]

1. The interface is prettier with nice transition effects.
2. mini guide
3. I prefer the menu system in vista mce as it is better for a widescreen TV.
4. Default MS video/audio decoder

Appart from that, everything in vista you can do in MCE 2005.