Explain FAQ Further

[EQTakeOffense]

Alternately, you can use a digital connection of either the optical or coaxial variety. This typically carries only a stereo signal, unless you are playing back a previously encoded digital stream

How do I know of the signal is digitaly encoded? And, where does it get decoded at?

Ex:

I'm watching a movie with DTS Digital Audio in it, the sounds goes to the Audigy 2 -> A/V Recieve.

Now, does the DTS signal get decoded at the Audigy 2 and then the decoded signal is sent to the A/V? Or, is the signal always Digitaly Encoded?

 

[xonik]

A previously encoded digital signal is a vague way to say an AC3 (Dolby Digital), DTS, or PCM signal. 'Previously encoded' refers to the fact that the content is not an on-the-fly process, like in 99% of cases. DVDs, DTS CDs, and more use previously encoded AC3 and DTS content.

The digital outputs featured in consumer level soundcards can only transmit AC3, DTS and PCM content.

As to whether the content is decoded or not, and at which stage, you just have to see what kind of connection you are using.

If it's a digital connection, chances are good that the encoded conten remains that way and is decoded later. If it's an analog connection, the signal has already been converted and sent through a digital to analog converter.

 

[Mister X]

Now, does the DTS signal get decoded at the Audigy 2 and then the decoded signal is sent to the A/V? Or, is the signal always Digitaly Encoded?

That depends on the settings in the Audio HQ control pannel applet and/or the playback software.

 

[GodsMadClown]

Do I need to revise the FAQ?

 

[EQTakeOffense]

If it's a digital connection, chances are good that the encoded conten remains that way and is decoded later. If it's an analog connection, the signal has already been converted and sent through a digital to analog converter.

So as long as I makesure the connection between Audigy 2 and the A/V Receiver is digital I'll get surround sound?

But, if that is true, doesn't it contradict the FAQ?

Alternately, you can use a digital connection of either the optical or coaxial variety. This typically carries only a stereo signal, unless you are playing back a previously encoded digital stream

It says to get Surround Sound from my Audigy to the A/V I need to user 1/8" mini-jacks

Otherwise, you need a receiver with multichannel analog inputs. Get 3 minijack-RCA cables like the one pictured above, and route the soundcard's L/R, SL/SR, Cent/Sub outputs into the respective inputs on your receiver.

Why can;t I just use an Optical Out from the Audigy 2 and put it in an Optical In on the A/V and then just select the right input on the A/V?

 

[Fryguy8]

you can.

This typically carries only a stereo signal, unless you are playing back a previously encoded digital stream

You have a previously encoded signal, so it will "pass through" the soundcard to your A/V Receiver.

 

[EQTakeOffense]

Ah... Ok.... I understand now for the most part. Thanks alot =)

 

[Mister X]

Why can;t I just use an Optical Out from the Audigy 2 and put it in an Optical In on the A/V and then just select the right input on the A/V?

Maybe because the basic audigy cards don't have a optical out?

 

[xonik]

So as long as I makesure the connection between Audigy 2 and the A/V Receiver is digital I'll get surround sound?

But, if that is true, doesn't it contradict the FAQ?

Not at all. Dolby Digital, DTS, and anything else known as digital surround formats must be converted to analog at some point. Whether this happens in the receiver or whether it happens before this (for example, at the soundcard) is just a difference in execution. Either you can keep the signal digital prior to entering the receiver, or you can convert it to analog before reaching the receiver. It's up to the individual user's desires.

 

[EQTakeOffense]

But then how do I know if the digital signal has 'passed through' the audigy card? Or, better question, how do I get the digital signal to pass through the audio card?

Maybe because the basic audigy cards don't have a optical out?

Audigy 2 Platnium does have a breakout box with Optical Out.

 

[Mister X]

Audigy 2 Platnium does have a breakout box with Optical Out.

It's not quite the same thing as a basic Audigy card though is it?
was it not plain enough or did you just miss that point altogether?

Or, better question, how do I get the digital signal to pass through the audio card?

Control panel, Audio HQ, select S/PDIF pass through in the settings section.
Alternately you can also select S/DIF pass-through in the DVD software you are using