Audio volume levels

[KarylFStein]

I just bought a new 5.1 system (Logitec Z-5500) to replace my TVs built-in speakers. The audio system comes with a built-in decoder for DTS at al. Previously I had been using the decoders that came with TheaterTek with the audio pack.

My audio is just the Realtek AC'97 CODEC built-in to my motherboard.

I rebuilt the entire system from scratch and only installed the nVidia PureVideo decoders (no audio) and the latest Realtek drivers. I plugged in the "receiver" with a coax S/PDIF connection.

I get audio through the system, although I have to use the receiver to control the volume. I understand that is to be expected and I can program my remote to control that volume.

My problem is that audio coming off the Hauppauge 500 is much louder than that off the AverMedia A180 and DVDs. I had addressed this before by pushing all audio through the same decoders. However, this doesn't seem to help here.

I tried plugging in the analog cables (the set of three), but I get the same results. I'm not sure how I get any audio off the analog cables for DVDs as I do not have any software decoders installed to my knowledge. I only get the audio that way if I set the receiver to "6 channel direct", so maybe that has something to do with it.

My question is to how best to set up my audio. I want everything to be about the same level so the family isn't scared (or woken up) when switching from DVD to TV. I'd rather not do the software decoders since I already bought the PureVideo Bronze without the audio decoders. However, if that's the way to go, I don't mind. I've been browsing the forums and found similar questions, but no real answers. Any help would be appreciated.