SPDIF Dumb question

[TheThumper]

I know there are no dumb questions, but this one is probably as close as you can get when it comes to all this HTPC stuff.

I am having troubles getting any sound when playing a DVD in SageTV using NVidia's Decoder's. The LiveTV sound comes through fine, but I don't see the Audio tab in the NVidia's Decoder settings when playing LiveTV (like I do when playing a DVD) so I am guessing that SageTV is actually selecting a different audio decoder "behind-the-scenes" whereas with DVD playback I think the only decoder that will work is the NVidia one so SageTV uses it and is stuck with no sound. Ok here is the question:
I have my speakers plugged into my sound card on my computer, In other words, I don't use a receiver. Does all of the this "Make sure your output in NVidia Decoder Audio settings is set to SPDIF Audio" mean that I am supposed to have some special receiver that actually makes the sound?

[RedR]

Heya,

I do not mean to be a a..er well this may be a dumb answer.. On my PC I have Audio out via the on-board sound card, and in addition to that a SPDIF connector on the mother board itself for SPDIF. Thus if selecting SPDIF output via the software/decoder, I'd have to have my speakers/audio receiver connected to that SPDIF connector, not the audio out via the on-board sound card. That make sense?

Hope this helps,
RedR

PS- Someone please correct me if I am wrong on this.. Thanks.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by TheThumper

I know there are no dumb questions,

Sorry (no offense intended), but I couldn't resist, you're openning was just too perfect

Seriously...

but this one is probably as close as you can get when it comes to all this HTPC stuff.

I am having troubles getting any sound when playing a DVD in SageTV using NVidia's Decoder's. The LiveTV sound comes through fine, but I don't see the Audio tab in the NVidia's Decoder settings when playing LiveTV (like I do when playing a DVD) so I am guessing that SageTV is actually selecting a different audio decoder "behind-the-scenes" whereas with DVD playback I think the only decoder that will work is the NVidia one so SageTV uses it and is stuck with no sound. Ok here is the question:
I have my speakers plugged into my sound card on my computer, In other words, I don't use a receiver. Does all of the this "Make sure your output in NVidia Decoder Audio settings is set to SPDIF Audio" mean that I am supposed to have some special receiver that actually makes the sound?

If I'm reading this right, you've got a set of speakers, hooked up to the analog outputs of your "soundcard". If that is the case, then yes, nVidia's decoder will not work for you. It does not support decoding of AC3 (Dolby Digital) audio for multichannel analog output. You would need a Reciever or Preamp-processor to do the decoding externally from the PC.

You do have a couple of (Free) options:
AC3Filter
Dscaler 5 Alpha

Both can Decode AC3 for you.

[TheThumper]

No offense taken... and yes, I am an quisitive idiot!

Thanks for clarify that up for me, yes I have a simple sub-woofer and 2 sattelite speakers hooked directly up to the sound card, I am trying to ditch the old receiver I had and the speaker system sounds pretty good. Everything works with LiveTV, but not DVD and I am guessing (would love to know if I am right) that in LiveTV it finds another decoder to use. Also, thanks for the options (free) too, I will investigate tonight. I must say I have learned a lot on this rebuild, mostly the painful way

[Polypro]

Radlight filter manager will allow you to get into the NVidia audio decoder settings. That being said, I was, up until yesterday, using the same setup as you...onboard analog with Sub and desk speakers. I always had sound using any decoder. Use DCCHECK from MS and verify that NVidia is preferred, and then try "Default" in Sage. Try WinDVD's decoders also and see if it helps.

P

[TheThumper]

Not having any luck finding DCCheck with google or Microsoft's site search. It isn't a tool included with the OS is it?

[gplasky]

Deccheck.

Gerry

[TheThumper]

Thanks that made a difference!

It only list the Video Decoders, not the Audio which is what I appear to be having problems with. BTW NVidia was working properly and selected as the preferred decoder for Windows Media Player, which also, plays the DVD fine. Now if I could get it working with SAGETV!

[stanger89]

Like I said above, nVidia's decoder won't decode DVD audio in Sage. Perhaps it needs a bit more explanation though: It only decodes in Dolby Certified apps, WMP is one such app, however Sage is not, so for DVDs, you'll have to use a different decoder unless you're using digital (S/PDIF) output.

[TheThumper]

The light bulbs are coming on, too bad I'm on a dimmer switch

I now realize I have to decode the signal and using your suggestion earlier I tried installing the AC3 filter you mentioned. When I went to play the DVD it made a "popping" sound at the beginning and the quickly became quiet again. Not sure what to make of that. I have been taking images as I move along and since I had been installing/uninstalling decoders and the like for the past day or so I thought I might reimage and start fresh again.

I do appreciate all the help here, I don't know how long it would take me to figure this without the assistance I have gotten here.

Any advice on how to use AC3 filter to decode the signal? How are most people doing this, using their Recievers to do the decoding?

[Polypro]

Originally Posted by gplasky

Deccheck.

Gerry

Ooops, sorry 'bout that...

P