Don't understand the new Asus HDAV1.3

[SQBubble]

Does it convert analog to hdmi ? I don't think so! Then where are you supposed to connect the hdmi cable?
I'm kinda new to the whole hdmi thing and its veeeeeery confusing, I fully understand connecting a video card or a blu-ray player to an FullHD TV through hdmi, but I can't understand the whole audio stuff, I feel like it wouldve been a lot simpler if they just dindt combine audio and video into 1 cable...

[GoodToGo]

Do you have the card or not?

Also heading over the AVS forums might be a better idea since they have a full raging thread going there.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by SQBubble

Does it convert analog to hdmi ? I don't think so! Then where are you supposed to connect the hdmi cable?
I'm kinda new to the whole hdmi thing and its veeeeeery confusing, I fully understand connecting a video card or a blu-ray player to an FullHD TV through hdmi, but I can't understand the whole audio stuff, I feel like it wouldve been a lot simpler if they just dindt combine audio and video into 1 cable...

It works very well, I actually use another solution for HDMI audio (I can't bitstream the codecs though) but the sound is amazing!!! I think we may see the fusion of the audio and video card in the PC world - S3 has come out with a video card with its own sound processor on board (the 9300/9400 Nvidia chipset does the same thing) its only a matter of time.

[kpkelley]

I picked this up a few weeks ago, and haven't had any issues with the card, other than it's size - it's enormous. It's the largest sound card i've had in my pc.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by kpkelley

I picked this up a few weeks ago, and haven't had any issues with the card, other than it's size - it's enormous. It's the largest sound card i've had in my pc.

And probrably the best one too

[SQBubble]

Originally Posted by prerich

It works very well, I actually use another solution for HDMI audio (I can't bitstream the codecs though) but the sound is amazing!!! I think we may see the fusion of the audio and video card in the PC world - S3 has come out with a video card with its own sound processor on board (the 9300/9400 Nvidia chipset does the same thing) its only a matter of time.

But where do you connect your hdmi to?

I don't know if the Xonar Essence STX is better for me... They say it has better SQ than the hdav1.3 but doesnt decode DTS and TrueHD...

[prerich]

Originally Posted by SQBubble

But where do you connect your hdmi to?

I don't know if the Xonar Essence STX is better for me... They say it has better SQ than the hdav1.3 but doesnt decode DTS and TrueHD...

It's an out from the video card into the soundcard out to the receiver (that's why it has 2 hdmi ports - one's an in the other is an out. What are you trying to do with your PC?

[prerich]

Originally Posted by SQBubble

But where do you connect your hdmi to?

I don't know if the Xonar Essence STX is better for me... They say it has better SQ than the hdav1.3 but doesnt decode DTS and TrueHD...

Tweek Town has a review of this board and they say its the best sounding board in its price class (not withstanding the HDAV 1.3 - it's in another price class altogether - especially if you get the HDAV 1.3 Deluxe model with 7.1 analog outs). Both boards are fine boards but I would go with the HDAV if I'm going to watch BD movies with my PC. The best you can get out tof the Essence is sending a coax/optical bitstream to your receiver and get Dolby Digital, or DTS. The Essence is really made for a two-channel purist or a person that likes to listen with high-end head phones (not for gamers or BD fans) its SNR is 7 db higher than the HDAV but 120 is nothing to sneeze at either - let alone the 127 of the Essence. They both have Burr-Brown DAC's (same chips if I'm not mistaken). Pick your posion.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by SQBubble

But where do you connect your hdmi to?

I don't know if the Xonar Essence STX is better for me... They say it has better SQ than the hdav1.3 but doesnt decode DTS and TrueHD...

What's your equipment - audio and pc?

[SQBubble]

Originally Posted by prerich

What's your equipment - audio and pc?

PC:

Well right now I'm using a Soundblaster X-fi elite pro sound card, asus 8800gt video card, 4gb of ram, intel q6600 cpu @3.3ghz and an asus p5k-e motherboard. LG blu-ray/hd dvd player, connected through DVI to a Samsung 245BW 24" monitor, 1920*1200 resolution...

Audio:

B&W 685 bookshelves powered by a Crown XTi1000 amplifier high-passed @ 45hz with 48db/oct and an 18" Ascendnat audio havoc sub with 2 18" passive radiator in 7.4cu.ft NET tuned at 18hz, powered by a Crown XTi2000 bridged, low-passed @ 49hz 48db/oct. Amplifiers goes through an ART Cleanbox to convert XLR's to analog, and then RCA to 3.5mm jack to go in the X-fi soundcard.

And that's pretty much it...

[SQBubble]

Originally Posted by prerich

It's an out from the video card into the soundcard out to the receiver (that's why it has 2 hdmi ports - one's an in the other is an out. What are you trying to do with your PC?

So you have absoloutly no Analog involved in your whole system?

[prerich]

Originally Posted by SQBubble

So you have absoloutly no Analog involved in your whole system?

Everyone eventually has analog in their systems . My LPCM 7.1 goes from my pc to my receiver and then to my amps, finally to my speakers. All signals must be converted to analog eventually for humans to hear them. Check my sig to check my rig If you're asking me if I have any analog sources - I only have one - My Sony ES 5 disc CD player (which sees little action now).