PC with HDMI video and 7.1 analog audio out

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Blacklac

the decoding is done in the software, not the sound card. I wouldn't even bother with sending the audio via bitstream. There are only like 2 cards that currently are able and that is with specific playback software. Example: the ASUS HDMI card needs TMT to bitstream, unless updates have recently came out for other options. I know those ATI cards cannot bitstream with PowerDVD9 yet.

Basically, if you want analog audio, just get any decent analog card. Make sure it has good driver support with bass management, if you need it.

Vid card? It doesn't take much. Any newer card should have hardware acceleration capabilities. You won't need a $300 gaming card, unless you also want to game. Although, you may look into the better cards if your concerned with SD deinterlacing and scaling.

The OP is looking for a sound card that will send the full resolution HD codecs via 5.1 analog out. He's not worried about video or bitstreaming (he's sending video via HDMI and his audio must be analog because of that bad mama jamma called the Lexicon MC12 ). So if he wanted unmolested - unscaled down HD audio through the analog outs - it would be the Asus Deluxe HDAV 1.3 Card or a motherboard witha qualifiying VIA chipset that works with TMT through analog outs.