AC3 Filter and digital audio problem

[walter scott]

I am running Sage TV vers. 5. I have Sound Max on board audio. I am using the latest version of AC3Filter. For the Soundmax I have both AC3 SPDIF and PCM SPDIF checked.

When I set up AC3 Filter, on the “Main” tab, if I leave “Use SPDIF” unchecked I get stereo digital audio fed to my A/V receiver no matter what type of file I play.

If I check “Use SPDIF”, I get full AC3 surround audio fed to the receiver when I play a file with AC3 sound. However, once I play such a file, I cannot get digital audio of any other type. In other words if I play a regular mpeg file Sage has recorded, or an mp3 there is no digital audio, even though the receiver indicates stereo digital. The only cure is to reboot the computer. During the reboot process, by the time the Windows Exit sound plays, the problems has resolved because I hear that sound. Once the machine has rebooted all audio is back to normal, until I play any file with Dolby AC3 sound.

This does not appear to be a Sage problem, because I can reproduce the same problem with Windows Media Player. A search of the Forum indicates some others are having a similar problem, but I have yet to find a solution.

[bhyman1]

On the tab that has Dolby Digital, DTS, and MPEG audio, try unchecking MPEG.

I think you're having the same issue I did and this took care of it.

[evilpenguin]

Originally Posted by walter scott

I am running Sage TV vers. 5. I have Sound Max on board audio. I am using the latest version of AC3Filter. For the Soundmax I have both AC3 SPDIF and PCM SPDIF checked.

When I set up AC3 Filter, on the “Main” tab, if I leave “Use SPDIF” unchecked I get stereo digital audio fed to my A/V receiver no matter what type of file I play.

If I check “Use SPDIF”, I get full AC3 surround audio fed to the receiver when I play a file with AC3 sound. However, once I play such a file, I cannot get digital audio of any other type. In other words if I play a regular mpeg file Sage has recorded, or an mp3 there is no digital audio, even though the receiver indicates stereo digital. The only cure is to reboot the computer. During the reboot process, by the time the Windows Exit sound plays, the problems has resolved because I hear that sound. Once the machine has rebooted all audio is back to normal, until I play any file with Dolby AC3 sound.

This does not appear to be a Sage problem, because I can reproduce the same problem with Windows Media Player. A search of the Forum indicates some others are having a similar problem, but I have yet to find a solution.

Are you using the Via Envy audio chipset?

[walter scott]

Originally Posted by bhyman1

On the tab that has Dolby Digital, DTS, and MPEG audio, try unchecking MPEG.

I think you're having the same issue I did and this took care of it.

No change. thanks for the quick replay, tho. Man this is irritating, I really want to listen in full AC3 surround!

[walter scott]

Originally Posted by evilpenguin

Are you using the Via Envy audio chipset?

How can i find out?

[zoso]

The Soundmax onboard sound is buggy. I had to install a Realtek driver to get the SPDIF out on mine to work properly (A work around I found after hours of searching the internet.) I am not sure what Soundmax devices this method works for, but my motherboard is a P4C800-E Deluxe with an ad1985 codec. If you are interested in trying the Realtek driver, let me know and I will see if I can find the install file for you.

[walter scott]

Originally Posted by zoso

The Soundmax onboard sound is buggy. I had to install a Realtek driver to get the SPDIF out on mine to work properly (A work around I found after hours of searching the internet.) I am not sure what Soundmax devices this method works for, but my motherboard is a P4C800-E Deluxe with an ad1985 codec. If you are interested in trying the Realtek driver, let me know and I will see if I can find the install file for you.

If it is a bug/driver issue, i will probably live with it, Im concerned loading a different driver will break something, as Ive been bit by this before!

[zoso]

Originally Posted by walter scott

If it is a bug/driver issue, i will probably live with it, Im concerned loading a different driver will break something, as Ive been bit by this before!

High risk on this one for sure. Totally different brand, and not even rebranded. Why it works I don't know. When I did it, I ghosted my OS drive first just in case.