HDPVR and AC3 audio missing

[sundansx]

A couple of weeks ago I loaded the 1.5.6.1 drivers for my HDPVR and gave spdif audio another try. I had previoulsy given it a try with the 1.0.x drivers and got the "underwater" audio problem. On the latest attempt, when I used this driver with my HDPVR I got no audio at all (I unplugged the stereo audio). I then installed and used the Arcsoft capture app and it did the same thing...no spdif audio, stereo audio is fine. I did the following:
Used hcwinstall to put the drivers on there
verified the Motorola SPDIF signal could be decoded by my receiver.

I then setup the arcsoft app and drivers on my laptop and plugged in the HDPVR. Same exact operation. stereo audio and no ac3. It even produced a file without audio, the same as the last machine. This machine has never had a tuner installed.

My setup:
1080i feed with spdif coming from a FIOS Motorola Qip62xx box
HDPVR C2 hw version

Comp 1: Windows XP sp2,
Coreduo, intel chipset, nvidia vid card

comp 2: win xp sp3
atom, intel chipset, intel "video card" 945gse

I have heard of a few people getting spdif audio fine with C2 hardware and I used to get the underwater craptastic, so I am not sure what is up here.

Anyone have any other ideas?

[MitchSchaft]

You using onboard audio?

[sundansx]

yes, using Intel HD audio. used sage, and zoomplayer with correct codec support. I have played the file on several different computers with the same results. Also, mediainfo says that there is no audio in the container, as well.
I am pretty sure that it is not a playback problem, just something with the drivers or HDPVR device.
I had thought about sending it in for warranty, but balked because this unit has no crash problem at all. It has never crashed even with a FIOS box. With the garbage Hauppauge is sending out and the questionable spdif support that Hauppauge (pronounced "Happy-to-take-your-money-sucker") has delivered, it seems too risky. If they were cheap, I would buy another to experiment, but they are still too pricey.