How can I select a file to play on a specific soundcard?

[tjchuck]

With my HTPC setup I have two soundcards. One is the HDMI sound going to the TV for stereo sound and then the other sound card has 5.1 support to go to the receiver when playing DVD/BD in the video menu.

The problem is that I have video files that are encoded in 5.1 surround sound that are not DVD or Blu Ray.

I was wondering if there is a line of code that can be put into the properties file so that certain files such as mkv will be assigned to play on the 5.1 soundcard?

[babgvant]

Why don't you want to play everything back through the AVR? Everything will sound better on real speakers.

[tjchuck]

Yes that would be logical but mainly due to the wife factor she prefers to not turn on the AVR every time the TV is on. But currently I found a work around with a piece of freeware called "quick sound switch"

Baiscally here si what I did for the workaround:
1. Use dynamic menus to switch the soundcard through the free ware program
2. Then I select the 5.1 file through Sage
3. Sage minimizes and then Power DVD 8 plays the file
4. After done watching I exit Power DVD and then Sage comes back up again!

Works like a charm!!

If anyone knows any better ways please let me know but this way is not too painful.

[razrsharpe]

Originally Posted by tjchuck

Yes that would be logical but mainly due to the wife factor she prefers to not turn on the AVR every time the TV is on.

get a universal remote (ie harmony or urc) that turns on all the components in a transparent manner... you'll never have to remember to turn the AVR on again.