*Official* Asus Xonar HDAV1.3 thread

[MickeyDora]

Originally Posted by AngelEyes

Then why is it on sale?

Originally Posted by cybrsage

The card has been released for sale, yet the drivers and application are still in beta. Beta != RTM. Beta is the stage PRIOR to Release To Manufacturing.

Seriously guys, PowerDVD has been in BETA for years and no one seems to bitch about it. Oh, wait!!! The PDVD thread is over 100 pages long. Never mind.

Certain software companies never ever get out of BETA and use end-consumers as test beds and update the application more often than Liz Taylor goes through husbands.

[Tolstoi]

Originally Posted by AbMagFab

We have no evidence that the current problems can be fixed with drivers. Unless you're willing to buy the card as-is, which means no Vista bitstreaming, no 24p, and video "enhancement" that can't be turned off, you should wait.

If you buy it now, you've been clearly warned and can't complain if these things never get fixed.

If they do get fixed with software, then you've lost nothing by waiting, and perhaps gained some additional options while you wait.

I agree with you there is no rush and getting this card until we got answer to these issues.

[post-x]

Originally Posted by Rudy81

My solution will be to go with one of the soon to be released stand alone players.

+1...
I've spent soooo many hours AND money in setting up my HTPC to get it all right, but there are always problems. I'm sick of this!
Thinking with the head and not with the heart, it's obvious and logical to spend $200-300 in a fully capable standalone player, and not in a card which isn't capable to do what it's supposed to: bitstream HD audio...
Sad but true...

[cybrsage]

Originally Posted by MickeyDora

Seriously guys, PowerDVD has been in BETA for years and no one seems to bitch about it. Oh, wait!!! The PDVD thread is over 100 pages long. Never mind.

Certain software companies never ever get out of BETA and use end-consumers as test beds and update the application more often than Liz Taylor goes through husbands.

Can I be her husband for a week?

[Cosmic023]

Finally at last, i've got this Asus card working in XP.

I decided to start from scratch: (Cue long post)

Reset Onkyo 705 amp back to factory settings
Remove all ASUS HDAV Drivers & Programs
Run a registry cleaner, to remove left over traces
Re-install the card, and check connections as per manual
Installed Drivers, HD-Splendid & TMT Software..... (Didn't bother with Gamer OSD as i don't need it)
(HDAV Driver Version 5.12.8.1745, TMT Version 2.1.13.122)

Resolution: 1280x720@72hz (Clone Mode: 19" LCD from 2nd DVI on GFX card, HDMI from Onkyo to PJ)

DVD's:
Dolby Digital 5.1 & 6.1EX - Working Ok
DTS 5.1 & 6.1EX - Working Ok
(All dvd's show as Multichannel PCM rather than DD/DTS? Either 96khz or 48khz doesn't change the setting?)

HD-DVD & Blu-Ray:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - Working Ok (Shown as DD, No Audio at 48khz until HDMI handshake was reset. 96khz Ok)
Dolby Digital Plus - Working Ok (Shown as Multi-Ch PCM, Slight Stutter at 48khz. 96khz Ok)
DTS Master 7.1 - Working Ok (Show as DTS-Mstr)
LPCM 5.1 - Working Ok (Shown as Multi-Ch PCM)

I've tried all audio types as 48khz & 96khz, you can notice a slight difference. (This also depended on the disk & type of audio used.)

The only problem i found was a slight delay in audio as each disc progress through the various screens before the film, while the HDMI handshake takes place.

The bass crossover on the Asus was set at 120hz, The Onkyo was left as factory reset settings. (I didn't want to have the hassle of setting up the amp, just in case i couldn't get the card to work!)

Well as for audio quality from the Asus card, it sounds pretty much similar to my previous Panasonic BD30 Blu-Ray player!! (Which i think is much better, compared to the analogue outs of the onboard audio card.)

I hope this info helps people, all we need now is stable Vista drivers with bit-streaming!

One thing i have noticed is very poor edge detail, macroblocking when playing DVD's, is this a TMT or ATI issue? Had no trouble before with Vista.

That's enough for today anyway, as i've lost an afternoon here messing!!

Cheers
Lee

[nephster]

TMT is known to be pretty bad with standard dvds. Stick with your preferred player!

[sotti]

Originally Posted by post-x

+1...
I've spent soooo many hours AND money in setting up my HTPC to get it all right, but there are always problems. I'm sick of this!
Thinking with the head and not with the heart, it's obvious and logical to spend $200-300 in a fully capable standalone player, and not in a card which isn't capable to do what it's supposed to: bitstream HD audio...
Sad but true...

Sign me up as a totally disenchant BD user.

This stuff is such a headache right now, I just don't even want to deal with it.

Spend another 2 hours last night trying to figure out why all my BD playback apps drop to overlay. I only have an 8200mobo, but I got it to have HDMI audio, but even then I'm not getting max resolution, much less bit perfect audio.

[yamahaSHO]

I personally don't care for stand alones, however, I think it is much wiser to go with a SA player than buy this card currently. Hell, I'd rather use a PS3 and have it decode everything before spending $200 for bitstreaming (something that *should* be simple). Currently, I just use SPDIF and am satisfied with DD/DTS.

[MickeyDora]

Originally Posted by sotti

Sign me up as a totally disenchant BD user.

This stuff is such a headache right now, I just don't even want to deal with it.

Spend another 2 hours last night trying to figure out why all my BD playback apps drop to overlay. I only have an 8200mobo, but I got it to have HDMI audio, but even then I'm not getting max resolution, much less bit perfect audio.

What's your total set-up and what app are you using that drops to overlay? TMT will use EVR in Vista but I am not 100% sure what XP uses but you CAN install/use EVR in XP so that TMT will default to EVR.

I have a very slow system but my 8600GT more than makes up for the CPU shortfall and plays all BD's with no problems other than when TMT has a fit on certain titles.

[Cosmic023]

Many thanks for the heads up on TMT with SD discs. In that case, I'll stick with Theatretek and FFDShow.

Cheers
Lee

Edit: Just installed Theatretek, 200% improvement!!

[caveman001]

HD-DVD & Blu-Ray:

Dolby Digital Plus - Working Ok (Shown as Multi-Ch PCM, Slight Stutter at 48khz. 96khz Ok)


dolby digital + should tell your amp dd+ mine does the hand shake takes a bit but when it connects it is all good

[Cosmic023]

Thanks Caveman,

I'll try again later, as i'm busy loading all the updates for windows!! (It's gonna take a while!!)

Cheers
Lee

[ymarker]

My card just shipped. Should be here hopefully next week. so excited!!

Have you guys tried running TMT with anydvd for blu-rays? Any Issues with stripping off AACS and bitstreaming with pap and all?

[Digi247]

Well it's gone Thursday and now into Friday here in good old blighty and guess what no sign of those elusive new drivers.

Oh! Dear.

[asisrem]

So in few words... When is it released to the average joe (me)?

[Cosmic023]

ymarker:
I've only tried discs with TMT, no HD rips or edited rips. So i couldn't say on that one. It was worked ok in the past, for older versions of TMT.

asisrem:
We are all in the same boat, even us in the UK think the release for us was a mistake.

Maybe they are holding out till Auzentech release their new HDMI card? Just a thought.

As for the new drivers, I'm waiting too. I'd like to see what improvements have been made over the current beta drivers.

Cheers
Lee

[Cosmic023]

Well the enjoyment didn't last long!!

I decided to watch several films last night (after an exciting day of getting this card to finally work), but TMT froze up several times during both films, the last lockup froze windows and needed a reboot!!

Also kept having problems with loud pops during both films (Bitstream Shotgun effect!!), I know my speakers are not the best, but then i thought it had popped the tweeters on the last pop!! I know Onkyo's suffer from this effect, but mine is up to date and has been great with standalone players.

The films were Transformers (DD+) and Casino Royale (PCM), While it was working it looked great, and sounded great.

So i've decided to keep my sanity (what's left of it!!) and RMA the card back.

It's a shame it didn't work out, but i can't have stability that poor. It's bad enough to work out how to make it stable!! (and the time sink it creates)

Ah well back to x6 analogue again, and restored my Vista image on the HTPC.

Let's hope they get it right next time eh!!

Cheers
Lee

Edit: I know i posted earlier, about updating windows. But it was taking far too long and cancelled it, so i didn't install any updates. (Apart from the updates on a fresh install of XP-SP2)

[buletti]

Hi there,

I'm not sure if anyone of you guys is interested in using the Xonar HDAV 1.3 for anything else than playing Blurays. I'm using it for my media PC which also means for gaming. And except for the known PAP issues discussed here I do also have serious problems using the Xonar HDAV 1.3 for gaming. I get evil blue screens of death (BSOD) as soon as I start a game in Windows XP SP3. From the list of my currently installed games only one works with the Xonar HDAV 1.3:

• Assassin's Creed - BSOD
• Race Driver GRID - BSOD
• GTR Evolution - OK
• Guitar Hero III - BSOD
• Sins of a Solar Empire - BSOD
• Crysis Warhead - BSOD
• Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 - BSOD

The BSOD is caused by cmhdav.sys which seems to be the driver for the C-Media Oxygen HD CMI8788 chip used by the Xonar HDAV 1.3.
I get the blue screens using the official beta driver 5.12.8.1745 as well as using the newer beta driver 5.12.8.1749 (which borks my DTS HD Master bitstreaming).
I tried both audio paths in the Xonar HDAV Center (HDMI and analog). I also deactivated/uninstalled all other sound cards I have (Realtek onboard and Creative Soundblaster Audigy ZS) without success.
I wonder if there is anyone else experiencing the same trouble using the Xonar HDAV 1.3 for PC games?

[AngelEyes]

Originally Posted by buletti

Hi there,

I'm not sure if anyone of you guys is interested in using the Xonar HDAV 1.3 for anything else than playing Blurays. I'm using it for my media PC which also means for gaming. And except for the known PAP issues discussed here I do also have serious problems using the Xonar HDAV 1.3 for gaming. I get evil blue screens of death (BSOD) as soon as I start a game in Windows XP SP3. From the list of my currently installed games only one works with the Xonar HDAV 1.3:

• Assassin's Creed - BSOD
• Race Driver GRID - BSOD
• GTR Evolution - OK
• Guitar Hero III - BSOD
• Sins of a Solar Empire - BSOD
• Crysis Warhead - BSOD
• Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 - BSOD

The BSOD is caused by cmhdav.sys which seems to be the driver for the C-Media Oxygen HD CMI8788 chip used by the Xonar HDAV 1.3.
I get the blue screens using the official beta driver 5.12.8.1745 as well as using the newer beta driver 5.12.8.1749 (which borks my DTS HD Master bitstreaming).
I tried both audio paths in the Xonar HDAV Center (HDMI and analog). I also deactivated/uninstalled all other sound cards I have (Realtek onboard and Creative Soundblaster Audigy ZS) without success.
I wonder if there is anyone else experiencing the same trouble using the Xonar HDAV 1.3 for PC games?

Sorry for your problems, my guess is not many ppl have tried as their primary OS is Vista or as you say for BD playback only. What you have pointed out is very interesting.

Thanks.

Adam

[balky]

Originally Posted by Cosmic023

Well the enjoyment didn't last long!!

So i've decided to keep my sanity (what's left of it!!) and RMA the card back.

It's a shame it didn't work out, but i can't have stability that poor. It's bad enough to work out how to make it stable!! (and the time sink it creates)

Ah well back to x6 analogue again, and restored my Vista image on the HTPC.

I knew it ! I knew it !!!
Said it before and saying it again...
I will not remove my Vista installation for XP...
Anyway, thanks for posting your experience...

[Cosmic023]

Thanks Balky,

The Asus drivers & software were a fraction unstable when i loaded them in Vista, but was performing happily in XP both days i tested the unit. (But only got it functioning properly yesterday!!)

The test clips were only lasting 3-5 minutes playing movie discs, The longer the movie ran the more unstable it got. I think it's a combination of Hardware & Driver, and possible TMT as well.

I've had 14 day demo versions of TMT, and it has been rock solid for playback stability and no stuttering or freezing problems under Vista.

Oh well it was nice while it lasted.

Cheers
Lee

[genro]

Not to thread crap, because I'd love it for this product to fully work, but after reading all of people's experiences I don't see why people aren't more willing to just do LPCM either from the mb or get a Radeon 4xxx card.

Personally I'm waiting for a 4550 or 4650 passively cooled card. If you can get one for ~$50 and it WORKS vs $200+ for a non-completely working solution, it seems like a no brainer. And yes I understand the whole LPCM vs Bitstream debate but at some point it just seems like its not worth the hassle for potentially little difference.

[nephster]

Originally Posted by genro

And yes I understand the whole LPCM vs Bitstream debate but at some point it just seems like its not worth the hassle for potentially little difference.

I take your point - but hassle for little difference is what this forum is all about

[genro]

Originally Posted by nephster

I take your point - but hassle for little difference is what this forum is all about

Hahaha Touche! And unfortunately yes you are right as I can speak from experience about that as well.

[marflow]

Originally Posted by caveman001

HD-DVD & Blu-Ray:

Dolby Digital Plus - Working Ok (Shown as Multi-Ch PCM, Slight Stutter at 48khz. 96khz Ok)


dolby digital + should tell your amp dd+ mine does the hand shake takes a bit but when it connects it is all good

Ive tried a couple of HD dvd with dd+, but none of them light up DD+ on my onkyo 606 reciver, just multich hdmi. Bluray with dts hd and dts master works fine though.

[buletti]

Hi,

I got a little bit more information about the blue screen issues mentioned above. It seems that the current drivers do have issues with DirectX. When the sound API of DirectX is accessing the hardware functions of the Xonar HDAV 1.3 then the system goes boom. I was successful in reproducing the blue screens via the DirectX diagnosis tool (start > run > dxdiag).

I also found a workaround to get DirectX working with the Xonar HDAV 1.3.
DirectX can use the audio hardware at 4 different levels:

a) not at all (emulation by Windows)
b) basic hardware acceleration
c) standard hardware acceleration
d) full hardware acceleration (default setting)

The settings a), b) and c) do work fine with the Xonar HDAV 1.3. But full hardware acceleration is not working properly and produces BSODs. I haven't tested yet if it is required to use full hardware acceleration to get bitstreaming and HDMI pass through.

In Windows XP one can change the hardware acceleration in Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices > Audio > Advanced > Performance

Update: Full hardware acceleration is not required for bitstreaming.

[DeadmanInc]

I just noticed that NCIX has the HDAV Deluxe for $252 and the non deluxe for $223 for those of you living in Canada.

[Davinleeds]

Originally Posted by buletti

Hi there,

I'm not sure if anyone of you guys is interested in using the Xonar HDAV 1.3 for anything else than playing Blurays. I'm using it for my media PC which also means for gaming. And except for the known PAP issues discussed here I do also have serious problems using the Xonar HDAV 1.3 for gaming. I get evil blue screens of death (BSOD) as soon as I start a game in Windows XP SP3. From the list of my currently installed games only one works with the Xonar HDAV 1.3:

• Assassin's Creed - BSOD
• Race Driver GRID - BSOD
• GTR Evolution - OK
• Guitar Hero III - BSOD
• Sins of a Solar Empire - BSOD
• Crysis Warhead - BSOD
• Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 - BSOD

The BSOD is caused by cmhdav.sys which seems to be the driver for the C-Media Oxygen HD CMI8788 chip used by the Xonar HDAV 1.3.
I get the blue screens using the official beta driver 5.12.8.1745 as well as using the newer beta driver 5.12.8.1749 (which borks my DTS HD Master bitstreaming).
I tried both audio paths in the Xonar HDAV Center (HDMI and analog). I also deactivated/uninstalled all other sound cards I have (Realtek onboard and Creative Soundblaster Audigy ZS) without success.
I wonder if there is anyone else experiencing the same trouble using the Xonar HDAV 1.3 for PC games?

Asus graphic card required for gaming mode, the only way?

[ymarker]

Originally Posted by buletti

Hi there,

I'm not sure if anyone of you guys is interested in using the Xonar HDAV 1.3 for anything else than playing Blurays. I'm using it for my media PC which also means for gaming. And except for the known PAP issues discussed here I do also have serious problems using the Xonar HDAV 1.3 for gaming. I get evil blue screens of death (BSOD) as soon as I start a game in Windows XP SP3. From the list of my currently installed games only one works with the Xonar HDAV 1.3:

• Assassin's Creed - BSOD
• Race Driver GRID - BSOD
• GTR Evolution - OK
• Guitar Hero III - BSOD
• Sins of a Solar Empire - BSOD
• Crysis Warhead - BSOD
• Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 - BSOD

The BSOD is caused by cmhdav.sys which seems to be the driver for the C-Media Oxygen HD CMI8788 chip used by the Xonar HDAV 1.3.
I get the blue screens using the official beta driver 5.12.8.1745 as well as using the newer beta driver 5.12.8.1749 (which borks my DTS HD Master bitstreaming).
I tried both audio paths in the Xonar HDAV Center (HDMI and analog). I also deactivated/uninstalled all other sound cards I have (Realtek onboard and Creative Soundblaster Audigy ZS) without success.
I wonder if there is anyone else experiencing the same trouble using the Xonar HDAV 1.3 for PC games?

Could you try out any of the Half life 2 games or mods (e.g. Counterstrike source) if you have them?

I'm getting my card next week and am curious as I am a gamer

[etc6849]

So I read a lot of this thread and I'm still confused...

Does the version of arcsoft that comes with the HDAV1.3 support HD-DVD playback with DTS-MA or TrueHD?

Also, will I be able to update Arcsoft through arcsoft.com or will I be stuck with a version asus will hardly ever update?

I know the new Auzentech HDMI card that is in the works uses PDVD and they dropped HD DVD support :-(