Hello, and thanks in advance for helping to clarify some issues for me.
I plan to build a HTPC for both better DVD playback than my current system, and OTA HD viewing/recording.
My system currently:
Toshiba 50HX81 (component video input)
Denon AVR-4802 receiver
Toshiba SD-5109 DVD player
Dish HD6000 HDTV satellite/OTA receiver
I think I have a clear understanding of the video requirements and a need for conversion to component for input of my set, but I am confused about audio output. I currently feed from DVD to receiver via coax digital, and from the HD6000 via Toslink. Will I be better off continuing to let my receiver do all the audio work for DD5.1+ and DTS, DTS-ES, matrix, 6.1, etc. or are there better capabilities built in to the cards I have been reading about, specifically M-Audio? Are there digital output connections from M-Audio cards that will work with Toslink or coax? Is M-Audio overkill if I am simply passing through all audio signals to the receiver? I am also considering nForce motherboard/chipset with onboard sound - would this be a better option for passing through?
I am sure these questions have been asked, and I apologize for the repeat, but I had difficulty searching and finding the correct answers. Any links, comments, tips, hardware/software suggestions, etc. for someone just getting started on HTPC would be most appreciated (the PC part is not a problem - I've been building them for years). I want to build one with the best that is available for both audio and video performance, and price is not a factor.
Once again, thanks much for any help you wish to give!
I plan to build a HTPC for both better DVD playback than my current system, and OTA HD viewing/recording.
My system currently:
Toshiba 50HX81 (component video input)
Denon AVR-4802 receiver
Toshiba SD-5109 DVD player
Dish HD6000 HDTV satellite/OTA receiver
I think I have a clear understanding of the video requirements and a need for conversion to component for input of my set, but I am confused about audio output. I currently feed from DVD to receiver via coax digital, and from the HD6000 via Toslink. Will I be better off continuing to let my receiver do all the audio work for DD5.1+ and DTS, DTS-ES, matrix, 6.1, etc. or are there better capabilities built in to the cards I have been reading about, specifically M-Audio? Are there digital output connections from M-Audio cards that will work with Toslink or coax? Is M-Audio overkill if I am simply passing through all audio signals to the receiver? I am also considering nForce motherboard/chipset with onboard sound - would this be a better option for passing through?
I am sure these questions have been asked, and I apologize for the repeat, but I had difficulty searching and finding the correct answers. Any links, comments, tips, hardware/software suggestions, etc. for someone just getting started on HTPC would be most appreciated (the PC part is not a problem - I've been building them for years). I want to build one with the best that is available for both audio and video performance, and price is not a factor.
Once again, thanks much for any help you wish to give!