Update (if anyone is interested):
I was right about an older component causing the problem but not in the computer. It was the TV. It looks like I'm not getting proper handshaking/info because I'm not able to set the computer to output 720p properly, even though the Westy is 720p and 1080i compatible. In my case, I need to have the computer set to output the correct HD resolution. (eg 1920 x 1080p) to output audio correctly from either the ATI cards or the Xonar HDAV.
I know this is true because I borrowed a new 22" HDMI LCD TV and I was able to get audio out no problem...ONCE I changed to 720p.
Will try to use the EDID override thread info to see if I can fool Vista/Onkyo to output 720p on my Westy.
So, if you are having problems getting audio out, check your resolution as that may be the culprit.
I was right about an older component causing the problem but not in the computer. It was the TV. It looks like I'm not getting proper handshaking/info because I'm not able to set the computer to output 720p properly, even though the Westy is 720p and 1080i compatible. In my case, I need to have the computer set to output the correct HD resolution. (eg 1920 x 1080p) to output audio correctly from either the ATI cards or the Xonar HDAV.
I know this is true because I borrowed a new 22" HDMI LCD TV and I was able to get audio out no problem...ONCE I changed to 720p.
Will try to use the EDID override thread info to see if I can fool Vista/Onkyo to output 720p on my Westy.
So, if you are having problems getting audio out, check your resolution as that may be the culprit.