I've been making a list of components to upgrade an existing PC for double duty (not at the same time) as an HTPC. I want to play DVDs and view and record ATSC over the air broadcasts, with full 5.1 surround-sound when available. A major constraint is a limited budget. Thus, I want to be able to use my three existing legacy stereo amplifiers and speakers, and the sound card/software for AC3 decoding.
Most current sound cards have 5.1 (six channel) line level outputs, but it seems that these depend on the soft DVD player software for AC3 decoding as well as for sending the AC3 stream to the sound card's S/PDIF output(s). So far, so good. With my three amps, I should be able to get good 5.0 sound since all speakers are full range and amps have numerous controls. I reckon the setup will work well even with DVD Audio if the soft DVD player supports it.
Now, what happens if one wants to send the AC3 stream from an HDTV tuner card's S/PDIF output to the sound card's S/PDIF input? And the sound card depends on software for AC3 decoding? The soft DVD player software won't decode any AC3 other than that from the DVD, will it? Is software for general AC3 decoding supplied along with sound cards? Or would I need a sound card with hardware AC3 decoding like the CL SB Extigy.
In summary, what sound card software or PC-based hardware are known to provide AC3 decoding for HDTV tuners.
Most current sound cards have 5.1 (six channel) line level outputs, but it seems that these depend on the soft DVD player software for AC3 decoding as well as for sending the AC3 stream to the sound card's S/PDIF output(s). So far, so good. With my three amps, I should be able to get good 5.0 sound since all speakers are full range and amps have numerous controls. I reckon the setup will work well even with DVD Audio if the soft DVD player supports it.
Now, what happens if one wants to send the AC3 stream from an HDTV tuner card's S/PDIF output to the sound card's S/PDIF input? And the sound card depends on software for AC3 decoding? The soft DVD player software won't decode any AC3 other than that from the DVD, will it? Is software for general AC3 decoding supplied along with sound cards? Or would I need a sound card with hardware AC3 decoding like the CL SB Extigy.
In summary, what sound card software or PC-based hardware are known to provide AC3 decoding for HDTV tuners.