I am new to this forum and would be grateful to get some help with setting up a home media server.
I own a digital receiver which has a few optical and coaxial inputs, and accepts the usual stereo formats, including 192kHz/24bit, DD and DTS. I would like to put all of my CDs on a small computer connected to the receiver with an optical or a coaxial cable. The idea is to use the Windows Media Center controlled remotely.
Now, my questions:
1. Do I need a fancy audio card? I just want the PC to serve as a substitute for a DVD player and to output digital signal.
2. I have seen a similar setup using the AC3filter. I did not like the fact that the volume was adjustable through the computer. We played with my friend and could not change that. Adjustable volume means reprocessing the signal, and I do not want that. What are the best settings/software for my needs?
3. Will there be a problem with HD audio (non SACD or DVD-A)? I have a few CDs like that.
4. Same question but for DD/DTS encoded music DVDs. I guess they are copyright protected.
5. What is the best format to use to rip my CDs? I want a non-lossless format, like WMA (?). Do I even have the choice?
6. Any other tips?
Thanks in advance.
I own a digital receiver which has a few optical and coaxial inputs, and accepts the usual stereo formats, including 192kHz/24bit, DD and DTS. I would like to put all of my CDs on a small computer connected to the receiver with an optical or a coaxial cable. The idea is to use the Windows Media Center controlled remotely.
Now, my questions:
1. Do I need a fancy audio card? I just want the PC to serve as a substitute for a DVD player and to output digital signal.
2. I have seen a similar setup using the AC3filter. I did not like the fact that the volume was adjustable through the computer. We played with my friend and could not change that. Adjustable volume means reprocessing the signal, and I do not want that. What are the best settings/software for my needs?
3. Will there be a problem with HD audio (non SACD or DVD-A)? I have a few CDs like that.
4. Same question but for DD/DTS encoded music DVDs. I guess they are copyright protected.
5. What is the best format to use to rip my CDs? I want a non-lossless format, like WMA (?). Do I even have the choice?
6. Any other tips?
Thanks in advance.