[Trace79]

When I build my HT back up I'm going to be running everything from my PC, including gaming. For those that play PC games that are 5.1 encoded, do you have any issues running the HDMI from the GPU to the AVR and getting full 5.1 sound? Anything like lag or other issues that I might want to look out for?


I know it's a basic question but pretty important as I need to make sure this won't be a problem or how to 'fix' it if it is.

 

[mjd420nova]

This has become a big can of worms for a lot of installers and testers. Getting 5.1 Dolby to the decoder depends on the compatablity of the devices between. Some newer HTPC units have an option to designate a minijack port for the surround channels but it depends on the source. IF the stream coming through your ISP is Dolby encoded, and the modem, router or the HTPC don't remove it, the AVR should decode it properly. Some options on HTPCs allow th digital audio to be routed to the output HDMI port and no extra (analog) audio need be patched to the AVR.

 

[Trace79]

I'm not too worried about streaming TV shows since I won't be getting cable. Movies will most likely be on the hard-drive or be played by disc on the PC's DVD/blu-ray player. I've heard that simply having a capable GPU with HDMI out will be enough to run the video and audio signal to a AVR...if this is 5.1 IDK though. I know that in the sounds settings for game and video there's the 5.1 option.


I'm hoping it's as simple as plug-and-play because a lot of that seems kind of confusing lol.

 

[yomama99]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Trace79  /t/1517154/quick-question-on-pc-gaming-and-avr#post_24340346


When I build my HT back up I'm going to be running everything from my PC, including gaming. For those that play PC games that are 5.1 encoded, do you have any issues running the HDMI from the GPU to the AVR and getting full 5.1 sound? Anything like lag or other issues that I might want to look out for?


I know it's a basic question but pretty important as I need to make sure this won't be a problem or how to 'fix' it if it is.

 

For me it was almost as simple as plug and play. If your reciever has HDMI in/out, then it should be very simple to get 5.1 working on your computer. I just recently hooked my gaming rig up to my new vsx-823-k, the hardest part was getting it set up on the computer which was not hard at all. Just make sure to open your sound card, find your output device and at the bottom it will say "configure" make sure you do that. You should be able to chose between quadratic, stereo, 5.1 ect and from there you can set large and small speakers and even do test tones to make sure everything is correct. Then you will be gaming in 5.1 my friend!

 

[Trace79]



Quote:
Originally Posted by yomama99  /t/1517154/quick-question-on-pc-gaming-and-avr#post_24340653


For me it was almost as simple as plug and play. If your reciever has HDMI in/out, then it should be very simple to get 5.1 working on your computer. I just recently hooked my gaming rig up to my new vsx-823-k, the hardest part was getting it set up on the computer which was not hard at all. Just make sure to open your sound card, find your output device and at the bottom it will say "configure" make sure you do that. You should be able to chose between quadratic, stereo, 5.1 ect and from there you can set large and small speakers and even do test tones to make sure everything is correct. Then you will be gaming in 5.1 my friend!

Awesome! I know what you're talking about as I remember seeing these options on my ATI Catalyst Controls. I'm guessing that once these settings are dialed in then playing a 5.1 movie with say VLC player and selecting 5.1 sound in the movie file will be just as easy? I used to have an old Logitech 5.1 PC box system but can't remember if I ever watched 5.1 movies on it or not...and if I did, was it true 5.1? Twas too long ago..meh.

 

[yomama99]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Trace79  /t/1517154/quick-question-on-pc-gaming-and-avr#post_24340801



Awesome! I know what you're talking about as I remember seeing these options on my ATI Catalyst Controls. I'm guessing that once these settings are dialed in then playing a 5.1 movie with say VLC player and selecting 5.1 sound in the movie file will be just as easy? I used to have an old Logitech 5.1 PC box system but can't remember if I ever watched 5.1 movies on it or not...and if I did, was it true 5.1? Twas too long ago..meh.

 

You may have to change a few settings in VLC player but they are not hard (I dont think so). And once you start to listen to a lot of movies and things in 5.1, you will really know when they are not! But I believe that in VLC, up at the top where it says "audio device" or "sound" make sure it is set to your receiver if you are running your computer through that. It may show up with a weird name because my Pioneer shows up as vsx something but vsx is my model so you will figure it out. And if its still now working, keep it selected and check the advanced sound setting in VLC. Its been a while since I have seen then and dont want to tell you wrong but a quick google search about VLC well get it straight. And again, make sure to "configure" your speakers in your sound card! I forgot that once and was ripping my hair out because I couldnt figure it out! 

 

[Trace79]

Thanks for the tips. I hear Yamaha AVR's are pretty straight forward these days for setup and have good sound quality so right now I'm leaning down that road. What AVR are you using Yomama?


Another question that I thought of considering the 4K upscaling: Lets say I have one of those super HD displays but am gaming with the "in-game" settings at 1920X1080 so I don't stress my GPU too much. Will the AVR properly fill that resolution up to 4K? I'm curious what affect this would have on the overall picture quality of the game. I know an easy fix to that is to get another GPU and run them in SLI or Crossfire and bump up the resolution settings. But right now the checklist of "things to buy" is pretty big and I haven't even started with PC upgrades yet. Anyone have experience with the 4K upscaling or can answer this?

 

[yomama99]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Trace79  /t/1517154/quick-question-on-pc-gaming-and-avr#post_24344042


Thanks for the tips. I hear Yamaha AVR's are pretty straight forward these days for setup and have good sound quality so right now I'm leaning down that road. What AVR are you using Yomama?


Another question that I thought of considering the 4K upscaling: Lets say I have one of those super HD displays but am gaming with the "in-game" settings at 1920X1080 so I don't stress my GPU too much. Will the AVR properly fill that resolution up to 4K? I'm curious what affect this would have on the overall picture quality of the game. I know an easy fix to that is to get another GPU and run them in SLI or Crossfire and bump up the resolution settings. But right now the checklist of "things to buy" is pretty big and I haven't even started with PC upgrades yet. Anyone have experience with the 4K upscaling or can answer this?

 

Im running a Pioneer vsx-823-k. I like this receiver but for me the only thing it is missing is a manual equalizer for the speakers but its not a big deal. It has 6 hdmi ins, 3D and 4K passthrough/upscalling. From what i have looked up, it has a little bit better SQ than other receivers at the price point and produces 140 watts per channel, and it was very straight forward for set up, most are now. I do like the receiver and it has a lot of features for its price point. I also have another system with Yamaha RX-V375 and its not a bad receiver either. It was $200 less and has a manual equalizer for ever channel which i really wish my Pioneer had. But for 4K and 3D on Yamaha, you will need at least the Yamaha RX-V475 with is the same price as my vsx-823-k but does not produce as much power per channel and is lacking a few features. But go check out new egg on them both and you will find all the information you need, if you need any help with that just let me know and i will be glad to help Onto the PC! I was almost going to get a Seiki 4k because i found an UNBELIEVABLE deal on one but i didnt. I think i should have though, but one think i found out with this tv is that in 4K its only 30hz so that means if you 4k game on pc, you wont get more than 30 fps which is meh but if you are sitting far away from your tv, like 6-7 feet, it will look good. A lot of console games are locked in at 30fps. I dont know about the refresh rates on other 4K tv's like Sony and Samsung because i havent looked at them yet but on the other hand its great for movies because they are only around 22-26 fps. Another thing is if you expect to 4k game, you will need to drop no less than $600 on a gpu because 4k gaming is VERY demanding. You can play 1080p on the Seiki 4k tv @ 120hz which is great and you will love it. What is your current GPU and PC specs? SLI is always an option just depending on what card you already have and can get you on the way to 4k gaming. I am a PC tech and i can help you a lot in this department! I have not had any experience with 4K yet. Please let me know your pc set up and we will see about getting that upgraded if need be! I know it was a lot there but I hope it helps!

 

[Trace79]

Wow thanks a lot for the solid reply! I'm guessing that a higher refresh rate will yield more FPS while gaming? Should I be looking for at least a 60Hz, or preferably, 120Hz? I'll be sitting about 7-9 feet back from the display. I have no idea what the price point for a 4K display is going to run yet as I've been spending most of my time researching a proper speaker configuration lately.


Right now my PC still runs solid but is pretty old. I built it myself about four years ago. Here's the specs:


Antec 1200 case

Foxconn Bloodrage motherboard ( think its an X58.)

6G [email protected] RAM

Intel i7 920 CPU stock @2.7ghz (GO stepping)

ATI Gigabyte 7950 GPU stock

Corsair modular PSU @850W

WD 300GB velociraptor HD running the OS

2 X WD caviar black 1 TB HD

After market heatsink but forget which one.


My friend is going to help teach me overclocking when we get back. I figure my system will be good to practice on. The GPU was installed a year ago and made a huge difference from my old ATI 4890 but can tell is being held back by the CPU still. Games can run max settings - Crysis 3, Bioshock Infinite, ect. at decent frame rates. Goal is to OC that to at least 3.6ghz. Shouldn't be hard.

Most of my money is going to the HT right now and I project around next November I'll do a complete new build for a PC [take advantage of the black Friday deals.]


So, for now, I'll probably only game in 1080p. Depending on price, I'll look into getting a 4k HD display now and see what the upscaling looks like with whatever AVR I get, and go SLI or crossfire later.

 

[Trace79]

Okay, I just did some quick googling on 4k TV's...looks like I won't be picking one of those up for a while lol! @ around $3k at the cheapest it looks like it might be a bit. I'll probably wait till they come down to below $2k. Still, it looks good for the future

.

 

[arnyk]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Trace79  /t/1517154/quick-question-on-pc-gaming-and-avr#post_24355802


Okay, I just did some quick googling on 4k TV's...looks like I won't be picking one of those up for a while lol! @ around $4-5k it looks like it might be a bit. Plus, they aren't anything less than 50" and 50" is probably going to be my max size with how close I'll be sitting. Still, it looks good for the future

.

http://www.amazon.com/Seiki-Digital-SE39UY04-39-Inch-Ultra/dp/B00DOPGO2G





Available in 39", 50" and 65"

 

[Trace79]

Lol, okay! I'll eat my words

Thanks for this! Guess I won't have to wait. This would be PERFECT for gaming!

 

[arnyk]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Trace79  /t/1517154/quick-question-on-pc-gaming-and-avr#post_24355834


Lol, okay! I'll eat my words

Thanks for this! Guess I won't have to wait. This would be PERFECT for gaming!

One thing I would check out on any LCD is whether or not the display uses IPS technology.


Just sprang for a 27" LG 27EA33 2K IPS display for this PC. For larger displays used close up the extra uniformity when off axis can make a difference.

 

[Trace79]



Quote:
Originally Posted by arnyk  /t/1517154/quick-question-on-pc-gaming-and-avr#post_24355930


One thing I would check out on any LCD is whether or not the display uses IPS technology.


Just sprang for a 27" LG 27EA33 2K IPS display for this PC. For larger displays used close up the extra uniformity when off axis can make a difference.

So I want IPS tech? That last sentence you wrote was like reading French for me lol.

 

[fatbottom]

I just use a asus soundcard, opitcal digital out, enable Dolby Digital Live.

 

[Worf]

Don't bother with 4k for gaming - consumer 4k displays with HDMI only do 30 fps with the current spec. You'll need a HDMI 2.0 display or one that takes dual display port (where it acts like two 1920x2160 screens).

 

[Bob7145]

You only need HDMI for BD. Analog VGA has far more bandwidth than HDMI so you can game in 3D 120Hz thru VGA. Forget HDMI unless you watch BD.