How can the NMT's "bitstream" True-HD and DTS-MA and HTPC's cant?

[ashman5]

How can the NMT's "bitstream" True-HD and DTS-MA and HTPC's cant?

Don't they have to deal with the whole PAP (Protected Audio Path) scheme also?

It's my understanding that NMT's are essentially specialized Linux boxes.

[dc11ab]

Because there are licenses and proprietary libs in place?

[daniel_owen_uk]

Some HTPCs can now, new soundcards are being released with this function.

Quote:In a giant step forward for Home Theater PCs, Auzentech is releasing a native HDMI 1.3 sound card that will enable true bitstream Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio signals to be passed form the PC to the preamp.

Auzentech, Inc. reveals ts non-downsampling, HDMI 1.3-native, PCI express audio combo card: Auzen X-Fi HomeTheater 7.1. The Auzen X-Fi HomeTheater 7.1 accepts video from either an internal or external connection, mixes it with digital audio, and outputs the combined video and lossless multichannel audio via a single HDMI™ 1.3 port. Moreover, the internal connection will exclusively support upcoming NVIDIA products, to create the ultimate in audio and visual entertainment.

The latest in a long line of breakthrough soundcards from Auzentech, the Auzen X-Fi HomeTheater 7.1 outputs a bitstream of high-definition, multichannel audio from Blu-ray or HD movies with no downsampling, to take full advantage of lossless digital audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

The Auzen X-Fi HomeTheater 7.1 has been designed around the latest Creative PCI Express X-Fi audio processor. For home theater enthusiasts, the processor includes HDMI 1.3 support and will feature Dolby Digital and DTS encoding for a single-cable connection to home theater systems. For gamers, the card leverages the power of the PCI Express-optimized X-Fi processor to deliver accelerated audio for improved game performance, with ultra-realistic EAX 5.0 effects and 3D positional audio.

“Creative is excited to work with Auzentech to deliver a true high-definition HDMI solution based on our latest PCI Express-based processor,” said Steve Erickson, VP and GM of audio for Creative. “We have completely re-architected our X-Fi audio processor, optimizing it for the PCI Express bus. We’ve also made a significant achievement in customizing our audio technology to enable the highest quality lossless digital audio for HDMI, for a stunning HD digital entertainment experience.”

“CyberLink provides the best in audio and video playback quality to deliver the ultimate movie experience on the PC," said Alice H. Chang, CEO of CyberLink. "Featuring HDMI version 1.3-enabed capabilities, PowerDVD will enable users to enjoy high definition cinema on their PCs. We are excited to partner with Auzentech to offer a true, uncompressed HD audio experience by employing our breakthrough technologies.”

“At Auzentech we focus on bringing innovative products to market by listening to our end-users requests,” said Stephane Bae, President of Auzentech, Inc. “By teaming up with Industry leaders Creative, NVIDIA, CyberLink and Silicon Image, end users and home theater enthusiasts will now be able to enjoy Blu-Ray or HD movies in their full glory.”

The Auzen X-Fi HomeTheater 7.1 is made possible through cooperation between Auzentech, NVIDIA, CyberLink PowerDVD software, Silicon Image, and the Creative X-Fi chip development team.

Release of the Auzen X-Fi HomeTheater 7.1 is planned for Sept. of 2008.

[ashman5]

Yes, these cards...in combination with specific software...are capable of dealing with PAP.

Does the NMT/PCH actually have a license for these HD audio codecs and PAP capable hardware?

[jj666]

Yes, the ASUS Xonar HDAV1.3 Deluxe has been available since late 2008 also. That card is limited to playback on via TMT (TotalMovieTheatre) I think tho.

I wouldn't touch an Auzentech card, due to the involvement of Creative in the process. I've never found such useless drivers as written by Creative :-) However, thats just my personal opinion.

I know a few people that switched from HTPC to PCH as it's very easy to use, and requires no real maintenance.

A lot of people are using HD AUDIO -> .FLAC and .MKV combination, to achieve the same quality audio via SPDIF I believe. PCH doesn't do that properly which is a shame, as it's a lost business for them.

Cheers,

-jj-