There is not really the need for HDMI sound in gaming machines, but for HTPCs, it is crucial. Auzentech is on the right track with their HDMI X-Tension Sound Card. This is a sweet looking sound card that runs on PCI-E, which at this point is a massively underused specification. I am betting we are going to see a lot of competition from the other high-end audio card manufacturers in the not too distant future.
According to Audio Junkies:
The HDMI X-Tension includes full support for all 8 channel linear PCM digital formats, including Dolby Digital EX/Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS ES, DTS HD High Resolution/Master Audio, and DVD-Audio. PCM Stereo up to 24bit/192kHz is also supported. The only multichannel digital format not present is DSD, which is not necessary as there are no SACD computer drives. The HDMI X-Tension is expected to ship in Q2, 2008
Q2 is not that far away, so we won’t have to wait too long to see what these are like. No word on pricing yet.
Source: Auzentech, Audio Junkies
For the latest info on the coolest gadgets, emerging technology and wired madness, subscribe to our full news feed or have it delivered to your inbox. Always free. Always unique. Thanks for visiting!
Tags: Computers, sound-cards
5 responses
Auzentech HDMI X-Tension sound card for the HTPC builder in you - SlashGear
Feb 7, 2008 at 12:55 pm
[...] [via uberreview] [...]
Apr 1, 2008 at 4:17 am
How can this incorporate all those next generation sound formats to video signal, while its getting input from SPDIF Optical ? Optical SPDIF IN can only handle upto 16bit 44.1khz format which is way below that of 24bit 192khz.
PuppyPowered » Blog Archive » HDMI Sound Cards
May 18, 2008 at 6:15 pm
[...] Auzentech HDMI X-Tension Sound Card Asus Xonar AV1 [...]
Jun 10, 2008 at 4:32 pm
The product looks great, but why open a window of any oppurtunity for others and close one at the same time for yourself.
“The only multichannel digital format not present is DSD, which is not necessary as there are no SACD computer drives. ”
Not true, Sony VAIO has DSD drives.
We don’t have it for off the shelf buying because people keep dragging their feet on DSD support
Most new amplifiers are coming with DSD support. I just bought a Yamaha RX-V663 that supports all those formats you mentioned plus DSD. So now either Playstaion 3 or Oppo 980H is in my future because the PC people keep thinking they being smart about their designs.
HDMI 1.3 supports SACD/DSD, why leave it off your spec?
Are you really saving that much more money or just missing an oppurtunity that others might get to take advantage of?
Why leave us just short what we all really want, take the leap and add DSD support.
Jul 9, 2008 at 12:28 am
I agree with Mark totally. DSD needs to be supported more, at least Sony started with their Vaio line.
Leave a Comment