SPDIF question

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jeff Hansman
  • Start date Start date
J

Jeff Hansman

Just added the J-Panel to my A7N8X non deluxe system (works like a charm)
and while I hooked up the SPDIF connector to the mobo, I have no idea what I
would now use that jack on the J-Panel for. It looks like it takes an RCA
type connector, so is it for input? Output? Digitally confused.....
 
"Jeff said:
Just added the J-Panel to my A7N8X non deluxe system (works like a charm)
and while I hooked up the SPDIF connector to the mobo, I have no idea what I
would now use that jack on the J-Panel for. It looks like it takes an RCA
type connector, so is it for input? Output? Digitally confused.....
Click to expand...

This doc says it is SPDIF-out.

http://ec1.macrotron.de/PDF/B99Z429.pdf

SPDIF is a low amplitude (<1V) 75 ohm terminated digital connection.
The signal has to be handled with the same care used for a video signal.
Bitrate is 2.8Mbits per second, enough to carry stereo 44.1K audio
with either 16 or 24 bits per sample. It can carry different formats,
as explained here. This is a technical rather than a consumer explanation.

http://www.epanorama.net/documents/audio/spdif.html (site uses popups)

If converted to optical form, it becomes "TOSLINK" and with optical
connections, a longer cable is possible.

HTH,
Paul
 
Uh huh. And why, exactly, is any of this info useful? Not being a smart ass
here, just not clear on how this connection can serve me as a computer user.
I know that it can handle a digital signal with out an analog conversion,
but how might I actually put such a thing to use?
 
Well one way my son has used his SPDIF is to take the output and feed it
into his Surround amplifier for Dolby/DTS 5.1. He plays his DVD's through
his PC - thus obviating the need for a separate DVD player. He has a very
small room in his digs and with a TV card too he can keep the number of
"boxes" lying around to an absolute minimum - sound quality is superb using
his onboard sound on his A7N8X-Deluxe which uses the Nvidia chip - care you
must activate the "pass through" in the software for it to work though.

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If you don't know what SP/DIF is -- ignore it !

It is basically a digital interfcae spcifically to allow the system to send or receive
digital audio. Such devices as a Digital cable Box or a DAT Tape Drive would connect to it.

My fiends use a DAT tape are record concerts. They then use their SP/DIF to take the
digital output of the DAT drive and feed it to the PC where they can use SoundForge or other
software and modfy the the WAV file created. Then a CD is created from the WAV file(s).

Dave

| Uh huh. And why, exactly, is any of this info useful? Not being a smart ass
| here, just not clear on how this connection can serve me as a computer user.
| I know that it can handle a digital signal with out an analog conversion,
| but how might I actually put such a thing to use?
|
| --
|
|
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------
| FIGHT BACK AGAINST SPAM!
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|
|
| | > In article <[email protected]>, "Jeff
| >
| > > Just added the J-Panel to my A7N8X non deluxe system (works like a
| charm)
| > > and while I hooked up the SPDIF connector to the mobo, I have no idea
| what I
| > > would now use that jack on the J-Panel for. It looks like it takes an
| RCA
| > > type connector, so is it for input? Output? Digitally confused.....
| > >
| >
| > This doc says it is SPDIF-out.
| >
| > http://ec1.macrotron.de/PDF/B99Z429.pdf
| >
| > SPDIF is a low amplitude (<1V) 75 ohm terminated digital connection.
| > The signal has to be handled with the same care used for a video signal.
| > Bitrate is 2.8Mbits per second, enough to carry stereo 44.1K audio
| > with either 16 or 24 bits per sample. It can carry different formats,
| > as explained here. This is a technical rather than a consumer explanation.
| >
| > http://www.epanorama.net/documents/audio/spdif.html (site uses popups)
| >
| > If converted to optical form, it becomes "TOSLINK" and with optical
| > connections, a longer cable is possible.
| >
| > HTH,
| > Paul
|
|
 
"Jeff said:
Uh huh. And why, exactly, is any of this info useful? Not being a smart ass
here, just not clear on how this connection can serve me as a computer user.
I know that it can handle a digital signal with out an analog conversion,
but how might I actually put such a thing to use?
Click to expand...

A digital output is preferred by people who don't want to use the
DACs in the cheap AC97 codec on the motherboard. The motherboard has
a poor noise floor, so if you are listening to classical music, the
noise from your mouse moving might be heard through the speakers.

The theory is, the conversion of digital audio samples to analog form,
in your expensive stereo, is better quality. So, SPDIF would be
considered an audiophile thing.

An SPDIF-in, on a motherboard, might also be used for some kind of
ripping operation. For example, if you had a set top box, or some
kind of player device with SPDIF output, you might be able to
digitally record stuff without degradation. Like making an exact copy
for example. So far, people who've posted questions about SPDIF-in,
haven't explained what tool chain they use to do the ripping, so
this is speculation by me right now.

HTH,
Paul
 
OK, sounds like something of little or no use to me, so as advised, I'll
ignore it. Thanks for all the feedback!
 
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