Having Trouble with my motherboard

[darci_wil]

Hey guys I really need you help. I just recently bought a computer online and I am having the worst time ever connecting it to my hometheater. I plan on using it for movies. Well here is the problem my SPDIF isnt transmitting signal. I am so fustrated it isnt even cool. Ive gone to many other forums and doing what everyone else has said, reinstalled the sound drivers. Nothing works and i dont know why. I even tried to search google but that doesnt help me.
Everyone says to post what my system is, so here i go.
Windows Vista Ultimate 32bit
Intel E6600
Asus P5N32-E
3GB of ram
2x 250GB hard drive
Samsung blue-ray
samsung hometheater system
and some other stuff.

I tested out my SPDIF cable and home theater with my neighbors Playstation.

If anyone could help me figure out a fix i will love you forever!
XOXOXOXOXOXOX
Ohh ya I read that the SPDIF is suppose to turn red? Why doesnt mine do that?

 

[Mondoman]

Presumably the sound driver package installed some sort of "mixer" application. Have you looked in that to make sure the SPDIF is set as an active output?

 

[darci_wil]

Mixer? You mean that soundmax thing? I tried like a hundred times it wouldnt install. Do you know why that is?

Sigh...
Any other ideas?

 

[EXT64]

If the soundmax isn't Vista compatible, you may have a problem if there is not another way to set up your sound. One other thing, does the back of your DVD drive have a digital out slot (two pin header)? You may have to plug that into some port on you motherboard to get the SPDIF/digital to work. I remeber having trouble with SPDIF, I think I eventually just gave up though.

 

[sailer]

Hey guys I really need you help. I just recently bought a computer online and I am having the worst time ever connecting it to my hometheater. I plan on using it for movies. Well here is the problem my SPDIF isnt transmitting signal. I am so fustrated it isnt even cool. Ive gone to many other forums and doing what everyone else has said, reinstalled the sound drivers. Nothing works and i dont know why. I even tried to search google but that doesnt help me.

If anyone could help me figure out a fix i will love you forever!
XOXOXOXOXOXOX
Ohh ya I read that the SPDIF is suppose to turn red? Why doesnt mine do that?

I have what may be a simple idea. I noticed that you bought the computer online, so I'm assuming it was from Dell or HP or some other such supplier. If so, try giving their tech line a call and asking what to do. It could be some piece of hardware is faulty and needs to be replaced, or a wire fell loose in shipment. I've had both happen in years past with computers that were shipped to me. In the mean time, try opening the case and checking to see if all the wires are in the right places. Like, if a wire fell loose, all the diagnosing in the world won't do anything but give Excedrin headaches as none of it helps.

 

[darci_wil]

oh no. Thats not good at all. I really would like to use my home theater system with my computer.

 

[darci_wil]

I wish it were that easy sailor as this was a custom built computer. I wouldve done the premade? route but my friend suggested i order custom built because it would be cheaper.

Unfortunatly i listened...

 

[EXT64]

I assume by "turning red" that you mean it is an Optical SPDIF (rather than coaxial). If it doesn't light up, then it means it can't be sending information. This could be caused by a missing internal cable, defective Motherboard, or lack of software support. Could you find a digital out inside your computer on the back of your DVD drive?

 

[darci_wil]

Hey I was not able to find the digital out you were refering to. As to your first question i am using a toslink* cable to connect. Btw is it suppose to light up?

 

[double_helix]

Doesnt sound like the S/PDIF is enabled for some reason. S/PDIF transmits its packet information through LED signal, which accounts for the red glow. I've never used S/PDIF yet, but if it's taking an inbound signal I don't think it would glow. Would it? I know there are some motherboards that take S/PDIF in AND out depending on the setting. Could be wrong, like I said I haven't used it yet.

 

[EXT64]

Yeah, I'm no expert on this stuff, just trying to give ideas. Did any of the drivers/software for the sound install? Maybe try looking for newer drivers/software online at Motherboard manufacturer's website.

 

[darci_wil]

I have been in contact with asus* and so far they have been no help. They keep telling me to install there drivers on their website but they dont work. Will there ever be a solution?

 

[Yoosty]

You could go with a Soundcard, instead of using onboard sound. Check this one out.

bluegears b-Enspirer 7.1 Channels 24-bit 192KHz PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829127002

Treat your ears to the ultimate audio experience for digital music, DVDs and games by upgrading your desktop with the b-Enspirer sound card from Bluegears. The card has both analog audio outputs for up to 7.1 surround sound systems and coaxial and optical 7.1 digital S/PDIF outputs for playback of Dolby Digital EX and DTS ES DVD soundtracks with 24-bit resolution at 192KHz sampling rates. It also supports Dolby Digital Live, which converts any audio signal into a Dolby Digital bitstream for playback through a home-theater system via a single cable.

Plus it comes with the TOSLINK Fiber Optic Digital Cable and they do have Vista Drivers for Sound Card on there website.
http://www.bgears.com/b-Enspirer.html

 

[darci_wil]

I hate thinking about having to spend $100 on a card. This was a $1800 computer... Although that is where my solution seems to be lingering toward.

 

[sailer]

I hate thinking about having to spend $100 on a card. This was a $1800 computer... Although that is where my solution seems to be lingering toward.

I've done some checking and it seems a number of people have had troubles with Vista and this motherboard's sound system. Of course, a lot of people have had Vista troubles, but that's a separate issue. If you get a Creative card, be sure to get a X-FI card or the Bluegears card as Yoosty suggested, as Creative has not supported Vista at all in the Audigy series. Yeah, its not pleasent spending an additional $100 on a sound card, but unfortunately, its necessary if you want everything to work.

 

[EXT64]

Wow, that is really bad luck. Vista has been out for months and these companies refuse to support their products.

 

[darci_wil]

Ive done more searching about my problem and like sailor said many people are having issues with my board and windows vista. I just like how on my box it says "Vista-Ready...."