HELP! Audidgy 2 does NOT decode AC-3

[MadCat2099]

Ok, I'm having a really big problem here that I need help with. My Audigy 2 sound card that came with my Dell Dimension 8400 does not seem to want to decode the Dolby Digital AC-3 audio on my DVD movies. Cyberlink's PowerDVD DX 5.1 that shipped with the system obviously doesn't do it, and I have no intention of paying $100+ for a software decoder, especially when the Audigy 2 is supposed to be able to do it.

I know for a fact that my speakers are set up properly because I have some 5.1 channel WAV files that play properly when I run them in WinAmp. Plus, I get discrete 5.1 surround in pretty much all the latest games I've played so far. So this is NOT a speaker issue.

Now, I've check Creative's extensive knowledge base and the what little documentation was provided with my Dell 8400 for the Audigy 2 (basically, just the Getting Started Demo). EVERY PIECE of information I have looked at clearly states that the ALL Audigy 2 sound cards are capable of decoding AC-3.

However, for some ungodly reason, mine cannot do it. I have explicitly followed the instructions on how to turn on hardware AC-3 decdoding, but for some reason, that DECODER tab wherein I'm supposed to enable AC-3 decoding doesn't exist!!! And I should point out that I HAVE all the latest drivers for my Audigy 2.

So, can anyone help me here?


Mad Cat

 

[timberwolf1]

Sounds like a decoder problem. Do a search on 'AC3 decoder' and see if it comes up with anything.

Gary Hendricks
<A HREF="http://www.digital-music-guide.com" target="_new">Digital-Music-Guide.com</A>

 

[MadCat2099]

I went to the Dell support forums and a lot of people seem to be having this same problem, so I doubt that it's a decoder "problem". More like a Dell "rip-off" if you ask me.


Mad Cat

 

[cookingfrags]

it's very possible that the version of PowerDVD does not pass AC-3 through the sound card. the "5.1" is probably just means version 5.1 (PowerDVD v5 was the previous release and was out for a while). the "DX" part of the version name leads me to believe that this is a limited version.

chances are you need the full version. if you look around for PowerDVD 5, it should be fairly cheap because PowerDVD 6 came out recently (== or < $50). even the system requirements for the Audigy 2 series recommend the use of a program like PowerDVD for AC-3 decoding.

 

[MadCat2099]

You are correct, Cookiefrag. The version of PowerDVD that came with my system, version 5.1 DX, does NOT decode AC-3. However, I have never confused the version number of PowerDVD with it's ability to decode AC-3; I only realized the coincidence when you brought it up.

However, even Dell's very own website clearly states that the sound cards they sell you (they don't mention any specific one, but the statement is in the context of the Audigy 2 cards) will be able to decode AC-3. My Audigy 2, and other people who have the Audigy 2 ZCS, however, cannot. It's really that plain and simple. Dell is ripping people off via false advertising by disabling hardware decoding so that people will be forced to buy the upgrade to PowerDVD 6 Deluxe (about $35 USD) to be able to have the SOFTWARE decode it.

However, I have found a way around their bullsh*t. I took Timbrewolf's advice and searched the web for an AC3 decoder. I immediately found a FREEWARE AC3 filter audio codec that works with a bunch different programs like Windows Media Player, ZoomPlayer and BSPlayer. I installed it and am now able to watch all my films in glorious Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround! In fact, this codec even decodes DTS!!!

So take that Dell! Thanks to their bullsh*t, I will now advise people to stay the hell away from major manufacturers when buying a PC.


Mad Cat

 

[cookingfrags]

i found what you were talking about.

...awesome. i can't believe i couldn't find this earlier. i guess i was looking for full-fledged programs instead of just codecs. i even found the Winamp version of the plugin a few weeks ago, but never found the universal one.