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Topic: RealTek S/PDIF Problems (Read 3147 times) previous topic - next topic
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RealTek S/PDIF Problems

I have been working to consolidate all my digital music into my computer and connect the computer to my home stereo system. This has been going well but for the inability to get the S/PDIF interface working. I've read and re-read all the relevant manuals, updated the drivers (twice) and confirmed that the S/PDIF interface is at least electrically working - the red LED is on.

Here are the particulars. Can anyone comment on what I am missing or need to do?

Computer:
- OS, Win 7 64-bit
- Computer, Intel DG43NB mobo with Q6600 CPU
- S/PDIF, mobo header with Asus S/PDIF back card - wired red+5, black-ground, brown-S/PDIF
- Audio chip - RealTek ALC888VC
- Drivers, initial setup - Windows audio, upgraded to RealTek 6.0.1.6201 using auto update, then upgraded to 6.0.1.6482 from RealTek site

Stereo
- Sony STR-AVDE545
- Digital interface, S/PDIF (2-CD, DVD) and co-axial

Wiring
- 50' fiber cable

One issue I have is the fact that the stereo operation mode is unclear. The user's manual states that it has two digital modes, an analog mode and an automatic detection mode. It then implies that if no digital signal is detected it will only operate in the analog mode. This is what it is doing - pressing the analog/digital switch does not change modes. I am assuming from this that no digital signal is reaching the stereo, even though the fiber cable is emitting a red light.

My suspicion is with the drivers and the settings for the S/PDIF interface in the computer. I found a RealTek document on line called "RealTek High Definition Audio", http://uk.ts.fujitsu.com/rl/servicesupport...ver1-00_0418-05[1].pdf, which describes all the various features and settings for an un-named RealTek driver or sound card; the document does not specify what it documents. That document describes a number of screens or panels that enable and control the S/PDIF interface. The controls that come with the RealTek drivers do not mention the S/PDIF interface at all and I suspect that the drivers loaded are either not aware of the S/PDIF interface or do not perform the control of it properly. The controls that come with the RealTek driver do not match the controls in the document noted in a number of areas as well.

I saw a post on line which stated that if the RealTek drivers did not detect a S/PDIF interface they would not present the S/PDIF control panels. I do not know if this is true. How can I confirm that the S/PDIF header and back card are working properly? No smoke can out when I connected up the wires and the red LED is on. What else can be tested?

I have only one yellow  exclamation mark in my controls/device manager panel. The one exclamation is for other_devices/simple_communications_controller. I do not know what this is or if it relevant. The error for this is that drivers are not installed. A search for drivers using the update driver box does not find any drivers.

If the drivers and the S/PDIF header/back card won't work, what are my best options with a PCI/PCIe sound card? I would need S/PDIF but since the stereo will doing all the mixing and amplification,  I would assume that I don't need a lot of features in the sound card itself. The plan is to have the computer essentially be a very smart CD changer.

Any advise is welcomed.

RealTek S/PDIF Problems

Reply #1 –
Quote
Windows audio, upgraded to RealTek 6.0.1.6201 using auto update, then upgraded to 6.0.1.6482 from RealTek site


The only drivers guaranteed to work with a motherboard are the manufacturers ones posted on their support sites. Also, drivers are one of those things where, if it works, leave well alone.

I suggest you uninstall the audio drivers and reinstall the correct latest drivers for your motherboard from Intel http://www.intel.com/p/en_US/support/highl...tpboards/dg43nb


Intel also provide a "Troubleshooting Audio Issues" page at http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/...b/CS-020642.htm

Good luck,
Ali.

RealTek S/PDIF Problems

Reply #2 –
I started with the Windows driver and quickly realized I would need a different one. I  went to the Intel driver page you noted and it had a link to follow, which actually took me to an early release of the Realtek driver. I downloaded and installed that but it did not work. So then I went to Realtek and found a current version of the same driver series. That did not work either. I also ran the Intel trouble shooting guide but it did not provide any useful information.

I think the Realtek Audio Manager figures into this problem some where. What I see and what is in their user's guide are not the same. The user's guide has features to enable the S/PDIF port, but the software with the Realtek drivers does not mention the S/PDIF at all. Even thought he LED is on, I don't think any data is reaching the port.

 

RealTek S/PDIF Problems

Reply #3 –
Hello,

Could you please (if it's possible):
  • Post snapshots of your current Realtek control panel (most relevant tabs),
  • Post pictures of the SPDIF link, both sides of the cable plugged in connectors,
  • Look in your BIOS to see if something SPDIF-related have to be enabled?
Thanks,

[blockquote]AiZ[/blockquote]