Ihave been studying on radeon graphic cards and there are some confusions. I am going to build a computer to deal with tv and movies. The radeon cards I am considering all say that they can deal with 1080p video and also have audio (5.1 to 7.1). At the same time the output, on these cards, is a dvi connector. My understanding is that dvi does NOT have any audio yet the cards say they offer audio. How can this be? The other thing is that I have read that there is a question as to whether dvi can actually deliver 1080p resolution yet these cards claim to not only have that resolution but claim the ability to upconvert to 1080p. so, my question: can dvi deliver 1080p and, if so, on dvi to hdmi and/or dvi to component? can a card that has only a dvi output connector deliver audio and, if so, how does that work? I am currently considering an ati radeon hd 3450 Oh - one last. I am also wondering which operating system might be best, Linux or Windows?
1.) They do have audio, but you need to get the correct DVI-HDMI cable. 2.) These cards will do 1080P (and higher) with ease. 3.) The 3450 is more than enough to watch Blu-Rays with. 4.) Don't try to start a Linux vs Windows fight; people get mad when they start fighting about these. If you have never used linux, but you have used windows, you are probably better off with Windows (duh). As for drivers, the windows drivers are easier to install.
Thanks for the reply. I have both windows and linux (I program on the linux machine). Sorry, didn't realize folks were so ...... (won't do that again). So, if I get a 3450, and the proper dvi to hdmi I should be ok. I do have one but how do I know if its the right one. (or how to order the right one (had no idea they were different)). Now all I have to do is to figure out how to find the right transformer (to run my speakers) and I should be done! (I assume the forum for receivers and transformers will help me there) I don't even know what I want exists (amp with speaker connections and an hdmi passthrough). My current receiver is somewhat elderly and the hdmi doesn't do audio. Perhaps just getting another receiver is probably easier <sigh> Thanks again for the reply!
I am not sure on the type of cable either...I have a few cheap converter cables that do not carry the signal, but my better quality cables do it (except for my most expensive cable, that one does not!). I also have a few of the adapters (not cables, just the little box that lets you plug a HDMI cable into a DVI)...most of these do the audio conversion. If you are thinking about spending all that money on a new reciever, you might be better off just getting a nice dedicated audio card; it would be a lot cheaper.
I considered the sound card but it doesn't have the bump to drive my speaker system. if there is such a card I would really appreciate learning about it. I have been reading about dvi to hdmi. there is a standard for this one (as well as the number of pins to connect). This one I can deal with. I also have a couple of programmable conversion modules along with documentation (bought on spec. Of course I am currently speculating and studying on it all. I have an existing system, with a radeon 9200 that I am going to play with and do a component system just to test stuff. Thanks for the reply
The HT omega series sound cards should drive just about any reciever ever made...but I am not sure on linux driver support.
Thanks for the reply. There is, I think, a misunderstanding here. Its pretty easy to drive a speaker but my thought is to bypass a receiver and drive the speakers directly from the pc. THAT is a problem which is why I will need a receiver.
