Re: Outputting multichannel sound through the optical link??
Re: Outputting multichannel sound through the optical link??
- Subject: Re: Outputting multichannel sound through the optical link??
- From: "Simon Thorpe" <email@hidden>
- Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 08:42:25 +0100
- Importance: Normal
On Fri, February 5, 2010 23:36, William Stewart wrote:
> ok... so a couple of salient points I'd like to bring out here.
>
> SPDIF's shortcomings have been described in some detail, but a point
> that might be missed is that AC-3 or DTS encoding of the audio is not
> the solution you really want. These encodings are lossy encodings, and
> will degrade the quality of the audio signal. The encodings also add
> latency, and while there are different versions of the AC-3 encoder to
> minimise this for game play (the XBox supports this), it is still not
> ideal.
>
> So, the whole area of consumer multichannel audio has been a
> problematic one for some years now. The development of HDMI and
> DisplayPort as a means to easily transport both video and audio
> (multichannel) is the way in which this problem has been addressed by
> the CE industry.
>
> With the release of the new iMacs from Apple, we now have a solution
> for you.
>
> The DisplayPort connector on these iMacs is capable (through an
> adaption of the display port plug to HDMI) of carrying up to 24bit,
> 96kHz, 8 channels of linear pcm audio.
>
> Griffin technologies provide an adaptor to adapt the display port
> connection to HDMI, and once you plug this in, and then hook up a
> receiver on the other end of the HDMI cable.
>
> http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/video-display-converter
>
>
> Now, HDMI is driven by an EDID (a descriptor that describes the
> capabilities of a given device). So, what you will see in AMS (Audio
> MIDI Setup) ***once you plug a receiver in*** is the capabilities of
> that receiver. Some of the older HDMI receivers are only able to do 2
> channels of linear pcm audio over HDMI, so that is all you will see.
> If your receiver can do mutli-channel linear pcm over HDMI, then AMS
> will show that to you.
>
> Once this is there, this then behaves like any audio device you have
> plugged in to your Mac. That is, any application (iTunes, etc), any
> game, can output audio to that receiver up to the number of channels
> it supports.
>
> So, I think this is the one cable solution you are looking for.
>
> Bill
>
Bill,
This sounds extremely promising. But two questions. You mention only new
iMacs, so I guess that it won't work for my MacBook Pro :-(
Second, griffins website that you mentions states :
"Please note that Apple's Mini DisplayPort only outputs video signal. To
receive audio from your Mini DisplayPort-enabled MacBook or MacBook Pro,
you'll need to connect your MacBook to your stereo receiver using an audio
cable like our Aux Cable or StereoConnect Cables."
Does Apple know something that Griffin doesn't?? I'm sure Griffin would
sell more of their connectors if this was public information.
Clearly, if Apple put an HDMI connector on their products that could
output the audio too, then I would agree that this is the best long term
solution (and would avoid me having to buy more connectors every time I
get a new Mac because they've changed the adaptor again - I"ve got a
drawer full of Apple adaptors for different display interfaces!)
Incidentally, one reason why the Mac + Home theatre amplifier + Large LCD
screen solution is so nice is that one button press on the front of the
amplifier can switch between Mac, PS3, Satellite TV (eg CanalSat, which I
use) and Bluray disk reader. My wife loves this! This will never be
possible with a high end firewire interface plugged into the Mac.
Cheers
Simon
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