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    7.1 output on a laptop?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by NotebookJosh, Aug 16, 2009.

  1. NotebookJosh

    NotebookJosh Newbie

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    Im after a laptop to use as a media hub in my home cinema, atm I use a PC. I have a 7.1 speaker system that plugs into the back of the PC, are there any laptops that come with this?

    Regards
     
    NotebookJosh, Aug 16, 2009
    #1
  2. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I don't believe there are.
     
    sgogeta4, Aug 16, 2009
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  3. NotebookJosh

    NotebookJosh Newbie

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    What are my options?
     
    NotebookJosh, Aug 17, 2009
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  4. moral hazard

    moral hazard Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    moral hazard, Aug 17, 2009
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  5. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    External Soundcards can be an option too - creative makes them (amongst others, they are the only company I know)
     
    DetlevCM, Aug 17, 2009
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  6. Jasp

    Jasp Notebook Evangelist

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    HP HDX supports 7.1 via 1/8 jacks (3.5mm). Least the older models do like the one in my sig.
     
    Jasp, Aug 17, 2009
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  7. RaZZNuts

    RaZZNuts Notebook Guru

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    hmm.. isn't that laptop like Qosmio & HDX are made for this kind of purpose?
     
    RaZZNuts, Aug 17, 2009
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  8. hondarider

    hondarider Notebook Enthusiast

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    MSI GT627 has 7.1 through 3.5mm jacks as well.
     
    hondarider, Aug 17, 2009
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  9. newsposter

    newsposter Notebook Virtuoso

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    there are several usb adapters that do 7.1

    But by the time you spend all the extra $$ needed to pump up a laptop for use as a home media hub, you could have spent the same money on new desktop-grade components including power, hard drive, and cooling.
     
    newsposter, Aug 17, 2009
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  10. NotebookJosh

    NotebookJosh Newbie

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    Anything from dell?
     
    NotebookJosh, Aug 17, 2009
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  11. Jasp

    Jasp Notebook Evangelist

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    Nout that springs to mind, does your 7.1 system support optical or HDMI input? as most come with at least a HDMI port for audio if needed.
     
    Jasp, Aug 17, 2009
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  12. rudycuki12

    rudycuki12 Newbie

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    The alienware M17x has 7.1 internal system... i think i read somewhere that it also has jacks to connect to a 7.1 external system!
     
    rudycuki12, Aug 17, 2009
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  13. Jasp

    Jasp Notebook Evangelist

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    From what i read on their website its 5.1 though i could be mistaken.

    Internal High-Definition 5.1 Surround Sound Audio

    * 4 Hi-speed USB 2.0 ports
    * 1 eSATA/USB 2.0 Combo (2-in-1 port) with PowerShare
    * IEEE 1394a (4-pin) port
    * ExpressCard Slot
    * DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA - Video Output
    * Front Speakers Audio Out Connector / Headphone Jack
    * Center Speaker and Subwoofer Audio Out Connector / Headphone Jack
    * Rear Surround Audio Out Connector
    * Audio In / Microphone Jack
    * Two Built-In Front Speakers

    3 Jacks would make it 5.1 sadly as their is no side, if it can output it via HDMI is another question though.

    Also to the op why not go down the route of making a HTPC?
     
    Jasp, Aug 17, 2009
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  14. Anthuzad

    Anthuzad Notebook Consultant

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    the d901c supports 7.1
     
    Anthuzad, Aug 18, 2009
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  15. InfectedSonic

    InfectedSonic Notebook Evangelist

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    if your willing to do what i did with a pe2l pcie 1x to expresscard adapter you can get the best 7.1 possible for your laptop although i wasnt using the best card out there its still much better then any usb solution will provide. i am using an xfi titanium fatality pro card which support 7.1 but i prefer 5.1 dts audio which is why i tested that before the other options. also keep in mind this is dts neo not just regular dts so anything i play even if its 2 channel audio will come out as 5.1 dts. you have to hear it to believe how well this works.
     
    InfectedSonic, Aug 18, 2009
    #15