Audio over DVI

Hi all,
I am currently in the process of buying a monitor for use with my PS3 and also as a dual set up with my M15X. I have pretty much decided to go for the Dell U2311, thing is it doesn't have HDMI, just DVI and Displayport. I have a DP on my laptop so I can connect directly with a cable but connecting the PS3 I'm not sure about. I know a HDMI to DVI cable will work but will it carry audio? I've heard DVI doesn't but I've also heard some GPU's allow it to. Would the PS3 allow it? If anyone could shed some light on this it would be much appreciated.

Thanks

 

problem: the Dell U2311 doesn't have internal speakers or handle audio processing, so what's the point? You'll need to find another way to get the audio directly to your sound hardware (splitting the signal, hooking the PS3/etc to a receiver first).

if you had a monitor that handled audio and had DisplayPort but no HDMI, then DisplayPort usually handles audio and a HDMI to DisplayPort adapter might work.

 

No! You'll have to get your audio via some other port. Prehaps S/PDIF?

If that's the case, then let whatever component you decide on to hand the audio be your guide to what port you will use.

Incidentally, matching these ports should best be decided on before purchasing your computer. It's a lot less complexity and headache that way.

 

Well I was going to either get the dell soundbar or a set of speakers. The soundbar will output whatever is being input to the monitor but a DVI to HDMI cable connecting the PS3 to the monitor won't carry audio right? My other option is to get a set of speakers and connect them straight to the PS3. This would be better quality also.

 

That's all the sound bar is; external speakers that attach to the bottom of the monitor. They don't interface with the monitor at all and use analog stereo mini-jacks (usually) to get the signal direct from the computer/soundcard/whatever audio source.

 

Oh really. It's just a crappy speaker made to fit the design of the monitor. I thought it uses the input from the monitor. Wrong info, thanks for clearing that up. I guess it's buy a set of speakers and connect them using the PS3 AV cable and a phono to 3.5 audio jack adapter. I've heard this is how its done, sound about right? It does makes sense.

 

Yep. They are jsut crappy speakers, that happen to be designed to fit the shape of the monitor. There is nothing "special" about those speakers.

And yes, the way to do it is to connect the audio through a 3.5mm audio jack directly to a set of speakers, if you want stereo sound. You can get surround sound, if you use an SPDIF or Optical audio output, and have some way of connecting speakers to that SPDIF / Optical output. But in general, you are on the right track - you need to handle and connect the speakers spearately from the monitor.

 

Thanks for the help. I think it's best to get some separate speakers. I was a bit concerned about the soundbar quality. Any recommendations for a good set of speakers? I'm not familiar with this area, always had a laptop. Took a lot of researching to decide on the U2311. Anyway I've got a low budget I'm not looking for any amazing sound quality I listen to music in my Sennheiser IE8 earphones, I just want something that's going to be decent for games. I don't play at high volume so just something that will be quite accurate at normal volumes. Thanks

 

DVI does not send audio.

You can get adapters that will mux the video and audio together into a hdmi connection like this:

Amazon.com: DVI To HDMI Converter / SPDIF Optical Toslink+Coaxial Input Output: Everything Else: Reviews, Prices & more

I think its best to get a receiver/amp and get regular unpowered speakers, but most people choose to go with plug & play stand alone speakers that are self powered.

If that is the route I cant really recommend something until you give us a budget

 

Thanks for the advice. That adapter is very pricey though, my budget will probably only allow a pair of speakers plugged directly to the PS3.

 

You may not realize it, but you just made a classic contradiction: "Accurate" at normal volumes indicates the very best of speakers. The ones that you need to play at high volumes, are the ones that compromise that characteristic.

The whole point of HDMI is to make your connections simple by putting everything into one cord. Since you neglected to keep that in mind, when purchasing your peripherals, you'll need to adapt a workaround.

All the suggestions thus far, have include the various ways for you to do that. Just keep in mind that the few the connections, the better the sound. In other words, you need to keep your original signal digital for as long as you can.

Yes, set a budget.

 

Sorry for the contradiction. Basically I just want the best for my money in overall sound quality. I'm looking at around £30-50, I know it's low but I really cant spend more. I've already gone over my budget with the monitor but it's worth it in my opinion, I will be using the monitor a lot more. And I know it's not preferable but the Dell monitor is a very good deal and I wouldn't miss out on it because it's a little inconvenient. For £30 more than the other monitor I was considering you get IPS rather than TN and a tonne more ergonomic features.