The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    S/PDIF output for laptops... Audigy only?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by nick_danger, Apr 4, 2006.

  1. nick_danger

    nick_danger Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    30
    Messages:
    210
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    What are the options for laptops as far as AC3 is concerned? Is the aftermarket Audigy PCMCIA the only option? Are there any laptops with built-in Audigys or sound cards with either a coax or optical S/PDIF output? I'm certainly not opposed to buying and using an Audigy PCMCIA, but I'd like to exhaust options for built-in audio first.
     
  2. syxbit

    syxbit Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    689
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    what ever you get built in, the audigy will blow it away
    can be had for $60 on ebay, just get that
     
  3. nick_danger

    nick_danger Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    30
    Messages:
    210
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Hmm, I assumed as much, thanks. What about built-in Audigy cards? I know some desktop motherboards now ship with on-board Audigy, any laptops like that yet?
     
  4. lazybum131

    lazybum131 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    203
    Messages:
    532
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I know laptops from Apple, Acer, Asus, and Clevo have digital output. The MacBook Pro even has digital input. Some Dell's also have digital out, but it's through the 7-pin S-Video out and requires an adapter.
     
  5. Shampoo

    Shampoo Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    208
    Messages:
    1,889
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Many notebooks have built in SPDIF output built in with their realtek audio.

    If you are going to get the Audigy PCMCIA soundcard, be sure to check on www.soundblaster.com for a compatibility list to see if your notebook is okay and working.

    Also be sure to get the latest release of that soundcard which is the Blister pack or the one in the plastic packaging and not the box. This newer version seems to work with some black listed PCMCIA controllers like the one on my Z70Va. Couple people from the Asus forum have their new soundcards working on their Z70V's and Va's, but one person has the older boxed version and it does not work.

    So there you have it.

    I bought mine, but my notebook is in for repairs. :(

    Goodluck~!
    Mike