AC3 Filter + Audigy 2

I got Logitech Z-5500 connected to Audigy 2 ZS on analog.
EAX and surround is working fine when using WinDVD("Analog Sound Card" and "6 channels" selected).
I can't get any sound from rear speakers when watching DivX files with AC3 audio stream. The sound that should come from the rear speakers comes out from the front :-/
AC3 filter 0.70b and .0RC5(set to SPIDF, and Audio console set to built-in decoder) - the same problem.
What could be the problem?
Tnx in advance!

Fact: WinDVD might say that it has DivX decoding, but that doesn?t mean that it can handle AVIs with AC3 audio. AVIs are not very confortable having AC3 audio within them (although all u need to play it in a standard DirectShow player are some filters). 2-ch deocding is as good as it gets for AC3 in WinDVD.
Fact: in order to get your Audigy 2 ZS to decode Dolby/DTS within WinDVD, WinDVD must be set to "Digital Output (SP/DIF) to external processor", the "Decode 96kHz/24bits" must be unmarked/deactivated, and the Audio Renderer must be set to "WaveOut".
This will send the decoding to the Audigy?s CPU.
Fact: EAX and CMSS3D SHOULD NOT/MUST NOT be on/acti've/marked when playing 5. ch audio (Dolby or DTS) since the EAX and CMSS3D alter the way audio is reproduced and both are basically a way to get multichannel audio from stereo sources wich a 5. ch track is NOT.
Fact: the Audio booster in WinDVD (Platinum) MUST NOT be set to anything (no Dolby Virtual Speaker, no TruSurround, no anything). These Are up/downmixing matrixes and also alter the sound. Not even WinDVD?s Dolby EX, since the built-in Dolby Surround EX/DTS-ES decoding of your Audigy it'ss sounds much better.
Fact: in order to get AC3Filter to properly send and the Audigy?s CPU to properly receive SPDIF, these are fundamental and NON-NEGOCIABLE:
) you need a player that allows to specify/set the renderer that will be use for audio (I personally prefer BSPlayer, other choices are MPlayer or VLC).
2) These options MUST be set as such in AC3Filter (preferably RC5):
a] Main Tab = Ouput Channels: whatever - Output BitDepth: PCM 24bits - SPDIF Enabled.
b] System Tab = SPDIF passthrough Enabled for AC3 and DTS.
Period.
3) The selectable-renderer-player will have as renderer: SB Audigy 2 ZS Audio [C000]. Not "DirectSound: SBAudigy2ZS", not "Default Audio Renderer", not anything but "SB Audigy 2 ZS Audio [C000]".
And 4.0/4. up, as Speaker Settings.
And that should get you enjoying Dolby/DTS.
Regards.

Similar Messages

AC3 Filter & Spidif Problems with Audigy 4 p

I have an Audigy 4 Pro. I'm having a problem getting the spidif settings right on it so that it will produce 5. on my cambridge audio amplifier. I understand that spidif passthrough is required and have read the article about coax output producing audio over two speakers, however, in the AC3 filter interface the status of passthrough is set to "disabled".
Is it possible to get this to work with this sound card? Or should I use another method to get the AC3 files to output in 5.
It does work using power DVD but only with DVD files on discs. This problem only occurs when I play divx files with ac3 audio.

Lex,
The information I gave Felix2 is not "horrible" or wrong, they are the truth. There is no need to start attacking again, if you are not clear on the information I gave in his thread, ask for more clarification, but do not attack.
If you are having problems getting it set up, it's best to provide some detail on what settings you have changed, how everything is configured, and someone will probably be able to help you.
The start of your post isn't very clear, do you have a standard Audigy 4 or an Audigy 4 Pro? The Audigy 4 Pro does have an optical output on the external dri'vebay, the standard Audigy 4 (just a card) does not have an optical output. You would need to connect through a coaxial input (minijack to RCA, then RCA-RCA).
Cat

AC3 Filter software dts decodi

is it possible yet to use AC3 filter to decode dolby digital/dts from spdif/digital-in? i have a Soundblaster X-fi Fatalty Pro which, i found out too late, doesn't have hardware decoding. i know AC3 filter can do all kinds of encoding and decoding stuff, but don't know if it can from an external source, or how to set it up properly if i can. any ideas?

does it have the ability to decode from the SPDIF-in yet? they mentioned they were planning on adding this funcionality eventually when they released version .. i just don't know if they ever did. for example, my PS3 is running from teh digital optical out, to the SPDIF optical in on my X-fi (which doesn't have hardware decoding) so if AC3 filter can decode, via software, from the SPDIF-in, i could get true surround instead of "faking it" with the crystalizer and stereo xpand (although even THAT is a marked improvement over my TV speakers)

Pops sounds when Decoding AC3 with audigy

Hi, i want to make audigy zs decode ac3, doing the following:
in powerdvd 6 , i set to spdif out, and in audigy "use internal decoder" is enabled, it works fine with dts decoding, but with ac3 there's pops sounds during loud scenes, if i enable "dynamic range compress" in AudioHQ, the pops sounds disapears but the dynamic range is gone too, something i don't want because i really want to enjoy that sound.
Is there a way to listen the wide range sound of AC3, i mean with dynamic range enable without the pops sounds that produce when decoding ac3 with audigy zs?
someone has tried this or there's no chance to do it at all!

Well, a think all of you are not telling the truth, because you dont' even test it in the scene i mention(Lord of thr rings)
For you to know, there's movies that there's no pops sounds at all, like the original star wars trilogy, shrek , no problem, but in LOTR trilgy there's a problem.
Now for BigBen he said something different in:
http://forums.creative.com/creativelabs/board/message?board.id=soundblaster&message.id=3043&quer y.id=4735#M3043
In that forum, i had and old computer Pentium III 500 MGHZ, that didnt,t work anything, Dvd audio, dts, ac3 decoding. nothing.
I tried all and nothing.
finally i gave in, and bought another cpu because maybe it was an issue of the mother card,
i bought a Compaq DeskPro En(Pentium III 000MGHZ). now all the problems i had before are gone, except for the pops sounds in Ac3 decoding in LOUD SCENES, now this is common problem for most users, now if you say you don't have, well try lord of the rings Trilogy, Return of the king!

Quick time audio, and ac3 filter

I recently downloaded some video clips, the video played well in Quicktime but there was no sound; one message from QT said ac3 audio isn't supported since it' no good I (QTpro) will dump the audio.
Hm....it came with High-Definition video clips.
A friend told me to go to
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/27300
-there I got MacOSX4 compatible software: the ac3 audio plugin, as well as instructions on which folders I should copy the software into, in OSX4.
Now my clips plays beautifully WITH sound- except if I try to merge 2 clips using QTpro-then the sound disappears-thanks to lackings in QTpro.
My questions: 1) What's with that arrogant "is no good" message about ac3 audio? No QT audio was ever better....
2)When does Apple pull itself together and provide full ac3 sound support in QT??
Mac mini Mac OS X (10.4.8)
Mac mini Mac OS X (10.4.8)

1) What's with that arrogant "is no good" message about ac3 audio? No QT audio was ever better....
Have never seen such a message. If I attempt to open an AC3 audio file (without AC3 codec installed), I simply get a modal error message saying the file could not be opened. If I open a video file with an AC3 audio track, I am simply notified there is a missing component. Could you describe how you get this message?
2)When does Apple pull itself together and provide full ac3 sound support in QT??
Am hoping that Apple will be addressing the problem the first quarter of next year with the release of the "iTV" device. Seems like it would be a real waste to have a Toslink optical connector and not be able to connect AC3 to your A/V Dolby Digital decoder. Don't even care if the add any AC3 support. All I want them to do is add the pass through (encoded output) capability to QT/iTunes just as they have to their DVD Player or as VLC has had in their media player for some time now.
Now my clips plays beautifully WITH sound- except if I try to merge 2 clips using QTpro-then the sound disappears-thanks to lackings in QTpro.
Muxed MPEG-2 files are only MPEG-1 Layer-1/Layer-2 audio supported. If you want, you can use MPEG Streamclip (free) to convert files like decrypted/unencrypted VOBs directly to MPEG-2 with MP2. Files are simply de-muxed and the AC3 mixed down to stereo (default setting), converted to MP2 and muxed back with the original MPEG-2 with no loss in video quality. Files play fine with audio in QT Player with MPEG-2 component installed.

DTS, AC3 Decoding Audigy 2Zs or PowerDV

Hello All,
Q. according to creative the Audigy2Zs has Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, but does anyone know if this is hardware or software decoding.
Q2. I have Powerdvd 6 deluxe with all the audio packs. Do you disable the Audigy2zs decoder or keep it on. Double the juice twice the power!?
regards,
AL

(Q) Apparently it is HARDWARE decoding.
(Q2)
Case : If you disabled DVD software decoding ("S/PDIF Out") and enabled your soundcard's AC-3 / DTS decoders, your soundcard will be responsible for AC-3 / DTS decoding.
Case 2: If you enabled DVD software decoding of AC-3 / DTS, then the DVD audio data will already be decoded into surround sounds before sending to your soundcard. In this case, your soundcard will ALWAYS receive uncompressed surround sounds, and there is NO DIFFERENCE in enabling / disabling your soundcard's AC-3 / DTS decoders.
"Twice the power won't double the juice."

AC3 decoding with Audigy 2 ZS - for DivX mov

I have Creative Audigy 2 ZS sound card installed. When I try to watch a DivX movie with AC3 sound, I am not getting Dolby output, ie 5. output, only 2. output. I am using Media Player Lite. I even configured Media Player Lite for 5. ouptut, but no result.
I installed AC3 filter (http://ac3filter.sourceforge.net/) hoping that it would work. When I check wih AC3 filter control panel, it showed my Bit streaming output as + Dual mono, not 5. (3 front, 2 rear).
With the sound card diagnostics, speakers are working fine. Creative player is working fine with songs, all 5. output, but this is not happening with DivX movies.
Please help, how can I enable 5. with AC3 filter for DivX movies.

Maybe your divx are not in ac3 in the first place.

5.1 AC3 output possible from avi (Audigy S

OS: XP Pro SP2
DirectX latestI have an Audigy SE with Logitech speakers (X-530) connected (analog).
I get 5. sound out from my system using WinDVD 7 demo playing an original DVD.
Trying to play my backed up DVD (AVI) with 5. sound will however not work. I tried to useac3filter (all possible settings with 5. output)? as well as the Intervideo audio codec(which I?believed was exactly the same as was used in WinDVD) in Media player classic as wellas Zoomplayer. The 5. sound will play as stereo in the speakers. My questions are:
. CMSS should not necessarily be be enabled in order to play 5. sound, correct?
2. CMSS used on the file above would merely play an upmixed stereo sound, correct?
3. Has anyone ever been able to use an Audigy card to play 5. sound (analog out) correctly with or without CMSS enabled?
4. If you can say yes on question three what decoder, player and settings did you use?I have searched the forum but have not been able to find straight anwers to these questions.
Any help regarding this would be greatly appreciated.

Answer to question , 2 and 3?is yes.
I use WMP and with the XVID . and AC3filter .0a RC5 (beta)?codec.
Under General (in ac3 filter) I have SPDIF (disabled) ticked that will output it to creatives decoder
And under?system tab in AC3 filter?i have Use AC3 Filter for AC3 only ticked and the option next to it SPDIF passthrough i have AC3 option?ticked as well. (The output speaker settings in general?are not needed as since the card will do all the work).
In Creatives Control Panel under decoder I have Use Built in Decoder to use the AC3 decoding on The Card which i find is better.
Just Looked at the Audigy SE and it seems like it does not have an AC3 decoder. So the following settings will be of no use to you.
http://www.free-codecs.com/download_soft.php?d=2&s=2?(AC3filter .0a RC5) download this and try it with WMP as well.
Do the following as well
In WMP goto Tools > Options > DVD > Advance button that would bring up AC3 filter options starting with General.
Under Output select 3/2+SW 5. Channel
Then Goto?system tab?tick the AC3 box under the options Use AC3 filter for.
Then play the movie and see if it plays or not.
Message Edited by Stargazer on 02-24-200608:48 PM

Guide : Getting 5.1 surround sound. Audigy 2

Hi all
I thought I would write up a really quick but effecti've and simple guide for owners of the Audigy2 ZS and seeing how its Xmas time, I can assume a few lucky boys and girls may have this awesome card under the tree.
Most of whats covered should work with all creative products.
(Sorry, but I WILL NOT cover any info regarding encoding media or the like that will conflict with copyright laws)
This guide is for setting up your Creative Audigy 2 ZS for surround sound 5. reproduction and information in regards to required Filters/Codecs. I have not included any advanced set up options or the like as the ZS with the set ups I have incluced here will cover it out of the box.
One of the most common issues people may have with 5. not fuctioning correctly while playing a DVD movie ( Mpeg ) or any multi channel media that is 5. encoded, has to do with Codecs/Filters.
Most media players will not decode all AC3filters/Mpeg, thus require extra filters/codecs/plugins to be installed.
Ok , the first thing to do is ensure your sound card and speakers are set up correctly.
Most common speaker sets have 3 plugs that go in the back of your card .
EG, Logitech X-530. Pink = Front Centre.Black = Rear left and right. Green = Front left and right.
Ensure they are in the correct place and are tightly fitted.Ensure your sound card is secure and tightly in place.Make sure your speaker cables are tidy and not a big tangled mess.
Ensure in device audio controls that SPDIF passthrough is NOT ticked as this is for optical output ( the ZS pro with rack fuction )
Update to the latest drivers an media source ap
ps.
A few little things to set up first in Creative Mixer Control Panel to ensure cleaner sound:
Lower Master and Wav volume in Creative mixer to about 90% as to avoid any over dri've disstortion.Lower Master Bass Volume to about 90% to avoid over powering the bass.Ensure that your speaker settings Windows control panel and Creative speaker settings match your speaker set up..
Also run the THX Speaker Callibration test in basic mode.
YOU SHOULD DISSABLE CMSS IN EAX CP IN ORDER TO GET 5. TO FUCTION AS IT SHOULD.
CMSS is to be use only for a MONO or STEREO source/signal. It is for sending the stereo/mono signal ( left and right) to all speakers. This is not 5., mearly it is the same signal sent to all speakers to give you a more rich and vivid sound reproduction of an other wise flat source.
Turn off any EAX FX.
Things you want to do to ensure stable use:
SHUT DOWN CTHELPER:
A background task that is a plug-in manager for Creative drivers. A 3rd party manufacturer can use the CTHELPER plug-in interface to produce drivers, add-on features, and fixes that will integrate with a tighter fit with Creative?s sound drivers and utilities. Gi'ven its purpose CTHELPER would normally be classified as a "leave alone" background task. It also allows Creative speaker setup to be synchronized with Windows Control Panel speaker setting. Without it running that check box in Creative speaker setting is not functional (settings are not in sync). Unfortunately there are often problems with CTHELPER, most notably that it can use 00% of CPU time so it's best left disabled unless you REALLY need it .
Type in run "msconfig" and shut down all Creative Start up entries. Infact its proberly best to shut everything down.
NOTE: Any essentinal Software for the proper fuction of devices ,Eg: Razer mouse utils should be left on.
Simple Bios settings to help improve audio and stablity:
Dissable Pallette Snoop.ANY AND ALL shadows for devices, EG VGA BIOS and system bios should be dissabled. If you have the setting for PCI latency in your bios ( AGP boards only ) set it to 64, if its already at 64 try 32 .
Shut down ( remove, reconmended ) any 3rd party tweak apps that run in the background.
EG, Cache Man and any monitoring software.
Ok, now for Filters/Codecs and Plugins.
A major required Filter is AC3. (ac3filter__0a_rc5)
AC3Filter - it is DirectShow filter for AC3 decoding to play AVI with AC3 audio tracks and MPEG2 (DVD). Required for WMP.
NOTE: If you have DVD software that should play encoded 5. then make sure you have any updates/patches for the player installed and go through the tools/options for the player and ensure its setup correctly to decode AC3filters in the applictions tools menu.
If you use Cyberlink Power DVD you may need to pay an extra fee to get the required AC3filter/MPEG2 decoders to fuction as all 5. sound settings may be greyed out on some dated versions.
InterVideo WIN DVD ( this software suit comes with most "Asus" if not all makes of Mainboards. This suit comes complete with the required codecs/filters so get full surrport for 5. - 6. - 7. out of the box. Note: you must set it up first under audio options as it defualts to 2..
If you use WMP0 you should download and install the AC3filter or get the latest XP codec/filters packs. With out these filters you may not get 5. sound and/or poor reproduction.
Supported file types:
The following table lists the file types (formats) supported by Windows Media Player .(For files type played by Power DVD or WIN DVD please refer to the makers website or read me file for a detailed list).
File type (format) File name extension .
Music CD Playback (CD audio) .cda Audio Interchange File Format (AIFF) .aif, .aifc, and .aiff Windows Media audio and video files .asf, .asx, .wax, .wm, .wma, .wmd, .wmp, .wmv, .wmx, .wpl, and .wvx Windows audio and video files .avi and .wav Windows Media Player skins .wmz Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) .mpeg, .mpg, .mv, .mp2, .mpa, .mpe, .mp2v*, and .mpv2 Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) .mid, .midi, and .rmi AU (UNIX) .au and .snd MP3 .mp3 and .m3u DVD video .vob Macromedia Flash .swf Microsoft Recorded TV Show .dvr-ms*
NOTE: WMP defualts to 2.. To enable 5. run WMP0. Click on tools then point to options. Navigate to DVD then open up the advanced window. In here is everything you need to set things up.
NOTE: If you mess things up simply return to defult settings and start over.
Some common errors you may encounter with WMP.
Error messages are identified by numerical IDs, such as C00D0BC2 and 800704CF. You can determine the ID of a specific error message by clicking the More Information or Web Help button on the error message when you encounter it. The resulting page will indicate the error ID.
: Error's C00D6A and C00D9A while playing DVD's or MPEG-2 content.
This is directly related to either your current video card drivers or the MPEG-2/DVD decoder you have installed (EG: PowerDVD, Win DVD etc ). Reinstalling and/or uninstalling the MPEG-2/DVD decoder (PowerDVD, Win DVD ) and/or video drivers should fix the problem for you.
You should now be able to re-install you decoder ( Power DVD etc ) and continue its use.
Erro : C00DAC:
Cannot play the file Windows Media Player cannot play the protected file because there is a problem with your sound device, such as a sound card or sound controller. You might encounter this error message for one of the following reasons.
Your sound device requires an updated driver. ( update driver )
The selected sound device does not support Secure Audio Path (SAP).
If you have multiple sound devices installed on your computer, try using a different one.
To use a different sound device, on the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the Devices tab. Double-click Speakers, audio device to use, click a different device.
Error : "divide error in module IVIAUDIO.AX at".
Only exists in systems that have various Sound Blaster Li've sound cards and WinDVD installed.
This is infact a compatibility problem between these products. The problem is realized when MP3 oriented applications call upon certain sound card services making it look as though the error was raised from within the application in question.
FIX:Uninstall WIN DVD. Reinstall WMP and AC3 filter and then reinstall DVD WIN.
A simple but rare issue.
ModName.Win DVD "msvcrt.dll" and/or Win DVD MFC application error.
FIX:
Uninstall any java filters. Macromedia and Macromedia Acti'veX.
( to remove Acti'veX go to C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files and delete the Acti'veX )
What are codecs Codecs/Filters.
Codec stands for Coder/Decoder. Basically it is a piece of software or a driver that adds a support for certain video/audio format for your operating system. With codec, your system recognizes the format the codec is built for and allows you to play the audio/video file (=decode) or in some cases, to change another audio/video file into that format (=(en)code).
For example, when you install Windows to your home computer, Windows installs automatically most commonly used codecs into the system, so you don't have to download them separately from their vendors. However there are some codecs that are widely used, but not installed by Windows. Most notably DivX , MPEG-2.
Get all the Codecs/Filters/Plugins you could ever need from:
http://www.free-codecs.com/AC3_Filter_download.htm (ac3filter__0a_rc5)
http://www.free-codecs.com/
NOTE: ( XviD-.0.3-2022004 for Divx ) Stand alone codec for playing Divx instead of the Divx full install.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/win...0/default.aspx
Ok, you now should be all set.
However Codecs/Filters/Plugins are like any other kind of software installed and things can go wrong. If things are not working as they should try the following.
Download and install "Gspot"
http://gspot.headbands.com/download.htmlBuild 0307 - 23 KB Run the programme and simply point to system and select "List Codecs and other Filters"
Its a no brainer really to know whats what here and how to use it to find out the source of the issue, if you have one. If its red, its bad so you then need to trace the Filter/Codec to its source and remove it.
Here is just one very simple excample you may encounter and how it was fixed.
If you have ffdshow file is missing error pop up while running a player application, first go to C:\WINDOWS\system32 and search for ffdshow.en. Its proberly not here though. If it is just leave it be.
NOTE: ffdshow is used for AVI/Xvid enc/dec source.
To fix this "ffdshow Video Codec file is missing " error Simply uninstall your Xvid codec or your entire DivX programme, or any other Filter/Codec you have installed for playback of DivX files and AVI Video Files.
(Some times it seems a few Codecs/Filters dont get along so you must be aware of what you install).
Cheak "Gspot" again and Filter should be removed from the list.
Now you can reinstall the Xvid filter "XviD-.0.3-2022004" or your desired DivX programme.
Now go back toC:\WINDOWS\system32 and search for ffdshow.en. It should be there if it was not before. If the issue is back try a different version of required Filter.
So, thats just excample of a simple fix that got everything working again. Its not to hard to find out what the problem Codec/Filter is and then its just a case of uninstalling it. You can re-install the Codec/Filter but you should double cheak with "Gspot" and ensure the issue has not repeated itself .
If it has you can try and find out if the issue is related to another type filter causing a conflict or use an alternate Filter/Codec that will perform the same task .
Search for an updated version of required the Codec/Filter also.
Ok, thats pretty much the basics in getting correct and stable 5. sound working the way it should with your new Creative Audigy 2 ZS sound card.
I hope this has been of help.
Regards,xmn.
Message Edited by xmn on 2-24-2005 08:02 PM
Message Edited by xmn on 2-24-2005 08:04 PM
Message Edited by xmn on 2-24-2005 08:05 PM
Message Edited by xmn on 2-24-2005 08:05 PM
Message Edited by xmn on 2-24-2005 08:09 PM
Message Edited by xmn on 2-24-2005 09:29 PM
Message Edited by xmn on 2-26-2005 03:07 PM

BUMP, just incase its been missed by a new board member

1xm1n's Guide to the Audigy 2 ZS (FAQ)

PART GUIDE. This guide comes in 3 parts. Hello all Creative Audigy 2 ZS ( non Pro ) owners. After owning this card for close on 7 mths now and getting to know the basic ins and outs that need to be set up to get the most out of the card I thought I would write up a basic guide to get new owners started as quickly as possiable. I know when I first got home with it, it was close to hour or so before it was all up and running 00%. Hopefully with this basic guide to getting started, new owners will be up and running 00% in about 0 mins. My guide is not aimed at serious problems? and/or software releated issues as there is just far to many variables. Instead I have compiled the basic needs for installing and setting up the card to get the very best possiable sound reproduction for games/music and DVD video playback. Along with a few common problem solving ti
ps.
For the most part the card is simple enough to setup,install and update drivers and get fantastic DD 5. sound, THX and DTS reproduction. As far as games go, everything should work right off the bat and in most cases going to the developers web site for patches will solve any sound issue you may have. It is impossiable for me to add any fixes for games in this guide but if you have a problem most developers have a dedicated forum for thier games at which help is at hand. I have not included any tips/info on recording media as there are WAY too many things to list, so a seperate guide may follow although the online manual for all creative products is very good. THIS GUIDE IS FOR THE CREATIVE AUDIGY 2zs ( NON PRO ) though should work with all creative products. Table of contents:
1: SETTING UP FOR THE FIRST TIME:
2: INSTALLING THE zs:
3: Updating Drivers and applications ( This is a 2 part guide ):
4: PLXCore.PLX Error:
5: UNINSTALL DRIVERS:
6: UPDATEING DRIVERS : PART 2 : BETAS
7: SLOW BOOTUP AFTER DRIVER INSTALL/UPDATE:
8: SOUND CARD NOT DETECTED OR DRIVER WONT INSTALL:
9: NO SOUND AT ALL:
10: SOUND POPS AND CRACKLES:
11: 5. SOUND IN DVD MOVIES:
12: FILTERS AND CODECS:
13: Some common errors you may encounter with WMP0:
14: Fix a Codec/filter error:
15: MISC Errors you may encounter:
16: Test your overall sound with RightMark:
17: Music playback:?: SETTING UP FOR THE FIRST TIME:Make sure all previous sound devices and drivers are removed. The first thing that needs to be done is general system maintenants. The first thing is to make sure that any previous sound device drivers and application, ( mixers and recorders etc ) you have are removed from your system. This is very simple to do. Go to add remove programmes and find the device driver and the applications and select remove. Now you may think, thats it but there is a little bit more to be done. After the driver is removed there is bound to be a few files left over. So in general simply go through your temp folder? C:\Documents and Settings\"user"\Local Settings\Temp and delete all files. Also go through C:\WINDOWS\Temp and delete files in here. Go through C:/ and locate any folders that contain the apps for your old sound device, these may include mixers and the like. Delete these folders if found.
After this is done it is a good idea to uninstall any and all third party codecs. ( more on codecs later ) These would include Divx, AC3 filter etc. You should know what Codecs you have installed, and as there are many different codecs its not practical for me to go through them all here. Now that we have covered the removal of previous sound devices and its applictions along with all 3rd party codecs its time to get that new ZS up and running.NOTE: If you have onboard sound you MUST dissable it in the bios.
At boot hit the Del key and once in the bios ( read through the manual for your Motherboard ) find the onboard sound device and dissable it.2: Installing the ZS:As a rule you do not want to install any PCi device in the PCI slot directly under the AGP slot as it can and mostly will cause an IRQ conflict. PCI-e has no issue with this though. So on an AGP board I have found the PCI slot 4 is best suited. After the Sound card is sloted in place, double check it is sercure and the mounting screw is in place.Fire up your PC. The first thing to happen is windows will find the device. Let Windows find the device, then you will get a screen asking if you want windows to find drivers or simular. Say no and cancel this. Place the CD that came with your card into the CD dri've and simply follow the prompts to install the drivers and applictaions. It is important not to cancel this and to install ALL the applictions such as media source etc. After all is installed you will need to reboot for all changes to take affect. Once the system reboots you will then given the choice to regeister your Creative product. I would highly recommend you do this now, if not just to get it out the way but you may get an application is not regestered error.
Hopefully you now have your card installed and working. Please do view the getting started demo as it will show you first hand all the settings and options for Media source applictaions. Very handy. CHECK THIS FIRST UP:?In Creative Media Player click on tools and then settings. Click general and under play back sound devices, ensure your card is selected thus to the device features.
Type in run "C:\Program Files\Creative\MediaSource\Audio Device Selection" Doulble click the "CTAudSel" Icon and ensure your device is selected?
3: Updating Drivers and applications ( This is a 2 part guide ):The next thing you WILL want to do before running games or Media is to update your drivers and ap
ps.
Creative have made this process easy with their Auto Updater. Simply go to the surrport page at creative.com and select drivers. You will then need to select the auto update fuction which will need to install acti'veX control ( this one is safe so dont stress ) after this is installed your card will be detected and the next page will be displayed with all relevent di'vers and applictaions. I highly reconmend you install any apps that state Critical or essectial. Other reconmened applications are for specific fuctions so use you own judgement on these. The process wont take to long and is fully automated. Now you may ask, what about the beta driver. To update to the latest beta you need to download it manually and install it from your desktop.Note: The betas are?GREAT so dont be afraid to use them though you must understand that some applictaions may not work correclty, though I have found these issues to be somewhat hit and miss. If an application fails,? simply reboot usally this fixes it.Ok, so thats the easy stuff out the way then and hopefully you dont need to read on, though errors do happen and things go a bit pear shaped from time to time and I myself get the odd issue, though I've found for the most part these things are simple enough to solve hence this guide. 4: PLXCore.PLX Error:?This is a mystery error that can arise for no reason at all, sometimes.
Verify that the file PLXCore.PLX is located in the correct folder in your hard dri've. The default folder is C:\Program Files\Creative\Shared Files folder. If the file is not present in the folder, manually copy the file from the original installation CD-ROM disk to the above location. To do so, insert the Sound Blaster installation CD-ROM disk, exit from the Installation procedure if it auto runs.Go to My Computer, right click on the CD-ROM dri've that contains the installation CD-ROM disk, and select Explorer.Double click on the CTEngine folder, then the PlayRec.cab file, it should expand.Select the file PLXCore.PLX and copy it to C:\Program Files\Creative\Shared Files.Reboot.Any other bootup error that may arise can be fixed using the same method as above, though you will be looking for a different file.
5: UNINSTALL DRIVERSIf you want to un-install all drivers before updateing to beta drivers).
This is my tried and tested technique.BACK UP THIS FILE NOW! ( this may save time later )? PLXCore.PLX? located in C:\Program Files\Creative\Shared Files. Incase you get PLXCore.PLX error.Go to Add Remove Programs and un-install all listings related to your audio card.Also any? apps, eg: media source. Do not restart your computer when prompted so. In? C:\Program Files folder you should have an installshield folder ( may be hidden). In here are GUID named folders. . If hidden, to view these folders Open folder options under tools . Now untick HIDE PROTECTED OPERATING SYSTEM FILES ( RECOMMENED ) it also may be just under hide files also. Try both methods if need be to veiw files.Make sure when you are all done place tick back in box.::YOU WANT TO DELETE THE INSTALLSHIELD files for CRETAIVE::If you go through all the folders and look at each setup.ini you will find ones corresponding to Creative .
You can right click on some and it gives you info or open the ini? with note pad and if there is a reference to Creative labs, media source? and other creative apps? delete the entire folder.
Go through this twice to make 00% sure you get them all.
Empty out all temp folders. Type in run MSCONFIG and make sure all creative entries are untick. There may? be nothing in here.
Type in run regedit and then in search / find / type in? startupreg . This will give you the MS startup entries. Delete the keys for creative if any.
No need to Delete this folder ---- C:\Program Files\Creative ---- its proberly safest to leave it anyway.Run the Beta installer. 6: UPDATEING DRIVERS : PART 2 : BETASYou can use the auto updater from Creative and this is infact the best way to do this. However if you want to update the Beta Drivers ( which are infact better ) its best to just over right them,? with this method things SHOULD go smooth. I have always installed beta drivers this way with no issue as of yet.Download the Beta. Type in run "msconfig" and make sure ALL creative apps are unticked thus not to run at boot.
Type in run "services.msc" and dissable the Creative service.Reboot.Now run the installer for the Beta driver. You will come to a screen that will say or to this effect. An older file was found and may no longer be needed. SAY NO TO REMOVING THIS FILE AND ANY FILES!If after this if you have any kind of media source application error ( which can happen with betas ) then simply re-install the applications. Its best to re-install ALL media source applictaions. 7: SLOW BOOTUP AFTER DRIVER INSTALL/UPDATE:
Search for these in sys32 "ctaud2k.sys" & ha0kx2k.sys. Are they the same version?
All system devices and drivers need to be the same version. In control panel ( windows ) sound and Audio Device Properties, go to Audio and make sure they are all the same device.EG:
Sound playback
Default device: SB Audigy 2ZS Audio [DF00]Sound recording
Default device :SB Audigy 2ZS Audio [DF00]MIDI music playback
Default device : SB Audigy 2ZS Syth A [DF00]Place a tick in Use only default devicesGo to C:\WINDOWS Updreg.exe. Right click on it and go to Pro
ps.
In general go to advance .( this is for regestering your product.)
check its set up as follows.Under Archi've and index attributes are 2 boxs. File is ready for archiving and For fast searching, allow Indexing.
Untick File is ready for Archiving.
Place a Tick in? For For fast searching, allow Indexing.Under Compress or Encrypt untick both.Do the same for this exe. in C\:windows CTRegRun.EXE
Message Edited by xmn on 02-7-2006:40 AM

PART 3.
2: Filters and Codecs.
For the most part you only need AC3 filter , Xvid ( or the full Divx Pack ) WMP0 and which ever other Play back programme you may prefer, Eg, Win DVD, Winamp and so on.
Codec stands for Coder/Decoder. Basically it is a piece of software or a driver that adds a support for certain video/audio format for your operating system. With codec, your system recognizes the format the codec is built for and allows you to play the audio/video file (=decode) or in some cases, to change another audio/video file into that format (=(en)code).
For example, when you install Windows to your home computer, Windows installs automatically most commonly used codecs into the system, so you don't have to download them separately from their vendors. However there are some codecs that are widely used, but not installed by Windows. Most notably DivX , MPEG-2.
Get all the Codecs/Filters/Plugins you could ever need from:
http://www.free-codecs.com/AC3_Filter_download.htm
http://www.free-codecs.com/
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/win...0/default.aspx
Ok, you now should be all set.
A major required Filter is AC3.
AC3Filter - it is DirectShow filter for AC3 decoding to play AVI with AC3 audio tracks and MPEG2 (DVD). Required for WMP.
NOTE: If you have DVD software that should play encoded 5. then make sure you have any updates/patches for the player installed and go through the tools/options for the player and ensure its setup correctly to decode AC3filters in the applictions tools menu.
If you use Cyberlink Power DVD you may need to pay an extra fee to get the required AC3filter/MPEG2 decoders to fuction as all 5. sound settings may be greyed out on some dated versions.
InterVideo WIN DVD ( this software suit comes with most "Asus" if not all makes of Mainboards. This suit comes complete with the required codecs/filters so get full surrport for 5. - 6. - 7. out of the box. Note: you must set it up first under audio options as it defualts to 2..
If you use WMP0 you NEED to download and install the AC3filter or get the latest XP codec/filters packs. With out these filters you may not get 5. sound and/or poor reproduction.
Supported file types:
The following table lists the file types (formats) supported by Windows Media Player .(For files type played by Power DVD or WIN DVD please refer to the makers website or read me file for a detailed list).
File type (format) File name extension .Music CD Playback (CD audio) .cda Audio Interchange File Format (AIFF) .aif, .aifc, and .aiff Windows Media audio and video files .asf, .asx, .wax, .wm, .wma, .wmd, .wmp, .wmv, .wmx, .wpl, and .wvx Windows audio and video files .avi and .wav Windows Media Player skins .wmz Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) .mpeg, .mpg, .mv, .mp2, .mpa, .mpe, .mp2v*, and .mpv2 Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) .mid, .midi, and .rmi AU (UNIX) .au and .snd MP3 .mp3 and .m3u DVD video .vob Macromedia Flash .swf Microsoft Recorded TV Show .dvr-ms* NOTE: WMP defualts to 2.. To enable 5. run WMP0. Click on tools then point to options. Navigate to DVD then open up the advanced window. In here is everything you need to set things up. If you dont see AC3 then you need to install the AC3 codec.
NOTE: If you mess things up simply return to defult settings and start over.
3: Some common errors you may encounter with WMP0:
Error messages are identified by numerical IDs, such as C00D0BC2 and 800704CF. You can determine the ID of a specific error message by clicking the More Information or Web Help button on the error message when you encounter it. The resulting page will indicate the error ID.
: Error's C00D6A and C00D9A while playing DVD's or MPEG-2 content. This is directly related to either your current video card drivers or the MPEG-2/DVD decoder you have installed (EG: PowerDVD, Win DVD etc ). Reinstalling and/or uninstalling the MPEG-2/DVD decoder (PowerDVD, Win DVD ) and/or video drivers should fix the problem for you.You should now be able to re-install you decoder ( Power DVD etc ) and continue its use.
Erro : C00DAC:Cannot play the file Windows Media Player cannot play the protected file because there is a problem with your sound device, such as a sound card or sound controller. You might encounter this error message for one of the following reasons.
Your sound device requires an updated driver. ( update driver )
The selected sound device does not support Secure Audio Path (SAP).
If you have multiple sound devices installed on your computer, try using a different one.
To use a different sound device, on the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the Devices tab. Double-click Speakers, audio device to use, click a different device.
Error : "divide error in module IVIAUDIO.AX at".
Only exists in systems that have various Sound Blaster Li've sound cards and WinDVD installed. This is infact a compatibility problem between these products. The problem is realized when MP3 oriented applications call upon certain sound card services making it look as though the error was raised from within the application in question.
FIX:Uninstall WIN DVD. Reinstall WMP and AC3 filter and then reinstall DVD WIN.
A simple but rare issue.
ModName.Win DVD "msvcrt.dll" and/or Win DVD MFC application error.
FIX:
Uninstall any java filters. Macromedia and Macromedia Acti'veX.( to remove Acti'veX go to C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files and delete the Acti'veX )
4: Fix a Codec/filter error:
Codecs/Filters/Plugins are like any other kind of software installed and things can go wrong. If things are not working as they should try the following.
Download and install "Gspot"
http://gspot.headbands.com/download.htmlBuild 0307 - 23 KB Run the programme and simply point to system and select "List Codecs and other Filters"
Its easy really to know whats what here and how to use it to find out the source of the issue, if you have one. If its red, its bad so you then need to trace the Filter/Codec to its source and remove it.
Here is just one very simple excample you may encounter and how it was fixed.
If you have ffdshow file is missing error pop up while running a player application, first go to C:\WINDOWS\system32 and search for ffdshow.en. Its proberly not here though. If it is just leave it be.
NOTE: ffdshow is used for AVI/Xvid enc/dec source.
To fix this "ffdshow Video Codec file is missing " error Simply uninstall your Xvid codec or your entire DivX programme, or any other Filter/Codec you have installed for playback of DivX files and AVI Video Files.
(Some times it seems a few Codecs/Filters dont get along so you must be aware of what you install).
Cheak "Gspot" again and Filter should be removed from the list.
Now you can reinstall the Xvid filter "XviD-.0.3-2022004" or your desired DivX programme.
Now go back toC:\WINDOWS\system32 and search for ffdshow.en. It should be there if it was not before. If the issue is back try a different version of required Filter.
So, thats just excample of a simple fix that got everything working again. Its not to hard to find out what the problem Codec/Filter is and then its just a case of uninstalling it. You can re-install the Codec/Filter but you should double cheak with "Gspot" and ensure the issue has not repeated itself .
If it has you can try and find out if the issue is related to another type filter causing a conflict or use an alternate Filter/Codec that will perform the same task .
Search for an updated version of required the Codec/Filter also.
Ok, thats pretty much the basics in getting correct and stable 5. sound working the way it should with your new Creative Audigy 2 ZS sound card.
5 : MISC Errors you may encounter:
ModName.Win DVD 7 msvcrt.dll and/orWin DVD MFC application error.
Uninstall any java filters. Macromedia and Macromedia Acti'veX.
For Explorer issues such as pages not operning, media not working and the like :
type in run:regsvr32 vbscript.dllregsvr32 jscript.dll
Sound stutter:Go to Device ManagerGo to Sound,video and Game ControllersIn there you will see Audio Codecs double click itGo the to the properties TABYou will see Windows Media Audio double click itChange the priority from 7 to Apply OK exit everythingRestart PC
If it fails, set back to .
Any Media file errors you may encounter can be fixed by going to add remove programme list and uninstall the codec/filter. EG, you get an error playing an AVI file. Remove Divx and or other AVI codecs. Re-install just one AVI codec.
6: Test your overall sound with RightMark:
http://audio.rightmark.org/index_new.shtml . This tool is just a simple tool for testing all fuctions of your card. You will soon enough know if your card has an issue in relation to EAX HD and surround sound.
7: Music playback:
Well, not a lot to say here really. Put in your Music CD or select your MP3/WAV file ( NOTE : MP3 will NEVER-EVER sound as good as a retail CD, FACT ) and then go to Mixer. Set up CMSS in EAX the console as you prefer and adjust the 7 band EQ to your liking. Thats all there is to it really. Its more about experimentation over the correct way to set things up.
Ofcause you can use WinAMP for Music playback also
Well, there you have it. The basic grail of the Creative Audigy 2 ZS ( non pro ) setup guide. I do hope it has made your experience with setting things up a breeze and are now enjoying full range 5. in games and DVD movies.

Audigy 4 pro probl

Hi,
I am having problems getting dts sound from my audigy 4 pro soundcard.
i am using inspire t7900 speakers.
when i play a movie in powerdvd i only get 2 front channel working, even though i select dts format.
what am i doing wrong?
i get the same effect when a play a movie on my dvd player [home]. i am using the left and right audio leads commected toline in 3 on the back of the audigy external box, but still only get two channels.
Please help, what am i doing wrong?

Do you have the 2 pin Digital cable running from the DVDrom dri've to you card or to/from the I/O port?
Use it if you dont.
Go to windows control panel then audio HQ.
Open up device controls and then decoder.
Select SPDIF passthrough. ( ensure you speaker set up can decode it though ) Id say yours do
In control panel open up sound and audio devices then hardware. Select your sound card in the list.
Highlight and go properties then go to properties in the next window.
Open up each device and ensure its set to use audio features on this device.
With powerdvd in the advance options for audio ensure its set to 5. or which ever speaker set you have. Same with audio in windows control panel and Creative Surround Mixer.
What codecs/filters are you running? IF you have installed too many codec packs that can/may cause issues.
For the most part all you need is WMP0 + AC3 filter and or FFDshow. Your DVD player software ( your case Power DVD ) and Xvid or full Divx version, for most common AVI files and the like.
In the advance options in Power DVD is there an Audio option for SPDIF? If yes, select it.
Also ensure its set to use your card and NOT default audio device which is, I think wav - direct sound, in other words not full range, you want full range that your card can do. an excample.
WMP has 2 options for its sond device - open up tools, options, devices then speakers - properties. Here you will see default direct sound and then your card. You should have simular setup system in Power DVD.
If that fails.
Can you uninstall Power DVD and try WinDVD, you may have this with your mainboard?
If you can get WIN DVD ensure its set up to use SPDIF.
Ok, try that for starters and see how you go.
It will be somthing simple Id say

Audigy 2ZS S/PDIF pinou

I am trying to get information on connecting S/PDIF digital IN's and OUT's to an Audigy 2ZS card.
I have been reading quite a bit about this, but I see either incomplete information or none at all. What I've read has left me quite confused.
For instance, I read something about a 4 pole mini jack, as well as a 5 pole mini jack for the DIGITAL OUT connector. I also read somewhere that certain /8" to RCA "breakout" cables will NOT work for the digital I/O's because the ground(s) are in a different location.
Can someone provide COMPLETE pinout information for the connectors on this board, or, at the very least, ANY/ALL S/PDIF-relatd connectors?
I have made custom cables before, so if I just had the pinout(s), I'm sure I could come up with something.
Thanks.

Gerben wrote:
Thanks for your quick answer. In fact you confirmed my findings so far...
Hence I did find a last straw halm, Why not change all data to AC3 format and allways have 5. digital output? ... I found a AC3 filter programm but not yet the programm to do the translation. Your advice is much appreciated. If it cannot be done please also advice... Thanks very much for your effort.
There are soundcards from other manufaturers that encode the multichannel wave into AC3 form, the feature is called Dolby Digital Li've. There have been many posts complaining about the fact that this feature doesn't appear on the new X-Fi, considering the price and that the feature has appeared on much cheaper hardware. There are several problems with Dolby Digital Li've. First of all, it is not the same as the regular Dolby Digital. DD and DD Li've are lossey compression formats, DD is bad enough, but owing to the fact that DD Li've is a "real time" compression format, the quality is much worse. Another problem is latency. There may be a considerable delay between the action on screen and the sound you hear, a serious problem for games. Creative make a DTS encoder, which is supposed to be considerably better than DD Li've, but I don't think it's available in Europe yet. I don't think you'll find any software encoders.
Is there any reason why you want to use a digital connection?

Ac3 and Dts is not working

Hi I have a Creative SB0090 Audigy Platinum Sound Card but i canT have it to play Ac3 or Dts on digitaloutputs.
I am using Mediaplayer Classic,Earlier it was ok buth not any more.
I send the signal from my pc with a coax cabel to my digital input on my receiver a Harman Kardon Avr 5500.
Should i use a Ac3 filter in mediaplayer ? Must i add it and enable it in the player then or is there a Ac3 dekoder originalt in MP Cl (3 2 )?
Should i uninnstalled all drivers and reinnstalled it from my original cd , or can i youst go to automatic update ?
Happy if somone cab help mee :PMessage Edited by Ulven on 08-3-2005 07:02 AM

FI think you have to pay now for the decoder when using digital output but not sure what soundcards are limited.... otherwise try this drivers and see this help but i dont know if they will work...
http: //forums.creative.com/t5/Sound-Blaster/PAX-PCI-XFI-ALL-OS-Driver-V4-5/td-p/574643

Centre Speaker problemo. Audigy 2 ZS, Logitech X-

This problem is all over the forums already, but nothing i've found / read about has been able to solve it: my front centre speaker is playing softer than the rest (in CMSS and CMSS 2), and if i enable an EAX Equalizer i get no sound from the centre speaker at all. What im not sure about is where exactly the problem is lying... some people claim it to be codecs, others a hardware problem, others driver problems, etc. Im using an Audigy 2 ZS and Logitech X-530 5. speakers. I checked my windows setup, AC3 filter, AudioHQ, etc. and all have been set to 5. surround sound. In the speaker console, i test the speaker and it works fine (same loudness as the other speakers).
I dont think its a driver problem. Im using the drivers that provide EAX4.0 support (the one which includes two driver updates, the 2003 and 2004 ones), but even before that i had the same problem (was using the drivers that came with the soundcard). I dont think its a hardware problem either, because the subwoofer's playing just fine, and the centre speaker does work... the sound's just really faint.
The centre speaker works fine with DVD-Audio and DVD-Video tho (voice and other sounds channel perfectly). So im assuming its something to do with the codecs or something? I use Winamp 5.08 for MP3's and Windows Media Player 0 for audio CD's. For mpegs, avi's etc. i use WMP0 or VLC. Anything non-DVD gives me crap.
Errrrr... helpz0r please <IMG height=6 src="http://forums.creative.com/i/smilies/6x6_smiley-tongue.gif" width=6 border=0>

This problem is all over the forums already, but nothing i've found / read about has been able to solve it: my front centre speaker is playing softer than the rest (in CMSS and CMSS 2), and if i enable an EAX Equalizer i get no sound from the centre speaker at all. What im not sure about is where exactly the problem is lying... some people claim it to be codecs, others a hardware problem, others driver problems, etc. Im using an Audigy 2 ZS and Logitech X-530 5. speakers. I checked my windows setup, AC3 filter, AudioHQ, etc. and all have been set to 5. surround sound. In the speaker console, i test the speaker and it works fine (same loudness as the other speakers).
I dont think its a driver problem. Im using the drivers that provide EAX4.0 support (the one which includes two driver updates, the 2003 and 2004 ones), but even before that i had the same problem (was using the drivers that came with the soundcard). I dont think its a hardware problem either, because the subwoofer's playing just fine, and the centre speaker does work... the sound's just really faint.
The centre speaker works fine with DVD-Audio and DVD-Video tho (voice and other sounds channel perfectly). So im assuming its something to do with the codecs or something? I use Winamp 5.08 for MP3's and Windows Media Player 0 for audio CD's. For mpegs, avi's etc. i use WMP0 or VLC. Anything non-DVD gives me crap.
Errrrr... helpz0r please <IMG height=6 src="http://forums.creative.com/i/smilies/6x6_smiley-tongue.gif" width=6 border=0>

Audigy 2 ZS SP

I have some problems playing AC3 movies vis Audigy2 ZS SPDIF. I use receiver Onkyo E502 and it is connected to Audigy via coax digital input. The problem is, when I start playing movies, receiver doesn't switch to Dolby D, but it stays in stereo mode (AC3 filter is used for bypas AC3 signal to SPDIF). I have to select manualy (on receiver) that I want to use Dolby D. If the movie is on more than one CD, I have to repeat this procedure everytime Cd in changed.
Before this soundcard I used Soundblaster Audigy LS and receiver switched automatically to Dolby D.
Regards

here a A2zs user. Just wanna say that i don't have ac3filter installed at all.
Why install a software method if the soundcard can handle it.
Here i've no ac3 filter no codecpack, just FFDshow + creative software.
In DVD player software(here Powerdvd6 what i use for dvd-v and dvd-a)i've setup soundoutput to spdif.
And the card decoder is on. Everything works ok, so you (i think) only need ac3filter if your soundcardhardware don't support it.
but hey correct me if i'm wrong... But in other words ac3 is working ok here without ac3filter, and done by soundcardhardware(spdif in dvd player).
Maybe you need to switch off the onboard decoder, so that the card will pass trough the full signal to your digi amp input.Message Edited by www_96KHz_tk on 09-7-2005 08:47 AM

AC3 Filter + Audigy 2

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