Digital Audio output for W series - Alternatives

There's a thread talking about the displayport does not have audio-output. Its true and some people get victimized by ill-trained sales people who think their displayport is standard. There's no literature on Lenovo website warning users about the audio issue either - such thread is closed with the fact that (some) other manufacturers in the same period does have have audio either and Lenovo think they should be in the same boat.
Let's not go into the blamish again, but discuss what we can do with existing options with alternative digital audio out and line-in that the W series really really missed.
We have (1) mini-dock and (2) USB soundcard listed as options
I currently use a USB DAC (digital to analog) system and it do really good in terms of stereo music enjoyment. However my particular system does not have digital manupilated sound like 3-D surround or multi-channel output and not suprisely, laptop USB generally produce greater latency than desktop USB ports.
Besides USB, we have 1394 and express card 34 as expansion options.
What's your setup for digital audio out? Anyone know any internal soundcard that fits the slots of Wireless USB/Turbo memory PCI ports that all W-series have?

Other alternatives include
I know on mackbooks I've seen firewire used as an input for a Weiss Dac if you're into two channel audio. Do any reiceivers take firewire as an input for hometheater? Has anyone tested Firewire outputs on their W series? I'm told that firewire is sometimes preferable to USB, I'm not sure why this would be, can USB support passthrough of DTS encoded signals?
In the case that firewire works and you Do not have a firewire source, maybe something like this would be of value It converts firewire to digital coaxial s/pdif and allows passthrough of DTS and AC3.
http://www.m-audio.com/images/global/manuals/FireWire-Audiophile_Manual.pdf
As I'm into audio the critical thing here (and what you're paying for when you purchase blue-ray, is maintaining the digital information from the disk in an unconverted form. You want a direct bit pass through, and you want as little jitter introduced to the signal as possible. You most certainly don't want the sound card getting in the way, Digtital to Analog converting and then reverse packaging it up and putting it out over the soundcard digital out. My problem is I'm not familiar enough with computer audio to know how exactly the sounds is transmitted from your blue ray drive to the digital interface you've chosen.
Anyone know why USB digital out would not be a prefered method?
Moderator note; comment removed which contravened forum rules

Similar Messages

Using built in optical digital audio output for 5.1

So, lets say i want to mix something in 5.1 using logic or soundtrack pro, can i use the optical digital audio output of my macbook to send the signal to a home theather or something to mix it?, or i need a special hardware card for this?
Thanks a lot!!

Hi alece,
Just to clarify something;
When using an optical cable there are several standards of audio that can pass through the cable:
S/PDIF - a stereo signal - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spdif
AC3 or Dolby Digital - up to 5.1 surround - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ac3
Dolby Digital Plus - up to 7.1 surround - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DolbyDigitalPlus
ADAT Optical - up to 8 channels of audio - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ADAT_Lightpipe
MADI - up to 64 channels of audio - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MADI
I´m sure other people can add more to the list if they want to, my point is that these signals can pass through the exact same kind of optical cable.
The important bit to know is what does your equipment and software support... in theory your question is quite logical, a software can play 5.1 surround to a optical output like Apple DVD Player does with the built-in sound card of a modern mac. However, Logic does not support live encoding of AC3. That is why you have to output the surround mix in Logic to a sound card with at least 6 channels (5+1 as in 5.1) connected to your speaker system. Typically this would be 5 active studio monitors plus a sub. If you were thinking to use an existing stereo I would not recommend it since most consumer speakers have no limiters to protect them from damage (but may be possible depending on your amplifiers inputs)
I hope this answered your question
Cheers Espen
http://www.midiamore.com.au/

Optical digital audio output for mac book?

Hello, I am wondering if MacBook pro Retina version has the Optical digital audio output or thunderbolt adapter? so i can use optical cable to do output for my music.

Hi alece,
Just to clarify something;
When using an optical cable there are several standards of audio that can pass through the cable:
S/PDIF - a stereo signal - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spdif
AC3 or Dolby Digital - up to 5.1 surround - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ac3
Dolby Digital Plus - up to 7.1 surround - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DolbyDigitalPlus
ADAT Optical - up to 8 channels of audio - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ADAT_Lightpipe
MADI - up to 64 channels of audio - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MADI
I´m sure other people can add more to the list if they want to, my point is that these signals can pass through the exact same kind of optical cable.
The important bit to know is what does your equipment and software support... in theory your question is quite logical, a software can play 5.1 surround to a optical output like Apple DVD Player does with the built-in sound card of a modern mac. However, Logic does not support live encoding of AC3. That is why you have to output the surround mix in Logic to a sound card with at least 6 channels (5+1 as in 5.1) connected to your speaker system. Typically this would be 5 active studio monitors plus a sub. If you were thinking to use an existing stereo I would not recommend it since most consumer speakers have no limiters to protect them from damage (but may be possible depending on your amplifiers inputs)
I hope this answered your question
Cheers Espen
http://www.midiamore.com.au/

I want to find the digital audio output on my Pavilion vd6853ea notebook

I have spent far too long trying to find where this output is located.
I have a very good Hifi and at the moment am using a USB cable to connect to my DAC.
It looks like there is a realtec digital output somewhere on the notebook as it show up when I go into the playback devices and it tests ok visually.
The 3.5 jack plug is just analog and not a hybrid spdif.
Where is it????????
Please help as I am getting really fed up now!
This question was solved.
View Solution.

HI,
macapaca666 wrote:
Thank you so much for the fast reply.
I thought that may have to be the case.
Can I please ask you a few other questions?
If I want to get a digital audio output not using a HDMI (My DAC doesn't have this input), can I get a good result with something like a Musical Fidelity V link USB to S/Pdif converter or a M2Tech Hiface digital audio interface? Sorry, I cannot make a recommendation on either of those products as I am not familiar with them.
Is it possible to change the sound card with an optical or coaxial output? Your notebook's sound is an integrated solution. It is a chip soldered (integrated) onto the system board. It can't be updated.
Thanks again for the kind help!
John
Best regards,
erico
****Please click on Accept As Solution if a suggestion solves your problem. It helps others facing the same problem to find a solution easily****
2015 Microsoft MVP - Windows Experience Consumer

How to get the Mac Mini Digital Audio output at 192kHz?

I have a mid 2011 Mac Mini (and love it). According to http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4806, "The headphone / line output port accommodates digital optical audio output, analog audio output with a 24-bit, 44.1-192 kHz D/A converter, digital audio output up to 24-bit stereo and 44.1-192 kHz sampling rate and supporting encoded digital audio output (AC3 and DTS)."
So there is digital audio output to 192 kHz but how do you configure it to work? Using the Audio Midi Setup Utility, I can set the sample rate to 96000 Hz -- but it won't go higher to 192kHz. Anyone know how to do this?

That is in some ways confusing. For the analog output, the
internal DAC can support 24 bit/192Khz audio data. It does
require an application that has the capability of playing back
such material.
The TOSLINK optical standard does not support this data rate.
It has nothing to do with the Mini, it is the standard itself. The
TOSLINK optical spec is 96 kHz, 24 bit stereo (uncompressed).
The mini will however support multichannel, 24 bit, 192 kHz
(uncompressed) via the HDMI interface. Also, again,
the playback software needs to support it.
Just as a final note, unless the source material has the
higher sample rate format, there is no benifit to outputing
at the higher sample rate, especially if the source some
lossy comporessed format (mp3, aac, Dollby and DTS
non-HD formats).

Optical digital audio output/headphone out

Does anyone know if there is a way to connect stereo speakers directly (not through a receiver/amp)to the Optical digital audio output/headphone out on a imac? The new 20 inch imacs have a 24watt internal amp which would be plenty for the speakers that I want it to drive. Thanks

is there an attachment that i have to buy? do i just rip the tip of the cord off?
Yep, there are two "standard" optical-digital-audio connectors -- the original "square" one is still used in most larger audio/video components. The newer/smaller one, used mainly in portable gear, is exactly the same size as a mini headphone plug. Radio Shack carries adapters/converters and cables of both types (usually at outrageously high prices). For online vendors, try:
http://monoprice.com (search for "TOSLINK")
Great prices and a good rep for quality/service among to the HDTV-fanatics on avsforum.com.
Looby

Digital audio output - how?

I am new to Macs and the owner of a mini. I'm about to replace my stereo amp with an AV receiver so that I can use the mini as a media centre with a home theatre system. I want an AV receiver with a digital input as the mini has a combined analogue & digital output. My question is what type of digital lead to I need, are they standard and how do I tell the mini to provide a digital signal to the combined output socket rather than an analogue one? Or is it clever enough to work out what type of cable is attached?
Thanks in advance
Paul

I have my Mini connected to my A/v receiver using a digital TOSLINK to mini TOSLINK cable. It should have a mini jack connector on one end for the mini and a squareish connector on the other end for the receiver. The audio output jack on the Mac Mini can output both analog audio and digital. The digital input on my receiver uses a ADAT lightpipe connection on the other end, that looks like a square. These are standard cables and should not be that expensive. Here's an example of the type of cable:
http://www.amazon.com/6ft-Toslink-Mini-Cable/dp/B000FMXKC8
You will also need to make some setting adjustments in you sound control panel and in the DVD player to select the correct digital audio output format. Good luck.

Airport Express (802.11n) - clipping digital audio output

I just replaced two older Airport Express with the new n-version. But for both new units, the digital audio output regularly pauses (skips) briefly every 10 seconds or so. It's unusable.
The music is being sent via iTunes to digital capable B&W remote speakers.
There is no problem with analog.

The problem persists with different cables, and after updating the Airport Express firmware to v7.3.1.
Once again, the problem does not occur with the older Airport Express - g model.

IPad digital audio output

I just realized that we can get the digital audio output from iPad 2 by connecting the camera connection kit, via the USB cable to a digital converter. The sound quality is unbelievable good. That's mean we can save the money of not buying any dock e.g. Wadia 170i.

Hey Mitch, I have a related question that it looks like you may be able to help me with.
I would like to use an Ipad (not purchased yet) to connect with an external audio solution.
So I need to run out through the Lightning Digitial AV converter to get the digital audio to my external DAC. Then I run Optical out to my amp.
My goal is to be able to watch Videos on the iPad while listening to the audio through external speakers.
It currently appears that when you connect the iPad via the Lightning Digital AV converter and attempt to watch a Video, that the video and audio signal gets sent to the external reciever and the iPad screen goes blank and becomes a "remote control" but no longer displays the video. I noticed that this is only with video because the iPad screen does not go blank for games or browsing.
Are you aware of an app....or any other solution that allows my solution to work?
To date, I have tried this solution with multiple tablets and the only one that it works on (that actually mirrors Video) while exporting digital audio is the Kindle Fire HD.
I can't believe this is an original idea and am shocked that Apple doesn't enable you to leave the video on the iPad screen while also sending the video and audio signal to an external source.
Thanks

Combined optical digital audio output/headphone out

What is the "combined optical digital audio output/headphone out"? This is what the output is called that has the earphone picture beside it on my MacBook. I thought this meant that it could take the mini jack out that splits into a/v - yellow, white, red, and plug it into any tv or monitor that has those inputs. I tried it just now, but a no go.
If the only way to get video is through the mini DVI output what does the "Combined optical digital audio output/headphone out" mean? If I can get video out of it, how can I do it?
Thanks!

Hi Trevor Deck: As you have discovered this does not output as a video signal. That jack is strictly for audio. The "optical" portion of it is used to output using a "Toslink" cable to provide "optical audio" to an external amplifier. The DVI port needs to be used to get a video signal to your TV. But be warned if you use the red, white, & yellow method of hooking up the video signal you will probably be disappointed. If your TV has a HDMI or PC input it would be much better. You would then have to get the proper DVI to whatever type adapter.
Good Luck
Stedman
MBP 1.83, 1.5gB RAM Mac OS X (10.4.9) Quiet, Cool, Re-furbished, iPod mini, iPod shuffle

Digital audio output on tv/dvd combo

I am using tv dvd combo for dvd and cd playing only. I have no cable or digital device input. I am getting no digital audio output. Any suggestions. model number is 32SLV411U.

I'm sorry, but are you saying your cable input isn't working, or just that you don't use a cable or digital device input?
Could you tell me what you have connected to the TV also?
- Peter

E-MU 0404 PCIe Digital Audio System for Windows server

E-MU 0404 PCIe Digital Audio System for Windows server
Is it possible use E-MU 0404 PCIe under Windows Server 2008 or 2012?

Originally Posted by Mike76
E-MU 0404 PCIe Digital Audio System for Windows server
Is it possible use E-MU 0404 PCIe under Windows Server 2008 or 2012?
For windows Server 2008 and Server 2012 you may need enable Desktop Experience Feature
The Desktop Experience Feature enables a bunch of stuff that is by default present on a desktop OS. Most importantly it includes Themes, Windows Media player and the Aero related features. You will have to enable it form the Server Manager. The "Turn Windows features on or off" / "Add remove windows components" has all been rolled into the Server Manager now.
Server Manager > Features > Desktop Experience
Installing the Desktop Experience feature does not enable them. You have to manually set them up.
After that Windows Server 2008 == Vista x64
Windows Server 2008 R2 == Windows 7 x64
Windows Server 2012 == Window 8 x64
So just use the appropriate desktop drivers - that are available

No audio output in 210 series 4005tu

no audio output in 210 series 4005tu..only orange light is on the mute button after re-installation of audio driver also..

Barbara! I'm so sorry!
I was having a "senior moment" I do this all the time!

Optical digital audio output (minijack)?

I am confused on the whole optical digital output thing since it is sharing the same port with analog. Can someone point me to some good digital speakers with the whole optical digital audio output (minijack)thing

See this user tip:
http://discussions.apple.com/click.jspa?searchID=-1&messageID=2458613

Optical audio output for IMAC

My new IMAC 2.66gh 24" is coming. Just wondering if the IMAC can output true bit stream audio signal through the toslink cable. I have a Logitec 5400 THX 5.1 Speaker system support THX, Dolby Digital, DTS hard decode. What I heard from other website saying is IMAC can only output 2.1 channel audio sound through optical. If that is true then my 5.1 speaker system is useless.

Hi Kl2999
Welcome to Apple Discussions
Have a look at the > [iMac Audio System Audio Developer Notes|http://developer.apple.com/documentation/Hardware/Conceptual/HWTechAudio/Articles/Audio_implementation.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40003978-SW281200331167]
+*S/PDIF Optical Digital Output*+
+The S/PDIF optical digital output is automatically selected when an S/PDIF optical digital output device is detected on the external combo audio port. The S/PDIF optical digital output supports PCM and AC-3 audio formats with the following stereo data stream characteristics:+
+PCM: 16, 20, or 24 bits per sample at sample rates of 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, or 96 kHz+
+AC-3: 16 bits per sample at sample rates of 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, or 192 kHz+
+The S/PDIF optical output channel status conforms to IEC 60958-3 consumer mode digital audio.+
+During playback of a 1 kHz sine wave (S/PDIF output format at 0 dBFS output level, 44.1 kHz sample rate, 24-bit sample depth, unless otherwise specified) the digital audio output has the following nominal specifications:+
+Jack type: 3.5 mm (1/8”) stereo combo+
+Digital audio signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): > 130 dB+
+Digital audio total harmonic distortion + noise (THD+N): < -130 dB (0.00003%)+
Dennis

Digital Audio output for W series - Alternatives

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for