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More => Old Versions => Media Center 11 (Development Ended) => Topic started by: cncb on June 29, 2004, 04:12:09 pm

Title: Direct Sound & Multi-Zone Operation
Post by: cncb on June 29, 2004, 04:12:09 pm

I'm trying to set up multiple zones by using my motherboard's built-in sound  (Realtek AC'97).  I can set it up such that there are 4 speakers which turn the line-in port to be a rear speaker output.  I can then select "Direct Sound" in MC and route sound for my first zone to "Left Front + Right Front" and the second zone to the "Left Rear + Right Rear".  This works in that I do hear the correct music for the second zone but the problem is that I also clearly hear the music from the first zone if it is playing.  So, I have a nasty mix of two songs.  Am I doing something wrong or is this not supposed to work??

Title: Re:Direct Sound & Multi-Zone Operation
Post by: Matt on June 29, 2004, 07:26:40 pm

This same setup works fine on my SoundBlaster.

Check with the sound card's configuration panel to see if it's doing some sort of mixing or effects.  Also, mute unused lines.

Title: Re:Direct Sound & Multi-Zone Operation
Post by: cncb on June 30, 2004, 10:21:44 am

Thanks for the response.  There must be some setting that I'm not able to find, because I can't stop the "mixing".  The good news is that if I set it to 6 speakers and use the "Left Rear + Right Rear" and "Center + Subwoofer" channels and don't use the "Left Front + Right Front" at all there is no mixing.  Fortunately I only need 2 analog zones at this point...

Title: Re:Direct Sound & Multi-Zone Operation
Post by: Mastiff on June 30, 2004, 06:04:30 pm

These built-in sound cards have a lot of weird stuff going on. I have never gotten them reliable for multi-zone use. The cheapest option is a used Live! 5.1. That will give you three zones without any problems if you use the kX Drivers.

Title: Re:Direct Sound & Multi-Zone Operation
Post by: kaiynne on June 30, 2004, 06:59:54 pm

I am really curious about what you are trying to do, I hope that I read it correctly.  

Would it be possible for me to set up a second zone using the built in soundcard on my MB and route it somehow through one of the unused channels on my 7.1 reciever?

Is this actually possible?  If so any links to info on how I might set it up?

thanks,
Kain

Title: Re:Direct Sound & Multi-Zone Operation
Post by: cncb on June 30, 2004, 09:31:11 pm

You would be able to set up a zone with the built-in soundcard and route the analog output to an analog input on your receiver.  If you mean to route it through one of the "channels" in the digital stream I don't think there is any way to do that.

Title: Re:Direct Sound & Multi-Zone Operation
Post by: Mastiff on July 01, 2004, 01:39:23 am

Kain, you may be "able" ( ;D) to see some of that by looking at my webpage, how I have solved my whole house system.