Audio Output Device Types

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THRobinson Offline
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Location: Zurich, ON (Canada)
Post: #1
I have a Win7 system with an ATI HD5670 video card running a single HDMI cable to my TV for audio/video.

When picking Audio Output devices, I get many options

WASAPI: AMD HDMI Output (AMD High Definition Audio Device)
WASAPI: Digital Audio (HDMI)(High Definition Audio Device)

WASAPI: Speakers (Behringer USB WDM Audio 2.8.40)
WASAPI: Digital Audio (S/PDIF)(High Definition Audio Device)
WASAPI: Speakers (High Definition Audio Device)
DirectSound: AMD HDMI Output (AMD High Definition Audio Device)
DirectSound: Digital Audio (HDMI)(High Definition Audio Device)

DirectSound: Speakers (Behringer USB WDM Audio 2.8.40)
DirectSound: Digital Audio (S/PDIF)(High Definition Audio Device)
DirectSound: Speakers (High Definition Audio Device)
DirectSound: Primary Sound Driver

The Behringer ones are for a small USB attachment that connects my guitar to GuitarRig when the media server isn't running.

Basically wondering, for my audio through HDMI...

1) WASAPI vs DirectSound... What's the dif?
2) AMD HDMI Output vs Digital Audio (HDMI)... what's the dif?

Lot's of choices, but to get sound out of the TV I know it's the AMD/HDMI options, just not sure if a difference between the 4 that show up. I'm not running 5.1 sound or anything (yet) currently just the built in speakers on the Sony Bravia, so, maybe there is no difference until I attach a receiver? Surround Sound? For now though, just 2.0 stereo.

Anyone have a simple answer? Thanks.

Operating System: Win7 64-Bit Pro w/SP1
System: Intel Core2Duo 2.4Ghz / 4GB PC6400 DDR2 / ATI HD 5670 1GB GDDR5
XBMC Build: FRODO 12.1
Remote: HP Remote (5069-8344) and HP Receiver (5188-1667)
Display: 40" Sony Bravia HDTV
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DDDamian Offline
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Location: Canada
Post: #2
Simple and short answer is: running through TV speakers no difference at all.

When you get a receiver you want to rock the WASAPI AMD HDMI for sure (in Exclusive Mode). Way better sound plus all the passthrough formats like DTS-MA, AC3, etc.

I'll try remember to come back with more technical details later if you like.

System: XBMC HTPC with HDMI WASAPI & AudioEngine - Denon AVR-3808CI - Denon DVD-5900 Universal Player - Denon DCM-27 CD-Changer
- Sony BDP-S580 Blu-Ray - X-Box 360 - Android tablet wireless remote - 7.1 Streem/Axiom/Velodyne Surround System
If I have been able to help feel free to add to my reputation +/- below - thanks!
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THRobinson Offline
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Posts: 189
Joined: Jul 2011
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Location: Zurich, ON (Canada)
Post: #3
Well, may be a while before I go for surround sound given space limits right now... so figured probably no different since not running anything fancy.

Just wanted to double check in case there was a difference for when playing 5.1 through 2.0... some movies are VERY loud for music and effects and can't hear a thing for when there is talking and wasn't certain if one option was better than another for those situations (when only a 5.1 track is available) or just simply out of luck for now. Was debating a sound bar or 3.1 system simply because of all the 5.1 movies I have where music/effects are 3x louder than speech.

Operating System: Win7 64-Bit Pro w/SP1
System: Intel Core2Duo 2.4Ghz / 4GB PC6400 DDR2 / ATI HD 5670 1GB GDDR5
XBMC Build: FRODO 12.1
Remote: HP Remote (5069-8344) and HP Receiver (5188-1667)
Display: 40" Sony Bravia HDTV
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DDDamian Offline
Team-XBMC Developer
Posts: 3,023
Joined: Sep 2011
Reputation: 252
Location: Canada
Post: #4
Yeah, without a receiver that will always be an issue.

System: XBMC HTPC with HDMI WASAPI & AudioEngine - Denon AVR-3808CI - Denon DVD-5900 Universal Player - Denon DCM-27 CD-Changer
- Sony BDP-S580 Blu-Ray - X-Box 360 - Android tablet wireless remote - 7.1 Streem/Axiom/Velodyne Surround System
If I have been able to help feel free to add to my reputation +/- below - thanks!
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