Surround sound over multiple s/pdif

tomcuk · 9th August 2006, 01:42 PM

I would love to build a surround sound decoder from scratch but due to legal issues of the decoding algorithms used from Dolby ect it is seemingly impossible to do this (some people here have done this using the STA310 but it is not easily acquirable and the legality of using it without a license is dubious at best.)

So here’s my idea:
Would it be possible to use open source software (namely VLC) to output the 5.1 over 3 s/pdif outputs and then decode them with 3 dacs into the 6 channels. I am not experienced enough to answer this and my googling efforts have so far brought up nothing however I can’t imagine it would be impossible to output the ac3 stream from the file (I like a lot of people rip my dvds to computer for ease of access) to separate optical/coax outs.

Anyone with comments or suggestions? I know this would be a purely software project but I am also sure many of you would agree it would be a nice way to kick start more DIY surround

Ulas · 9th August 2006, 02:18 PM

I think USB would be a better choice especially if the program material is originating from a PC. There are features in the USB audio spec specifically designed for applications such as surround sound distribution.

tschanrm · 10th August 2006, 06:05 AM

Yes, this is very possible, but you need to use a computer to do it. You need a creative Audigy 2/Audigy/SB Live. These soundcards can output 3 stereo pairs digitally. The new X-fi sound cards from creative cannot do this. Would this type of setup work for you?

9th August 2006, 01:42 PM	#1
tomcuk diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: UK	Surround sound over multiple s/pdif I would love to build a surround sound decoder from scratch but due to legal issues of the decoding algorithms used from Dolby ect it is seemingly impossible to do this (some people here have done this using the STA310 but it is not easily acquirable and the legality of using it without a license is dubious at best.) So here’s my idea: Would it be possible to use open source software (namely VLC) to output the 5.1 over 3 s/pdif outputs and then decode them with 3 dacs into the 6 channels. I am not experienced enough to answer this and my googling efforts have so far brought up nothing however I can’t imagine it would be impossible to output the ac3 stream from the file (I like a lot of people rip my dvds to computer for ease of access) to separate optical/coax outs. Anyone with comments or suggestions? I know this would be a purely software project but I am also sure many of you would agree it would be a nice way to kick start more DIY surround

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9th August 2006, 02:18 PM	#2
Ulas Banned Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: .	I think USB would be a better choice especially if the program material is originating from a PC. There are features in the USB audio spec specifically designed for applications such as surround sound distribution.

10th August 2006, 06:05 AM	#3
tschanrm diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Wisconsin	Yes, this is very possible, but you need to use a computer to do it. You need a creative Audigy 2/Audigy/SB Live. These soundcards can output 3 stereo pairs digitally. The new X-fi sound cards from creative cannot do this. Would this type of setup work for you?

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