[nedge2k]

Hi all,

I recently bought a server which I plan on turning into a media center. Long story short, because it's a server and not a desktop, it a) doesn't have onboard audio and b)doesn't have regular 5v PCI card slots which mean adding audio to to it has to be either via usb, pci-e or graphics card.

So I bought an Ati Radeon HD 2400 card which has a DVI port with "HD Audio".

Now, while my TV has HDMI, my current amp does not.

So, after all that, my question is this, does anyone know of a DVI cable that splits out into HDMI and coaxial digital? Or even a HDMI cable that splits like that?

I can't seem to find one anywhere I can't see why they wouldn't exist?

Cheers in advance :D

[Joe Fernand]

Hello nedge2k

As ever the Spec sheet for this type of Graphic Card is as clear as mud - as is the Tech Support when you give them a call.

As far as I can work out ATI are using the seldom supported Multi Channel Digital Audio over DVI Standard which means you'll want a DVI to HDMI cable attached to the Output of the Graphics Card and then use an HDMI to HDMI/DVI Video + Digital Audio splitter.

See

http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=3939

or

http://www.tmfsolutions.co.uk/Octava_HDDA12-UK.htm

Support for Digital Audio over DVI is pretty rare so its unlikely you'll find a DVI to DVI + Digital Audio splitter.

Joe

[nedge2k]

Thanks Joe, that Gefen product looks like exactly what I need! Shame it's ~£150 though, I could put that towards a new Onkyo amp

[Joe Fernand]

Hello nedge2k

The Octava unit is just as effective - and offers you an extra Digital Video + Audio Output (HDMI) for less money!!!

Joe

[MarkTaylor]

A lot of the ATI cards ship with a DVI to HDMI adapter so the OP may not need a DVI-HDMI cable.

Take care though as the sound output is often only supported on one of the DVI connections on the card so make sure to use the correct one (often coloured yellow).

[nedge2k]

Unfortunately mine did not come with the HDMI adapter (I bought it second hand off ebay) and it would seem that the only way to get audio from these cards in the first place is with a proprietary ATI dvi-hdmi adapter - which kinds renders my cable useless for sound at least!

Think i'll just buy a new mobo for this server with either onboard spdif or proper pci slots!!