Ok, I can create AC3 files in Soft Encode...but, I want to be able to listen to it in Dolby Digital 5.1 rather than listening to it as a PCM wave file (such as having the rear speakers play through the front left and right speakers). When I play a DVD, it switches my Dolby Digital mode on, on my speakers. But I want to be able to listen to the AC3 file in Dolby Digital without having to burn it to a DVD and then listening to it.

My sound card is a Sound Blaster Live! Value 5.1. I do have a S/PDIF out as well that connects to my sub wolfer. But when I play the AC3 as (preview as Dolby Digital) I get silence. But when I tell the DVD player to be S/PDIF (rather than ATI Rage Theatre) I get the static sounds. Is my sound card able to play Dolby Digital out? And I am ordering a new computer (DELL) with either a Turtle Beach sound card or a Soudn Blaster Live...which would work?

Thanks,