What is an inexpensive ac3/dts decoder?

[Stealth3si]

I have no way to pass the digital signal from my WDTV Live to my 5.1 speaker system setup because they're hooked up to my Audigy 2 that doesn't accept 5.1 input or decode AC3 or DTS!

I am looking for a "AC3/DTS 5.1 decoder" that is able to accomplish the following tasks:

Inputs:
1.) multi-channel analog input (3x3.5mm OR 6 RCA)
-OR-
2.) digital input (optical) that accepts multi-channel source


Outputs:
3.) multi-channel analog output (3x3.5mm OR 6 RCA)
4.) headphone jack (3.5mm or 6.35mm)


The "AC3/DTS 5.1 decoder" in question could either be a:

1.) PC sound card
-OR-
2.) Audio Amplifier/Receiver
-OR-
4.) Something like the Creative DDTS-100

I prefer something that is "bang for the buck."

Please recommend me specific items.

TIA.

[nic2k4]

Look for Xonar sound card, but it would be cheaper to just use a switch between the PC, WDLive and speakers.

[Stealth3si]

Look for Xonar sound card

I can't seem to find a Xonar sound card that meets at least two of the requirements listed above which is around the $100 range.

The Ht Omega striker is the only one that has come up so far in my research, which seems to fit my needs.

However:

1.) I don't know if the HT Omega Striker accepts Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 digital signal source via the TOSlink optical input.

2.) Since the "Details" Newegg page says, "Encode Dolby Digital, DTS," I'm curious that if the WDTV Live is passing the DD/DTS 5.1 digital signal sources to this sound card, would it be able to decode the signal?

3.) Will this DD/DTS 5.1 signal be processed to the analog outputs -----> speakers themselves?

4.) It does not have a headphone jack. If the software that comes with it is able to select "Headphones" as the output and mute the other output channels, perhaps I can plug the headphone to the respective output (via a speaker/headphone switch I already have.)

Otherwise, do you know of any other particular soundcard model or device that solves my problem?

but it would be cheaper to just use a switch between the PC, WDLive and speakers.

Please elucidate and provide specific recommendations and a link if possible.

[jagabo]

The Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium series appears to have both optical in and out. Documentation seems to be sparse though.

http://forums.vr-zone.com/singapore-marketplace-garage-sales/479599-wts-creative-x-fi-...-e-unused.html
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001E25KDK

[Stealth3si]

The Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium series appears to have both optical in and out. Documentation seems to be sparse though.

http://forums.vr-zone.com/singapore-marketplace-garage-sales/479599-wts-creative-x-fi-...-e-unused.html
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001E25KDK

Is there a PCI version?

[jagabo]

The Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium series

Is there a PCI version?

I think there was but it appears to be hard to find. Newegg shows a few others in your price range:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100008658+600011977&QksAut...e=&srchInDesc=

For example:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829118006
Though one user review said "Cons: The S/PDIF In is for stereo only no 5.1 ". That's why I said earlier that documentation was sparse. It's not clear exactly what's supported on the TOSLINK inputs.

[Stealth3si]

The Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium series

Is there a PCI version?

I think there was but it appears to be hard to find. Newegg shows a few others in your price range:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100008658+600011977&QksAut...e=&srchInDesc=

For example:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829118006
Though one user review said "Cons: The S/PDIF In is for stereo only no 5.1 ". That's why I said earlier that documentation was sparse. It's not clear exactly what's supported on the TOSLINK inputs.

You're right.

After doing some reading, and I could be wrong unless someone here have used it and tested it, the HT Omega Striker can't decode DD/DTS 5.1 digital, even though it can encode. My source is already DD/DTS 5.1 digital so there's no need to encode. It needs to be decoded. It also can't run DD/DTS 5.1 to the analog outputs via the TOSLink input because the digital input can't work with the analog output, which kind of makes the DAC useless for me, if it exists.

Bummer.

Just like my Audigy 2.

So the answer to my previous questions are all "no."

Sigh.

Is there any sound card that exists which can do this at all?

[nic2k4]

There was a time you could buy mechanical switches that looked like this powered one, but they don't seem to sell them anymore. I even remember seeing a rotary switch like the printer port ones. Here's another thought, just use y connectors and don't run both at the same time.