How to get pc like hd audio from a hd satellite box

[southwind16]

Hi there,

I was just wondering why if I connect my creative giga works T3 2.1 speakers via 3.5 mm audio out of my vaio laptop that has Realtek High definition Audio, the sound output is truly amazing, hd quality sound. But when I connect the same speakers through the 3.5 mm audio jack of the Videocond2h HD satellite box the HD channels sound out put is just as normal as the SD channels. Is it impossible to enjoy the pc like audio from the set top box using the same 2.1 speakers? If yes, I need an advice on how to get the hd sound output by putting in place any converter or cables.. as the only input to my speakers is 3.5 stereo analog jack. Thank you for your time.

 

[ishaan]

Feed your 2.1 via videocon d2h SPDIF out, if your 2.1 have SPDIF. Input, that's the only way as of now, later they will update software of stb to let hdmi output itself to support HD DOLBY SOUND

 

[southwind16]

Thanx so much for the suggestion. Unfortunately my 2.1 speakers doesn't have a SPDIF input. Even now the HDMI output the audio from the stb but the audio is routed to the led tv and I don't want to hear the audio via tv speakers.. is there any way to get hd audio (meaning the kind of quality audio I get from my vaio 3.5 mm audio out) from spdif coaxial to 3.5 analog jack? Thank you

 

[chocos]

The 3.5mm output on your stb was likely designed for headphones, which is why your speakers are underpowered.
To get the best sound out of your stb, you will need a home theatre reciever or amplifier.
-Plug in HDMI from your stb to your reciever, plug in your tv from the reciever output.
Now, this setup should be able to drive any computer speakers on the market, if you dont have a HT setup.

 

[southwind16]

Thanx Chocos for your suggestion. I have a question here. If I get myself an amplifier or HT receiver, again I have to connect my speaker to the headphone jack (3.5 mm) of the amplifier / HT receiver, not sure if they have a 3.5 mm jack though. Will they deliver quality audio output? Also would appreciate if you could suggest any amplifier or HT receiver that serves my purpose in a decent budget and which website I can buy. Thank you

 

[chocos]

If you plan to upgrade to a surround system in the future, I would recommend getting a HT receiver.
You could use the headphone jack on the receiver, which will probably be a 1/4" jack
OR
You could use the stereo out, which will probably be an RCA jack. You will need a RCA male to 3.5mm female cable in this case. If your TV has RCA audio out, you could try this as well using the same cable. But I doubt the TV audio will be amplified, It's definitely worth a try before you invest money into new equipment.

 

[southwind16]

Thanx a lot chocos for your reply.
I have tried the tv av out using rca cables, it was a failure, coz the tv is in hdmi mode and the av out will only work i guess in av mode. So there was absolutely no sound out put when i go with the rca audio out. The only option i have and i'm using right now is the TV headphone jack. If lets say I buy a HT receiver and i connect my speakers via stereo out using rca cables will the sound output be same like the output from pc?? (and how abt the sourround sound?) Greatly appreciate if you can recommend some HT receivers or amplifiers if you know any. Thank you

 

[chocos]

If you get a HT reciever. This should be your layout :
Source (STB/Bluray player) (HDMI OUT) -> (HDMI IN) HT Reciever (HDMI OUT) -> (HDMI IN) TV
(RCA OUT) -> (RCA/3.5mm IN) Speakers
Unless you are using a high end sound card like Asus Xonar. This setup should deliver better output than your computer (source permitting). I just noticed you use RealTek, which is a bare-bones card. The reason you are getting good sound is because Sony isolates their soundcard from the motherboard on their laptop, which gives you zero electronic interference and the sound is clean.
A little google-fu tells me your speakers are rated at 15 RMS per channel, which is really low and almost any HT reciever could drive it without any problems. However, if you want to future proof yourself, buy one that supports higher end speakers.