Windows XP & Soundblaster Live 5.1 ???

[Finkster]

Has anyone got the digital output on the SBLive working under Windows XP??

I cannot get anything whatsoever from the SPDIF, even with newest drivers etc. Very frustrating when everything else is working perfectly.

If anyone knows what does the trick, please let me know

[((( atom )))]

hi,

there is a very good alternative driver for this card at www.kxproject.com. since i found it i only lol @ the original ones.. it might fix your problem.
did u know, that your card can even playback/record 24/96? creative just doesn't want you be able to use it, you might not spend money for a new card then..

/jc

[Finkster]

I did it! (But Jesus it took time)

I've been in contact with Creative support who actually had something helpful to say for a change.

Here's a guide for anyone wishing to use their SBLive for AC3 playback through SPDIF under Win XP:

1)
Let Windows XP install it's legacy drivers for the SBLive.
Download "SBLiveXPDrvUpdate.exe" from http://www.americas.creative.com/support/files/download.asp?Centric=107&OS=13&descID=1209
and install it.
You should have your digital output jack working now, but not be able to output anything else than stereo.

2)
Get the Tsunami filters pack. It's a package with a lot of filters and registry edits. Install the package and you should be able to playback AC3-encoded audio (but it will still be output in stereo)
(I found the Tsunami-Pack on Edonkey, but it's pretty common so you should'nt have trouble finding it)

If the Tsunami filters pack does not do the trick, there are other packages with the nessecary codec. Most versions of the Win2000-codec also works under XP. Try a Edonkey or Kazaa seach on "AC3 XP"

3)
The real trick: to enable SPDIF on your SBLive. AC3 is a registered Dolby product, which means you need a software DVD-player in a retail edition that supports Dolby Digital (AC3). I used the full version of PowerDVD 4.0 for WinXP (again can be found on Edonkey if you don't find it anywhere else)
When you've installed PowerDVD, go to the directory of the Tsunami filters pack, and run the following regedits:
Enable_SPDIF-Output.reg
Digital-SPDIF.reg
5.1-Digital.reg
use-waveout-not-dsound.reg

That's all. Play an AC3-movie in a player you can set to SPDIF-output. I use MicroDVD, but a lot of players supports it. WMP does to, but in can be quite cumbersome to enable it.

Have fun trying and please post any comments and corrections here.

[Finkster]

justin_case:
You're right. The KX-driver is quite good. If you install it you already have 2/3 of the functionality of the above guide.

To everyone:
Try it out if you have any problems with getting the SBLive to function properly under XP

[((( atom )))]

i'd recommend anyone to use it.. ;)

/jc

[Macen]

Download the new Creative drivers released a few days ago.

Get a mono jack 3,5mm (1/8") to 1xRCA converter. Connect a digital coax. cable to the converter. Then connect the RCA coax to the receiver.

Untick "Digital Output Only" in the Creative Surround Mixer.
Start PowerDVD or WinDVD and select SP/DIF in the audio options.
If that dosent work enable "Digital Output Only" in the Creative Surround Mixer again.