There are sound cards that come with HDMI ports, but they are not very common. One such example is the ASUS Xonar HDAV1.3 Deluxe and ASUS Xonar HDAV1.3 Slim. These cards were specifically designed for home theater PCs and provided high-quality audio via HDMI. These cards are no longer being produced and may be difficult to find.
Can HDMI Port be Used for Audio?
HDMI ports can absolutely be used for audio. In fact, HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is commonly used to transmit both high-quality video and audio signals between devices. This can include connections between devices such as computers, televisions, gaming consoles, and audio equipment like sound bars and AV receivers.
One of the advantages of HDMI is that it can support uncompressed audio formats, including high-resolution audio and surround sound formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. This makes it a popular choice for home theater systems and other setups where high-quality audio and video are both desired.
Sound Card with HDMI
Asus Xonar HDAV 1.3 Deluxe
The ASUS Xonar HDAV 1.3 Deluxe is a high-end sound card tailored for Home Theater Personal Computers (HTPCs), distinguished by its unique HDMI port feature. This HDMI support enables the card to offer lossless Dolby True HD and DTS-HD audio formats, streamlining your connections by running high-definition video and 7.1 channels of audio through a single cable.
Armed with ASUS’s AV200 audio processor and Splendid HD video processor, the Xonar HDAV 1.3 Deluxe provides exceptional audio and video quality. A high Signal-to-Noise ratio (SNR) guarantees noise-free and distortion-free audio output, creating the purest sound experience.
Beyond its impressive hardware, the card also includes exclusive Xonar audio technologies such as Smart Volume Normalizer, FlexBass, and 3D sound effects, further enhancing your auditory experience. This combination of high-quality hardware and advanced audio technologies makes the ASUS Xonar HDAV 1.3 Deluxe a stand-out choice for any HTPC setup.
ASUS Xonar HDAV1.3 Slim PCI Sound Card
The ASUS Xonar HDAV1.3 Slim PCI Sound Card is a distinct sound card designed to deliver high-quality audio and video through a HDMI output. This enables users to enjoy an immersive multimedia experience by connecting directly to HDTVs or surround sound receivers, creating a cinema-like atmosphere in their personal spaces.
This card supports HDMI 1.3 interface, outputting superior-quality Blu-ray audio at sample rates of up to 192/96kHz. Moreover, it supports 24p video delivery via HDMI, catering to users who appreciate premium visuals. The inclusion of ArcSoft TotalMedia Theatre software further amplifies its capabilities by supporting a broad range of HD content.
In terms of compatibility and security, the Xonar HDAV1.3 Slim offers High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) and a compact design compatible with both standard and slim computer chassis. This makes it a versatile and secure addition to any multimedia setup.
Unfortunately, these two sound cards have been discontinued and there are no sound cards with HDMI currently available on the market. However, you can try your luck in the second-hand market to see if you can find these two products.
Do you need a sound card on HDMI?
Usually, you do not need a separate sound card for audio to be transmitted via an HDMI port. This is because HDMI is designed to carry both audio and video signals.
If you have a device like a laptop or a desktop with a built-in HDMI port, it will typically have the necessary hardware and software (like integrated graphics and sound drivers) to output sound through HDMI. This includes GPUs or integrated graphics solutions which have built-in digital audio controllers.
However, there could be some specific or complex audio processing needs where a separate sound card might be beneficial, such as a professional audio workstation setup. In such scenarios, a separate sound card can provide higher audio fidelity, lower latency, or more input/output options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need a Sound Card on HDMI?
Typically, no. Modern graphics cards and built-in motherboard video ports usually support HDMI audio pass-through, so an additional sound card is generally not required. However, a separate sound card with HDMI, like the ASUS Xonar HDAV1.3 Slim, can provide higher audio quality and more features.
How do I Get Sound to Pass Through HDMI?
Ensure that the HDMI cable is connected to both your video source and your output device. Then, in your computer’s sound settings, select the HDMI output as the default device. This should route your audio through the HDMI cable. Note: your output device must be capable of receiving and processing audio signals over HDMI.
Is it Necessary to have a Sound Card?
For general computing tasks and casual media consumption, a sound card is not necessary as most motherboards have integrated audio that is adequate for these purposes. However, for high-quality audio playback, recording, or professional media work, a dedicated sound card can provide a significant improvement in audio quality and functionality.
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