HTPC, output True-HD (7.1) over HDMI?

[ssmacc]

I’ve posted this in the General Section but had no response, thought I’d try my luck here...
Hello,

I’m about to build a HTPC for a friend, before I’d start I’d like to get the sound right and build from there. He’s going to have a AV amp with HDMI input (and output), capable of receiving True-HD in all its various guises. The last time I looked into this the ATI 4xxx series seemed to be the way to go, is this still the case?

Also,

What software players are capable of outputting True-HD? I can’t get PowerDVD to output 5.1 over SPDIF under Vista 64, is there any hope for 7.1!

He’s likely to get Vista 64, but may get 32 if that’s the only way of using all his speakers.

Any advice appreciated.

 

[cram]

Whilst the ATI4xxx series can output 7.1 sound over HDMI they cannot bitstream True-HD

If he must have True-HD then you need to look at the Asus HDAV Xonar card.

Can't comment on PowerDVD as don't use it. However, have had 7.1 sound (via HDMI) using Arcsoft TMT

 

[ssmacc]

Thanks for the above, it seems very little is known about True-HD at the moment!

I’d guess this method would be inpractical, as the sound would be carried over one HDMI and the Picture over another? The AV is going to be used to pass the picture through to the TV so ideally it would need to carry picture and sound…

Thanks anyway

Edit

Reading up the spec. indicates:

ASUS Splendid HD Video Processor

i assume it send picture as well? Does this mean it sends the desk top and replaces a Graphics Card???

Sorry if this is a daft question!

 

[ssmacc]

Sorry double post!