SETUP ANNOYANCES
CAN’T USE AC-3 AUDIO
The Annoyance:
How can I use the Dolby Digital AC-3 audio output when playing DVDs?
The Fix:
If your sound card supports Dolby Digital AC-3 audio, it will provide an S/PDIF output jack (it usually looks like a “composite” or RCA-type connector). S/PDIF audio will need a separate Dolby Digital AC-3 (surround sound) amplifier box to process the digital signals and feed your home entertainment speakers. If you don’t have a suitable amplifier, stick with the PC speakers and do not enable S/PDIF. If you do have the Dolby Digital AC-3 amplifier, just connect the S/PDIF jack between the sound card and amplifier and plug in your surround sound speakers to the amplifier.
After you set up the hardware, enable S/PDIF in the movie player. The actual setup differs for each movie player application. For Windows Media Player, launch the player, select Tools → Options, click the DVD tab, and click the Advanced button (see Figure 4-7). Choose “using S/PDIF” from the Audio Interface drop-down menu, click the Apply button, and then click the OK button. Now play the movie and enjoy your surround sound.

Figure 4-7. Enable S/PDIF for a true surround sound movie experience through the PC.
Tip
DVD audio can’t feed S/PDIF and PC audio at the same time. If you enable S/PDIF, you must connect a Dolby Digital AC-3 amplifier to hear movie sound. You must disable S/PDIF again to use ...