SPDIF interface option, not seeing the output

[Gibs679]

Hey, new here, so bare with me please. Got a new laptop about a month ago, absolutely LOVE it, (gateway FX, i'll link in a bit, got myself a huge deal on it) Anywho, when I go to mess with the audio settings, it shows me 3 options for playback: Speakers, SPDIF Interface, NVIDIA HDMI Output. I've used the first and last just fine. I have an old school 5.1 surround sound that I'd love to use for Crysis as well. I thought I knew what SPDIF was, uses RCA cables. I have no SPDIF output though...just a headphone jack and recording jack. How do I go about using this interface for the Dolby Digital? Thanks in advanced guys.

http/www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8892825&st=fx&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1211587727985

 

[cjl]

It could use your standard output for headphones, in which case you'd need an adapter like this

 

[Gibs679]

I have actually a 3.5mm to red/white RCA cable. but (according to my friend, I've never personally looked into it) the headphone jack isnt digital, so I couldnt use dolby digital output correct?

 

[rexter]

How could your friend know if it's digital or not? Sony is been using mini jack type for digital connection (SPDIF copper or optical) since the birth MiniDisc Player. Some of the Creative Sound Blaster cards use it too. Like the Live 24bit and the SB 2ZS.

So if you have that cable then use the white or black RCA and not the red, but make sure it's using coaxial type and not optical connection.

Check this adapter for optical connector to mini jack. http/www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10423&cs_id=1042301&p_id=2671&seq=1&format=1#largeimage that connect to this Toslink cord http/www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10229&cs_id=1022901&p_id=3396&seq=1&format=1#largeimage . Like so http/geraldtomyn.tripod.com/cables.htm#TOSLINK-to-miniplug .

 

[cjl]

I have actually a 3.5mm to red/white RCA cable. but (according to my friend, I've never personally looked into it) the headphone jack isnt digital, so I couldnt use dolby digital output correct?

The headphone jack's standard output is analog, however it may use the same plug as a digital output when you set it to use the digital out. Or, your sound device may have the physical capability to do digital, but no actual output hooked up.

Oh, and I wouldn't bother with TOSLINK - I highly doubt that your computer has an optical mini jack. More likely, it outputs digital over the standard electrical connection. I use a mini optical jack for my hookup, but that's from the Creative X-fi notebook card.