Audio out on motherboard? can I output to both digital and analog ,same time?

[Negativecreep0]

Ya so I have a motherboard with both digital out and regular analog out audio ports.  Can I output the same stuff to both outs? or does the motherboard disable one port if the other is in use? thanks

[crashwg]

Is there any reason why you can't just give it a go and see what happens?

[MustardTent]

My SoundBlaster enables only one or the other.  But there is no reason that yours with do the same.  As crashwg said, doesn't hurt to just try it to get your answer.

[boykster]

It usually depends on what you are outputting.  I have several sound cards/motherboards with both analog and digital outs that WILL simultaneously output everything EXCEPT decoded digital audio from DVD's (or other videostreams with digital audio).  Generally the limitation in this case is the audio decoding filter rather than the hardware.

For most general audio however, it works fine in most cases.  Give it a shot.

[Negativecreep0]

well I can't try it out because I am wiring my walls in my house for my entertainment pc which will be connected to multiple pcs, and I don't have the new motherboard yet...... hmmm mostly what i will be outputting to the tvs will be divx, some have 5.1 sound some don't.......... maybe ill just stick with splitting rca cables instead of doing the spdif thing!

[boykster]

just run an extra rg59 or rg6 coaxial cable in case you ever do go digital audio. Thats all you need to run it, and it's cheap, and you're already pulling cable   


you could also use one of these:

http://www.midiland.com/proddetail.asp?linenumber=60&category=

to create stereo audio output from an SPDIF signal, giving you the best of both worlds..some zones could use the digital signal, others using the stereo output from this.

Also, don't use just passive rca splitters, invest in an inexpensive active  distribution amplifier...