Quick HDMI related Question

[(TLL)martinroshak]

Howdy all, well, I've decided to do a graphics upgrade very very soon to a HD5770, which I'm happy about, but I've been left to wonder what kind of capabilities it will give me.  But, let me first explain the current set up so I don't confuse anyone too much.

I am currently using an LCD TV as my monitor, which works nicely, but I was running the sound into a set of Logitech X-540 5.1 Speakers which ring my room.  Recently, I also acquired an Xbox 360, so what I've done is use a male-to-male 3.5mm jack cable to run the computer sound into the TV, and then hook the X-540 speakers into the headphone jack into the TV, meaning that, depending on the output, I can use the speakers for both the computer and Xbox (which is hooked in via a component cable).

Now for the thing I'm worried about.  I've had it set up like this for a week, and it doesn't seem too bad, but I'm paranoid that the quality isn't good enough.  I knew there would be some loss due to relays the sound from the computer is going through, but yeah.  For now, I can live with it, but now for the question...

I'll be using an HDMI output from the new HD5770 to go into the TV (only has one HDMI port) and I was wondering... am I able to transfer sound from the computer this way also?  I was thinking that if this was the case, the sound would come through somewhat clearer, not being running through four metres of the other cable.  Is this a possibility...?

Of course, the 'lack of quality' I seem to be hearing right now could just be the fact I have a cold and haven't been sleeping well... but hey, worth asking 

[7.[WD]Poldi]

audio data can be submitted over HDMI, and ur 5770 should have an integrated audio-controller. the big question is if ur TV can handle audio-data on HDMI - if it doesn't have a converter(chip) for that you don't have a chance.

[(TLL)martinroshak]

Mmm, okay.  I bought it at the start of 2009.  It's a 22" Samsung screen, but unfortunately I can't be any more specific   Good to hear that it MAY be possible though   I'll see if I can dig up some extra info on the TV and post it here.

[Rally]

It's definitely possible, I've done it. I'm using a 32" SONY LCD TV and a notebook with a HD4650.

And considering quality, HDMI is digital so I'm wildly guessing it's better. I mean, the sound comes out good with my setup, but you'll have to hear it for yourself and then decide.

[(TLL)martinroshak]

Glad to hear it!!  Along the lines Poldi was saying, how old is your TV?  I'm pretty confident, for what I paid for it when it was new, it'd do it, but would be interesting to compare.

Haha, the guess about digital quality is exactly what I did as well 

Now, just to get the card and give it a go!!

[7.[WD]Poldi]

for a screen this age and brand I'd bet money on its HDMI-audio abilities, so u r right to just buy it and try it

and of course (theoretically) the digital sound is better - no losses on the way at least.

[SquareSphere }12thVR{]

You  should be fine, my old sony which is about 4 years old can do it :p.

[Rally]

My TV's 3 years old.

I'm sure yours will accept HDMI audio fine.

[Seraph]

While on that topic: Whenever I connect my Samsung screen over HDMI it's not running at a proper 1080p resolution and I haven't figured out how to fix that. Bascially the picture doesn't fit correctly on the screen and the resolution looks borked. Haven't found anything to change that, Windows only set one rez and thats it.

Just in case someone heard of that and knows a solution

[Pytak]

Your problem is, you can't turn on 1920x1080 because it does not show in control panel when you hook it up to your HDTV, right?

Do you have a NVidia card?

[(TLL)martinroshak]

Sweet!  Thanks for the input guys, now to ring up the guy and order the card 

[~SJ~ Xarg Talasko]

Something to look out for, when you install the card, it'll install the onboard sound thing from it for the HDMI, which can mess with your existing sound setup. My pc just told me I had no sound device, so I look in device manager, disable the ATI Function Driver for High Definition Audio - ATI AA01, which gives me my sound back (I run my sound from a cable out of an old SB live! card into a dvd player with 5.1 speakers and a subwoofer the size of my pc case, so disabling that ATI onboard sound is important for me).

[(TLL)martinroshak]

Well guys, thanks all for you advice, went in about the card today, and he's gonna contact his supplier, but he thinks he'll be able to get it for me.  Pretty decently priced in my estimation, 280 AU (233 US) for the XFX ATI HD 5770 XXX Edition.  Only issue that could possibly arise apparently is the card literally just not fitting, but if that happens, new case    If I'm getting the card and the case, he said he'd transfer everything over for the same price, so I'm rather one happy chappy at the moment.

[Snowball]

The 5770 is not a big card, so I doubt you'll have space issues; as long as you don't have a micro-ATX tower, you should be fine.

If I recall right, I think it's about 8 or so inches long, maybe an inch and a half tall, and 4 wide.  These are super rough estimates, though I don't know why I don't just google the dimensions....

EDIT: Dimensions for that exact card: 8.5"W x 4.376"H x 1.5"D.  I was pretty close, but if you're really worried about it, just do some measuring.

[(TLL)martinroshak]

Haha, yeah, I thought there wouldn't be too many issues either, but apparently that's what he said.  For now, I've just ordered the card, if it doesn't fit (which, I'm thinking it will) I'll get a new case, which I don't mind doing