just got this for my general-use desktop PC:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829271001



SO much better than the creative cards...

11/1/2008 3:44:45 PM

Does it do the Live! stuff?

11/1/2008 3:46:09 PM

hahaha, wow - i JUST posted about that card in my thread from a while back
message_topic.aspx?topic=540934

[Edited on November 1, 2008 at 3:53 PM. Reason : did you order it from newegg or pick it up somewhere local?]

11/1/2008 3:49:42 PM

p.s. it works great in vista x64

11/1/2008 3:52:36 PM

better than x-fi for gaming?

11/1/2008 4:02:13 PM

definitely. make sure you turn off the normalization, though - it's enabled by default.

driver package: 31.2MB - most of it is just multiple drivers for multiple OSs, what's installed is relatively small

creative's driver package: like 294670329460MB, all of which stays on your computer and bugs you about random shit at the most inopportune times and installs features no one ever uses

as far as audio quality goes, personally, i think it sounds much better than the audigy i previously had.

i really can't think of anything bad to say about this card.

11/2/2008 1:28:53 AM

can it transcode to dolby digital in real time?

11/2/2008 1:47:32 AM

It does DD Live, DTS Interactive, and DTS Neo : PC

Quote :

"DTS NEO : PC : An up-mix matrix technology that turns any 2 channel audio into 7.1 surround sound. You can turn your stereo audio (WMA, MP3, CD, and more!) into a convincing multi channel audio experience.Borrowing from DTS NEO : 6 that provides you with surround sound from stereo sources in high-end home theatre products, NEO : PCs optimized for your system and is the perfect companion to DTS INTERACTIVE ."

http://www.htomega.com/striker.html

[Edited on November 2, 2008 at 4:31 AM. Reason : no smileys ]

11/2/2008 4:29:28 AM

Quote :

"STRIKER 7.1 can make encode Dolby Digital or DTS signal with real-time"

11/2/2008 2:58:49 PM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829120103

it's discontinued, but it was the best soundcard for the money ($27) when it was out, i use the chaintech av-710 in my htpc now

11/2/2008 4:41:36 PM