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X51 as media computer(?)
My current media PC is getting old, and I need USB3 support. OTOH, my present computer's mobo HDMI works great with my Yamaha AVR for PCM and bitstreaming both audio+video, and I want another that works as well.
On paper, the X51 appears to suit my needs ... but I do see many problems with HDMI, and it's difficult to believe when the Dell implies the remedy is as quick&easy as a BIOS modification. And, I don't see any users here using the X51 for Music, DVD & Blue-ray ...
My 1st question: Will Dell guarantee & support bitstreaming audio+video out the HDMI port??
My 2nd question: If in doubt, what would be a good Dell alternative to the X51 for bitstreaming media audio+video via HDMI??
TIA & cheerios from the Avalon Peninsula :)
DELL-Frank Lz
208 Posts
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July 4th, 2012 11:00
Hi Rarewolf, why would you like to stream video out of the HDMI port?
The HDMI is native for the motherboard, the GPU has a DVI and DisplayPort. You will get a lot more quality from the Video Card. For audio you get digital output on the motherboard.
1) The onBoard HDMI port can send audio and video
2) The GPU and the integrated 7.1 optical audio output
Cheers :)
mav711
245 Posts
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July 4th, 2012 20:00
incorrect on the GPU Frank it is mini-hdmi not displayport... gt545 and GTX555 are mini-HDMI
bills889
133 Posts
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July 4th, 2012 21:00
Only thing i doubt is surround sound support. Someone a while ago had a tonne of problems getting his blurays to play 5.1 dolby surround sound. He ended up getting an external usb soundcard to get it t work. Search the forun to find the thread... it was a long one.
DELL-Frank Lz
208 Posts
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July 5th, 2012 10:00
@Mav711
Thank you, yes, you are right.
@Bills
Myself I have never tested that on the x51. The system is capable, but, I'm uncertain the process will take extra steps to configure.
ynkolo
2 Posts
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July 5th, 2012 13:00
Yes, I use X51 primary for media PC and video conversion. I installed itune as media streaming and vmware for multiple OS cloud computing. The surround sound via optical output is working well with audio receiver as well the hdmi/dvi video/audio output with TV.
DELL-Frank Lz
208 Posts
0
July 5th, 2012 13:00
Awesome, thank you ynkolo! So, no problems with Audio Set up :)
fivefivesix
2 Posts
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August 13th, 2012 19:00
The X51 with the 545 video card supports audio+video on the DVI port when used with a compatible DVI-HDMI cable. Can't speak for the version with the 555 card as i don't own that one.
rarewolf
34 Posts
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November 14th, 2012 09:00
My wishlist disappeared, and now I see that the display card has been changed to the GT-660. Same questions are still pertinent however ...
Thanks again :)
rarewolf
34 Posts
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November 14th, 2012 09:00
Frank asks ...
Hi Rarewolf, why would you like to stream video out of the HDMI port?
The HDMI is native for the motherboard, the GPU has a DVI and DisplayPort. You will get a lot more quality from the Video Card. For audio you get digital output on the motherboard.
1) The onBoard HDMI port can send audio and video
2) The GPU and the integrated 7.1 optical audio output
Sorry for the late response ... I should learn how to be notified of topic activity ...
I believe this may all be changed now that the X51 employs an NVidia GT-650 ... leastwise, as far as I could tell from images the display card provided the only HDMI output. HDMI video connected to my AVR should not be a problem, however for the optimum audio, I also need the HDMI to bitstream the audio. This was a headache for my current HTPC, but I was finally able to get it to work. I don't believe I'd be happy with S/PDIF audio because, as far as I know (correct me if I'm wrong), S/PDIF (coax or optical) cannot bitstream several of the newer Bluray HD audio sources(?)
Thanks for your excellent support!
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
8 Wizard
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17K Posts
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November 14th, 2012 12:00
Sound in DVD/BluRay/Movies is usually Digital Bitstream. Music and Games are usually PCM. Better to get the virgin Bitstream to the amp for decoding when possible.
Only HDMI can Bitstream 7.1 and do MultiChannel-PCM . The older SPDIF (optical or coax) does less of both.
No x51 here, but I have a clone machine very similar to the XPS-410 in my sig. below ... running XBMC ... as part of a pretty nice Home Theater.
qwertyUSA2000
4 Posts
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November 23rd, 2012 11:00
X51 i5 8GB RAM GTX 550 runs games great and XBMC perfectly.
XBMC is a HT front end, plays just about any file type. I skipped the stupid multi GPU switching and ran HDMI directly from the GTX to my 65" LCD 1080x1920. I also have HDMI switchers going to two other LCDs about 35' away. I use the optical output for compatibility and 5.1 surround.
I had to use the eVGA fan utility to calm down the GPU fan (I even underclocked/undervolted the GPU), it is now nice and quiet.
Buying another for my main computer, this time the i7 GTX 660. On Sale!