Digital/AC3 output studders, but decoded stereo is working f

[jjabba]

I'm using my Sound Blaster Live! (Dell OEM version) to output digital sound to my Sony reciver. For HD content I usually use Zoomplayer because i need the CoreAVC codec for fast videodecoding.
Using zoomplayer AC3 output works great, but with VLC as soon as I choose "A/52 over SPIDF" output, I get a constant studder in the audio. This is not only with HD content but also with DVDs and any other source containing an AC3 audiotrack. If I decode the AC3 to stereo before sending it over the coax to my stereo everything works fine, but then it's stereo instead of 5.1

Is this a known issue or is it some option I'm missing?

[Ducato]

known issue? no...

[jjabba]

known issue? no...

great, just the kind of helpful post i need! thanks!

[VLC_help]

Have you tried Waveout module in VLC?

[jjabba]

Have you tried Waveout module in VLC?

I don't know what "try Waveout module" means. There is only one setting in the preferences under the "Audio->Devices->Waveout" listing and thats a checkbox for using float32 or not.
That option didn't make any difference. AC3 output still studders.

I found some others with the exact same problem as me: http://www.123macmini.com/forums/viewto ... 74efd4fb14

[jjabba]

I finally got it working.
I found this post: http://www.videohelp.com/forum/archive/ ... 26561.html
It gave these instructions:

Go to [Preferences] and check [Advanced Options]

Then Expand [Audio] and select [Output modules]

Change [Audio output module] to [Win32 waveOut extension output]

Then click on [Save] and quit and re-start VLC

Try SPDIF output after all that and hopefully it should work.

Works like a charm, why "standard" don't works beats me, it's really annoying since more and more people is getting digital output and wants to have surround sound. Perhaps something to put some effort into.

[DJ]

No effort required! DirectX just doesn't work well for SPDIF.

[jjabba]

No effort required! DirectX just doesn't work well for SPDIF.

As a programmer I feel sad about your lack of commitment to this issue. If the "Standard" option doesn't work with SPIDF then why have it in the audiomenu? Perhaps it would be better to automatically switch to "waveout" whenever SPIDF is selected. (of cause notifying the user about it first)

Also, if the problem is in fact DirectX, then why does the Mac Mini user I've linked to above have the same trouble? There is no DirectX in OS X.....