Cheap optical in...

[InsightGoalie]

Really, hockey makes you think Sweden? It would make me think Canada but, that would be wrong as well. I actually live in San Diego, CA currently...

All these reports of crackling and such from sound cards makes me think I might buy one at a local store. That why I can easily take it back if something goes wrong...

[:D:]

Nothing goes wrong on good ones, but they're $100+. Try Fry's; I've never had any trouble with them. Great service. I live where you live

[InsightGoalie]

You live in/around San Diego? I actually just moved here a few weeks ago. I'm not sure I want to spend 100+ on a soundcard though... My motherboard costs 170 and that has fine on board sound, why should a soundcard cost just as much to not have problems? That just doesn't seem logical to me. Maybe I'll have to break down and save some extra money.

[:D:]

Go to Fry's and see what they have there. I'm sure you can find something good. The staff is generally helpful and knowledgeable, too.

[InsightGoalie]

Where is that? Like I said I've only been here for a few weeks...

[:D:]

Uhh...*looks it up*

9825 Stonecrest Blvd
San Diego, CA 92123

[chedabob]

If you have analogue speakers (that have either 6x phono connectors, or 3x 3.5 inch jacks) and you are trying to run a digital signal through your PC, it won't work. The PC won't decode it and split it into the 6 channels like it should.

[:D:]

If you get a card that does that it will.

[chedabob]

I asked loads of people and they all said it can't be done because they don't have dolby digital decoders.

[:D:]

If your computer has optical in chances are it decodes it and outputs an analog signal to your speakers, otherwise the input would be useless.