From: Max Timchenko :Subject: [PCBUILD] What is an D/A output on Creative
CD-ROM?


>   Hello list,
>
>   A sudden urge for knowledge possessed me when I noticed an output
> connector on my CD-ROM labeled "D/A" and similar to that of CD-output
> to sound card but having only 2 pins.
>
>   I would like to know what it is and how can I benefit from it.
>
>   Thanks in advance for your help.
>
>   System :
>          Celeron 400 on BX6/2
>          32 RAM
>          ATI RageIIC AGP 8M
> ->       Creative x40 CD-ROM
>          SoundBlaster PCI64
>          FlyVideo II TV card
>          Genius ScanMate256 scanner
>
>          running Windows 98, ver 4.10.1998.
>
> +=-.
> | Max Timchenko [MaxVT]

Max,

The 2 pin connector that you refer to is for Digital audio (SPDIF) from your
cd rom.  If you have a sound card that supports digital audio, you can
connect your cd rom to the sound card digitally, which according to SB is
supposed to keep the digital sound signal pure until it is converted to
analog for your speakers.  If you also have digital speakers then the sound
is never converted to analog.  The sound Blaster Live series supports
Digital audio, but not all cd roms that have the SPDIF Digital connection
truly support the SPDIF connection.  SB used to have a place on their site
where they had tested different cd roms and told you which ones did support
SPDIF connections.

Mary Wolden

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