ASUS, a leading name in high quality computer components and solutions, announces the world´s first HDMI 1.3a compliant audio/video enhancement combo card – the Xonar HDAV1.3. Capable of outputting uncompressed multichannel high definition audio from Blu-ray movies, the Xonar HDAV1.3 also enhances video with an onboard Splendid HD processor – providing ultimate multimedia enjoyment.
Uncompromised HD Digital Audio & Video with Support for Blu-ray and HDMI 1.3The Xonar HDAV1.3 features Protected Audio Playback Systems (PAPS) and full Advanced Access Content System (AACS) certification. Without both of these certifications, typical PCs will need to downsample Blu-ray audio to DVD quality (48K/16bit). By closely working with ArcSoft´s Total Media Theater, ASUS´ Xonar HDAV1.3 is capable of decoding Blu-ray movies and takes full advantage of lossless digital audio formats such as Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio™ for professional, high-fidelity sounds at 24bit, 96-192Khz. The PCI Express based Xonar HDAV1.3 is designed from the ground up for next generation home theater PCs (HTPC); and is equipped with the proprietary AV200 audio processor and HDMI1.3a certified Splendid HD video processor – making it capable of delivering the highest quality 7.1 channel 192K linear pulse code modulation (LPCM) audio and high definition video through the HDMI port.
That looks pretty cool...
I really hope to see more cards like this coming out in the future. Have you seen any reviews yet, and do you know the price? It seems that the card shouldn't require nearly as much to be good at vidoe/audio playback as what is needed for high-end games; and therefore, it should be cheaper. I also look forward/expect to see better color quality and support for HDTVs on boot (access to bios if needed, no resize issues if powered up with TV off, etc.).
SirMeili:( I guess my other reply is stuck in moderation)Is this also a video card? or just a sound card with video pass through? It would be kewl if it could be a good HDTV Video card (instead of having to have a gaming card)
I was assuming that this was also a video card, but I would like to know more because the specs certainly concentrate on the audio side of things.
I'm very excited.
Was going to upgrade my 2600xt to a 4850, but think I'll keep the xt and add this card for hdmi to my Pio 1018.