2 sound cards - music to one and video sound to the other concurrently

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louian

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#26776 2-Oct-2008 22:28

Hello

The problem that I am trying to solve is to play music via one sound card through Windows Media Player (Zone 1) and a DVD with the sound on this going to another sound card to speakers in another room (Zone 2). The overall solution will allow the kids to watch a DVD is the lounge while the adults enjoy a glass of wine and listening to music in the living area - all from one PC.

Is this ale to be done? I can play choose where to play music or DVD sound but I can't get them playing on the separate sound card at the same time.

Anybody have any ideas? Or would a second PC accessing the files on the main PC be easier?

The main PC is a running XP Pro.

rhysb

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#168789 3-Oct-2008 12:10

You can do this by using a program, such as winamp, that allows you to select which audio device to use. WMP only supports output through the default audio device.

sbiddle

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#168794 3-Oct-2008 12:37

Providing you are using software that allows you to select the directsound output device then the answer is yes.

Windows Media Player will play to the default audio device so you could use that for DVD's and then use another program such as Winamp that allows you to select the output device and manually select the output you want. The easiest way to do this is just a cheap soundcard or even a USB soundcard or USB FM transmitter such as the one DSE sells. You can then select this device in Winamp (or another program of your choice) and play your music remotely.

louian

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#168797 3-Oct-2008 12:40

Would use the free version of winamp or pay for the pro version - what is the difference?

rscole86

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#168801 3-Oct-2008 12:52

I personally use VLC. Its only flavour is free

I watch whatever I want to on the PC in WMP and with headphones, and the partner watches whatever VLC is playing on the TV and home theatre system.

richms

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#168868 3-Oct-2008 18:45

foobar2000 also lets you choose the directsound device. I have windows sounds play to the second audio out of the computer on the front to the computer speakers (tinny trashy ones) and foobard set to the main output which is on the back going to the stereo. Thats way I dont have stupid dings and bleeps really loud when playing music. Cant use the front for the stereo system since the output is too noisy to even use headphones on, but at the low volumes of the computer speakers thats not a problem.

Richard rich.ms

askelon

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#168887 3-Oct-2008 19:55

foobar +1.. Used it for a long time for the same sort of thing. I normally use my onboard sound card for games and my better one for music - the music plays thru a set of klipsch speakers.

HP

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louian

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#168921 3-Oct-2008 22:32

Sweet - thanks to all the replies - I have it going with winamp and Windows MP. I will keep Foobar in mind if fine tuning is required.

I welcome any other ideas.

Cheers

Louian