Audio question ATI 3xxx and 4xxx cards

[Kwipper]

Ever since ATI came out with its 3xxx and 4xxx series cards, I have seen advertised on all of the boxes that the card can do 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound. Now I understand that HDMI can carry an audio signal, but on most of these cards I see DVI, VGA or S-Video/TV out inputs. As far as I know, none of these have the capability of carrying an audio signal. Even a DVI to HDMI adapter can't carry an audio signal since DVI is the source, right?

So if this is the case, then why is ATI and ATI developers advertising this capability. Am I missing something?

Also, for the cards that DO have HDMI, what kind of audio is passed through the cable. Is it ANY kind of audio (like regular windows sound effects, MP3 and YouTube videos for example) or is it only specialized digital audio that can only be found on DVD's, HD-DVD and Blu-Ray.

I really wish there was some kind of clarification on this cause I've tried searching on google and came up with nothing clarifying these things.

I hope someone makes a sticky or something so that others may know as well.

[ultima]

the s-video output on those cards are not "normal" outputs
they have extra pins, and use an HDMI adapter

the rest i dunno
would need a tv with hdmi which i don't own and etc and etc

[metalfan49]

I just got a 4870, and was pleasantly surprised to find out sound over HDMI "just worked" when I put the DVI->HDMI adapter on. I did have to go to the Sound panel under Windows 7 and select HDMI instead of Speakers though. I am only running it to a TV though, so I only don't know how many channels it's doing.

[ultima]

thanks for the info !
good to know