Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
DOS virtual machine “thinks” that a Sound Blaster Pro or similar sound card is available,
even though the audio is actually being played by a modern sound card. You hear sound
effects and music playback generated by the game just as you would if the game were be-
ing run on a system with legacy audio hardware.
Audio Hardware Features
Thanks to the universal presence of integrated audio on PCs for a number of years, you
don't need to buy a sound card to enjoy audio playback from your PC. However, depend-
inguponthetypesofaudiocontentyouenjoyandthetypesofdevicesyouwanttoconnect
to your PC, you might want or need to replace your system's built-in audio capabilities
with a sound card with better support for specialized needs.
To make an intelligent purchasing decision about a replacement for integrated audio, you
should be aware of some audio hardware basic components and the features they provide,
as well as the advanced features you can get on better sound cards or external adapters.
This section discusses the features you should consider while evaluating audio hardware
for your PC.
Basic Connectors
Mostintegratedaudio,soundcards,orexternalaudioadaptershavethesamebasicextern-
al connectors. These 1/8-inch minijack connectors provide the means of passing sound
signals from the adapter to speakers, headphones, and stereo systems, and of receiving
sound from a microphone, CD player, or stereo. Laptop computers with integrated au-
dio often include only two jacks: stereo line out and line in. However, sound cards and
motherboards with integrated audio often include S/PDIF coaxial or optical jacks for sup-
porting 5.1 or 7.1 surround audio and digital audio.
Figure 13.2
shows typical external audio jacks on a motherboard with integrated audio.
Figure 13.2
Typical input and output jacks on a typical motherboard with 7.1 surround audio support.
