I have no more pci slots...what next?

[mcr10]

Although my sound is ok from the built in card (if that's the right term) with BTV, I would really like to install a 5.1 live sound card to get the full benefit from the home theater system.
Is there anyway to externally install a sound card like usb or firewire?
TIA,
MR

[pjosman]

Creative Labs used to make a usb version of their audigy card which had 5.1 live capability.

[nanook105]

Originally Posted by mcr10

Although my sound is ok from the built in card (if that's the right term) with BTV, I would really like to install a 5.1 live sound card to get the full benefit from the home theater system.
Is there anyway to externally install a sound card like usb or firewire?
TIA,
MR

I have two of the external sound "cards" (Soundblaster Live 5.1) and they are usb

[btvfreak]

Originally Posted by nanook105

I have two of the external sound "cards" (Soundblaster Live 5.1) and they are usb

I also have one of these and it works fine.

[MagnumRT]

What are all the PCI cards you have?

[mcr10]

Originally Posted by MagnumRT

What are all the PCI cards you have?

Some tuners, video, modem etc.......just not enough slots.

[mcr10]

In my search for the external cards I ran across this one.
http://www.turtlebeach.com/site/prod...e/indetail.asp

I think will hook me up with the home theater via optical cable and work ok. It had some decent reviews.
Anyone using one of these with BTV?

[jed91080]

Is that turtlebeach usb thing really going to be an upgrade over onboard audio? I'm not saying it isn't, but that would be the question I'd ask myself before getting it. What motherboard are you using?

Another idea: maybe you could upgrade your motherboard. Just a thought.

[mcr10]

Originally Posted by jed91080

Is that turtlebeach usb thing really going to be an upgrade over onboard audio? I'm not saying it isn't, but that would be the question I'd ask myself before getting it. What motherboard are you using?

Another idea: maybe you could upgrade your motherboard. Just a thought.

I would guess the TB usb would be an improvement over the onboard sound card. The TB has a TOS link optical adapter which will connect to my home theater system which should give me 5.1 sound hopefully.
Connection now is with an adapter that (for lack of right terms) for pc speakers on sound card---> out to rca type connectors to---> the HT system.

Not sure about MB. It came with an older Dell box. I am still on SD tv and when I eventually go HD after the market settles; HD-BTV tuners etc for cable, I will spring for a new HTPC with all the latest goodies. That is, if I have the $$$$.