Laptop audio problems

[Margaret von B.]

The computer is a Toshiba Satellite laptop (1.7GHz, 512Mb, 60Mb HD 7200 rpm)
that has a digital audio out with a minijack connector. This same connector
also functions as an analog headphone output. Using a Sony minijack to
optical cable that is an accessory to their portable DATs, I can get digital
audio out from the Toshiba to a number of different DACs. Now I got this
Soundblaster Audigy 2 NX external soundcard that has an optical input. The
problem is that there seems to be no signal from the laptop to the Audigy.
Of course the Audigy also has USB 2 connection but the laptop does not and
the USB 1 is not fast enough for the device to work properly. Anyone have
any idea what could be going on here?

Cheers,

Margaret

[Arny Krueger]

"Margaret von B." > wrote
in message ...
> The computer is a Toshiba Satellite laptop (1.7GHz, 512Mb,
60Mb HD 7200 rpm)
> that has a digital audio out with a minijack connector.
This same connector
> also functions as an analog headphone output. Using a Sony
minijack to
> optical cable that is an accessory to their portable DATs,
I can get digital
> audio out from the Toshiba to a number of different DACs.
Now I got this
> Soundblaster Audigy 2 NX external soundcard that has an
optical input. The
> problem is that there seems to be no signal from the
laptop to the Audigy.

I've seen CL cards reject valid digital inputs, both on
copper and optical, on the grounds of SCMS failure. The
solution is to use an audio interface that rated for audio
production purposes, instead of a "consumer" card.

> Of course the Audigy also has USB 2 connection but the
laptop does not and
> the USB 1 is not fast enough for the device to work
properly.

Irrelevant.

[Margaret von B.]

"Arny Krueger" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Margaret von B." > wrote
> in message ...
>> The computer is a Toshiba Satellite laptop (1.7GHz, 512Mb,
> 60Mb HD 7200 rpm)
>> that has a digital audio out with a minijack connector.
> This same connector
>> also functions as an analog headphone output. Using a Sony
> minijack to
>> optical cable that is an accessory to their portable DATs,
> I can get digital
>> audio out from the Toshiba to a number of different DACs.
> Now I got this
>> Soundblaster Audigy 2 NX external soundcard that has an
> optical input. The
>> problem is that there seems to be no signal from the
> laptop to the Audigy.
>
> I've seen CL cards reject valid digital inputs, both on
> copper and optical, on the grounds of SCMS failure.

Thanks Arny! I almost forgot about SCMS.

>The
> solution is to use an audio interface that rated for audio
> production purposes, instead of a "consumer" card.
>

What would you recommend these days. Preferably not larger than the Blaster.
PCMCIA card would be OK too.

>> Of course the Audigy also has USB 2 connection but the
> laptop does not and
>> the USB 1 is not fast enough for the device to work
> properly.
>
> Irrelevant.
>

Care to elaborate why it is irrelevant? I'm not sure what you mean. Thanks!


Cheers,

Margaret