Conclusions and Verdict

During our Blue ray testing we noted that PowerDVD9 seemed to upsample both codecs to 24/192 KHz for output.  We tested various configurations with settings and video connections and every time there was upsampling.

Although the end user can run the video stream through the HTHD if they have a HDMI based display, if you’re using analog output you can connect the video or use this card just as you would another soundcard. There are options within PDVD9 for LPCM output and for Bit-streaming through HDMI output. Audio tracks at this resolution have been unavailable on any media up until the Dolby TrueHD lossless and DTS-MA lossless codecs. 

As far as Home theater audio lovers are concerned TrueHD and DTS-MA are really the holy grails of home theater audio.

 This card offered a boatload of features to the end user, full analog, S/Pdif digital and HDMI output standards to boot. While HDMI output is a great feature on this card it is only one feature among many.  There are many kinds of users and this card seems to be targeting as wide an audience as possible.  No matter what you’re after, Gaming, Music, DVD, BD Media or high resolution options for your desktop or HTPC, the Auzentech Home Theater HD 7.1 has you covered.  The fact that this card negates the need for a receiver is an awesome feature to those without the required external gear.

Offering full surround sound with no destructive compression routines and preserving the original audio content as originally recorded.  Yes, it is a great time for PC audio!

We had an excellent time testing this card and had no real issues or anomalies to speak of.  Some purist may frown on the up sampling implemented by PowerDVD9; this may be a bug or glitch within the software or a configuration error.  Further testing will be done with this software.  Many purists prefer bit-streaming just to avoid any processing at all before the end receiver unit to prevent such things.

Based on our testing, the sound quality produced by the Home Theater HD 7.1 and the sheer features set this card is highly recommend by the Guru3D audio Lab.

If you’re looking for an excellent sounding well rounded audio card, you can put the Auzentech Home Theater HD 7.1 to the top of your list.  Who knows maybe you will get one this year under the tree or in your stocking.  Happy Holidays from the Guru3D audio Lab.

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