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Q: Computer - Hardware - Audio ( Answered 5 out of 5 stars,   0 Comments )
Question  
Subject: Computer - Hardware - Audio
Category: Computers > Hardware
Asked by: just_dont_know-ga
List Price: $25.00
Posted: 30 Sep 2002 21:15 PDT
Expires: 30 Oct 2002 20:15 PST
Question ID: 71030
I have a Compaq 1200Z notebook and need to know exactly how to output
audio into a standard home audio receiver with RCA-style jacks.
Mission: to be able to use my computer as a jukebox to play MP3's from
living room on home audio system. Only outputs I see on computer are
video from DVD and headphone jack.

Clarification of Question by just_dont_know-ga on 30 Sep 2002 21:17 PDT
Note - would like to output audio in stereo......not mono if possible.

Request for Question Clarification by alienintelligence-ga on 30 Sep 2002 22:07 PDT
Hi just_dont_know,

Typically, on a laptop the headphone
jack is what you would use. Have you
tried that yet? That is the output
I use on my Toshiba laptop for its
DVD player to my TV.

[ http://catalog.google.com/catalogs?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&issue=3520&catpage=188 ]
You will need some type of y adapter
and/or cables depending on what you
have currently at your disposal in
order to try it out.

-AI

Clarification of Question by just_dont_know-ga on 30 Sep 2002 22:32 PDT
That seemed too simple, but if it works for you.....I'll give it a
shot.
Please reply with your experience with quality and/ or any problems
encountered so I can rate this answer high and get you paid.
Answer  
Subject: Re: Computer - Hardware - Audio
Answered By: vinods-ga on 01 Oct 2002 00:24 PDT
Rated:5 out of 5 stars
 
Hello, 

Two issues.... 

1. If you can plug in a pair of headphones, play an MP3 file and hear
it playing in the headphones, your notebook can supply audio to an
external amp and speakers through this outlet. If the headphone out is
on the DVD player itself, I am not sure whether this will work.

2. If the above does not work, you will need to add sound capability
to your notebook. The best solution for you (which means not having to
get your notebook opened up, or installing some major hardware!) is to
have a USB -compatible solution like the Sound Blaster Extigy.

URL http://www.soundblaster.com/products/extigy/ 

This is a very good solution by which you not only get very good
quality sound, but also many other features:

i) Surround for DVD through your A/V home theater amplifier
ii) Multiple inputs and outputs - you can connect up your MD player,
for example and transfer digital quality audio through an optical
input/output to and from your computer.
iii) It is an external device - no messy hardware - and is not too
large or heavy to carry with you wherever you go.

  
3. In any case you will need an "EP (3.5) stereo plug to 2x RCA cable.
 Standard length cables are available, but if you need a longer cable
so that you can keep your notebook and audio system in their regular
perches and not have to move things nearer, you will need to get one
made. Any standard Audio equipment store will have the cable required.
You will just have to describe what you want as 'EP (3.5) stereo plug
to 2x RCA cable' and you will get it. If you wish, I can find out if
it is available on the net so you can buy it online.

Please get back to me if you need to know more. In any case, you will
have to do that simple test I have mentioned in point (1.)

Warm regards
Vinod-ga

Clarification of Answer by vinods-ga on 01 Oct 2002 01:35 PDT
Hello, 

I just wanted to follow up on my answer with some extra info on
Soundblaster Extigy.

1. SoundBlaster Extigy Prices range around $130 (from
http://www.epinions.com)

-URL- http://www.epinions.com/Creative_Labs_Soundblaster_Extigy_SB0130EX__Sound_Cards_70SB013000000/display_~reviews
(bottom of the page)

2. mini-jack or EP (3.5mm) connector to RCA x2 connectors -
ready-to-use cable

-URL- 
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/651688/ref%3Dbr%5Fbx%5Fc%5F2%5F1/002-3950741-6316828

(See featured items # 1 & 2. They are 10 feet ($24.99) and 20 feet
(34.99) long. You can choose one according to your requirement.)

(alternative for the above - another online store but leading to
Amazon!)
-URL-
http://www.ethoschannel.com/shop/response3.asp?SubCatID=180&CatID=20 

If you need a shorter length, 1 foot and 4.92 feet are also available.
Just follow the Amazon URL ('similar items') to find them. Also, if
you give me your location I can probably find you a store that stocks
these items.

Please don't hesitate to ask me for more information if you need!

Warm regards
Vinod-ga

Clarification of Answer by vinods-ga on 01 Oct 2002 01:35 PDT
Hello, 

I just wanted to follow up on my answer with some extra info on
Soundblaster Extigy.

1. SoundBlaster Extigy Prices range around $130 (from
http://www.epinions.com)

-URL- http://www.epinions.com/Creative_Labs_Soundblaster_Extigy_SB0130EX__Sound_Cards_70SB013000000/display_~reviews
(bottom of the page)

2. mini-jack or EP (3.5mm) connector to RCA x2 connectors -
ready-to-use cable

-URL- 
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/651688/ref%3Dbr%5Fbx%5Fc%5F2%5F1/002-3950741-6316828

(See featured items # 1 & 2. They are 10 feet ($24.99) and 20 feet
(34.99) long. You can choose one according to your requirement.)

(alternative for the above - another online store but leading to
Amazon!)
-URL-
http://www.ethoschannel.com/shop/response3.asp?SubCatID=180&CatID=20 

If you need a shorter length, 1 foot and 4.92 feet are also available.
Just follow the Amazon URL ('similar items') to find them. Also, if
you give me your location I can probably find you a store that stocks
these items.

Please don't hesitate to ask me for more information if you need! 

Warm regards
Vinod-ga
just_dont_know-ga rated this answer:5 out of 5 stars
AI - can't thank you enough. I especially appreciate the research into
the sound blaster. That is most likely the way I will go. This Google
Answers $hit is pretty cool. Money well spent. Cheerio - SH

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