5-2-3 Enabling the Dolby Home Theater Function

Before Dolby Home Theater is enabled, you get only 2-channel playback output (from the front speakers) when playing 2-channel stereo sources. You must play 4-, 5.1-, or 7.1- channel content to get 4-, 5.1-, or 7.1- channel audio effects. With Dolby Home Theater enabled, 2-channel stereo content will be transformed into multi-channel audio, creating a virtual surround sound environment(Note).

A. Windows XP

After installing the audio driver, at the center bottom of the Audio Control Panel, you should find the Dolby Home Theater control but- tons as shown below:

Dolby Home Theater Control Buttons

1. : This button provides you with more controls over the onboard audio.

2. DOLBY HEADPHONE:

Click this button to enable or disable the Dolby Headphone function. Enabling Dolby Headphone allows 2-channel stereo content to be heard as surround sound from any set of headphones.

3. DOLBY PRO LOGIC II:

Click this button to enable or disable the Dolby Pro Logic II function.

Enabling Dolby Pro Logic II allows 2-channel stereo content to be processed into 4- or 5.1- channel surround sound, depending on your speaker configurations.

4. DOLBY VIRTUAL SPEAKER:

Click this button to enable or disable the Dolby Virtual Speaker function. Enabling Dolby Virtual Speaker allows 2-channel stereo content to be heard as surround sound from two speakers.

5. DOLBY DIGITAL LIVE:

If your surround sound system is connected via an external decoder, click the Audio I/O tab in the Audio Control Panel. Either click Dolby Digital 5.1 in the upper left list or click the DOLBY DIGITAL LIVE button at the center bottom of the Audio Control Panel. And click the DOLBY PRO LOGIC II button. The system will then simulate 5.1 channel surround sound playback from two- channel content.

B.Windows Vista

Install the Dolby GUI Software driver from the motherboard driver disk. Click the Start icon. Point to All Programs, Dolby Control Center to access the utility.

(The following illustration demonstrates a 7.1-speaker configuration as an example.)

1.: Click Dolby Pro Logic IIx.

The system will expand 2-channel audio for a 7.1-channel surround sound playback.

2. : Click Natural Bass to enable speaker bass effect.

(Note) When Dolby Digital Live is enabled, only digital audio output (S/PDIF) is working, and you will

not hear any sound from analog speakers or headphone.

 

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Appendix

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Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P Enabling the Dolby Home Theater Function, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Click Dolby Pro Logic

GA-EP45-UD3P specifications

The Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P is a motherboard that gained popularity for its superb balance of performance, features, and price, particularly catering to enthusiasts, gamers, and mainstream PC users. Launched in the late 2000s, it is built on the Intel P45 chipset, making it compatible with Intel's Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad, Pentium, and Celeron processors, providing a versatile foundation for various computing needs.

One of the standout features of the GA-EP45-UD3P is its excellent support for overclocking. The motherboard comes equipped with robust voltage regulation, providing stability when pushing CPUs beyond their standard clock speeds. Additionally, its user-friendly BIOS includes extensive options for adjusting CPU and memory settings, making it an appealing choice for those looking to maximize performance.

The GA-EP45-UD3P supports DDR2 memory up to 1200 MHz, and it features four DIMM slots for dual-channel memory configuration, facilitating high memory capacities and bandwidth. With a total of 16 USB 2.0 ports and a pair of IEEE 1394 FireWire ports, connectivity is abundant, ensuring that users can connect multiple peripherals without issue.

In terms of storage, the motherboard offers six SATA ports with RAID support, allowing for flexible configurations ranging from data redundancy to performance enhancements. Furthermore, it also includes one IDE connector, which provides compatibility with legacy devices.

Another key characteristic of the GA-EP45-UD3P is its durable construction, incorporating Gigabyte's Ultra Durable technology. This includes high-quality capacitors, solid capacitors, and a 4-layer PCB design that enhances thermal performance and reliability. The motherboard is also equipped with an advanced thermal management system that features enlarged heatsinks for effective cooling, ensuring that thermal throttling doesn't hinder performance.

For audio, the GA-EP45-UD3P features a Realtek ALC889a audio codec offering eight-channel sound output, delivering a rich audio experience for gaming and multimedia applications.

In summary, the Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P stands out with its robust overclocking capabilities, ample connectivity options, extensive storage support, and durable construction, making it a solid choice for those building a powerful and reliable system. Whether for intensive gaming, content creation, or general computing, this motherboard provides a well-rounded performance that still resonates with tech enthusiasts today.