Find solution
What are usual maximum output frequencies on computer sound cards?

Is it possible to direct certain groups of sounds from my computer to multiple destinations?

  • Is it possible to direct sound from my computer to multiple destinations? In other words, I'd like to listen to MP3s (Winamp) through speakers positioned various places in my home, but I also want users of the computer to be able to hear system sounds, game sounds, etc. (and have those sounds NOT output to the remote speakers). Can I use two sound cards for this, and assign various software to output to the appropriate card? I'm on XP pro and I like long walks on the beach.

  • Answer:

    Get yourself a wireless media device, that let's you stream MP3s etc directly to your music system. Off the top of my head, I know Motorola, DLink, and I think Belkin make them. I think there's also Turtle Beach's Audiotron.

stupidsexyFlanders at Ask.Metafilter.Com Visit the source

Was this solution helpful to you?

Other answers

If you have a series 2 TiVo, you can do this with the Home Media Option.

riffola

I love my audiotron. Keep an eye out for their second generation product.

machaus

machaus

as for system sounds vs. mp3-type sounds, you might be able to find a plugin to send winamp sound to a different output that normal windows sounds might not use at the same time, but I can't tell you which might do that.

Hackworth

Use a multichannel sound card. Route channels around the house at will. Configure channel mixer appropriately. I believe the old Gulliermot (or however them furriners spell it) cards had drivers which supported this, and possibly some of the Hercules cards. I vaguely remember having an Aureal-chipset based card which could do such a thing, although I suspect Windows XP driver model support for Aureal cards is abyssimal given that the company went defunct about the time XP was released.

majick

If you had a Mac, you could do it with a USB audio output device (such as the http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/imic/) and Rogue Amoeba's http://www.rogueamoeba.com/detour/ software.

kindall

ask.MeFi is worth it to me now just for machaus' Squeezebox link. The SlimServer is cool.

eyeballkid

Thanks for all the responses. I've kind of ruled out a squeezebox/HMO-type solution (where you stream to your home stereo) because that is often in use for the TV, and I don't have a home network. I will look into the winamp plug-in and multi-channel soundcard suggestions, tho. Thanks all!

stupidsexyFlanders

Good idea StupidSexyFlanders. Although...... http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=119&subcategory=121&product=9192. For $249.99, you get a 24bit audio player with RCA and Optical connectors, a built in wireless network system, and a remote that shows the entire titles of the songs that you can use without being in its line of sight. Backlit, too. The issue that you mentioned before, not having a wireless network, would still be an issue. Just letting you know!

Keyser Soze

Related Q & A:

Just Added Q & A:

Find solution

For every problem there is a solution! Proved by Solucija.

  • Got an issue and looking for advice?

  • Ask Solucija to search every corner of the Web for help.

  • Get workable solutions and helpful tips in a moment.

Just ask Solucija about an issue you face and immediately get a list of ready solutions, answers and tips from other Internet users. We always provide the most suitable and complete answer to your question at the top, along with a few good alternatives below.