Audio CODEC's:

An “Audio CODEC” is the primary “chip” in a motherboard or add-in card

“Sound Adapter”.  Since these chips can be implemented in many different

ways—and are generally subject to very frequent device driver

updates—this list is by no means complete nor can it be considered that

a given chip mentioned here will actually work on some other motherboard

than that on which it was tested or with some other revision of device

drivers than those used in the test.

A Scala reseller should be aware that the stability and correctness of

audio playback has been a continual problem for all releases of Scala

software all releases of Microsoft Windows.  In any deployment where the

playback of audio is important—it is imperative to TEST the scripts and

the planned playback hardware thoroughly!

Of special note:  A common issue that many users encounter with analog

audio output from motherboards:  “base level noise.”  Some motherboard

layouts are ill considered from the viewpoint of sound quality—and as a

result many PC motherboards have background “hum”, “hiss”, “cracking”,

or other distortions that are the result electrical interference of

other motherboard components.  This is generally not a problem on those

boards that have SPDIF COAX or Optical outputs when these methods are

used to connect to the appropriate sound distribution system.

Analog Devices:

Tested Part(s): AD1882, AD2000B,

Driver Revision: 5.10.01.6570

IDT:

IDT PC Audio (formerly Sigmatel HD Audio)

Tested Part(s): IDT92HD73E

Driver Revision: 5.10.6162.0

Realtek:

High Definition Audio CODEC

Tested Part(s): ALC887, ALC888, ALC889, ALC1200

Driver Revision: R.2.31

VIA:

VIA “Vinyl” High Definition Audio CODEC

Test Part(s): VT1708S

Driver Revision: 6.0.1.7300

Regards,

Scala Technical Support