[mythtv-users] "aplay /dev/dsp" gives "Unsigned 8 bit" output?

[Gregor Hoffleit]

* Joseph A. Caputo <jcaputo1 at comcast.net> [031105 23:16]:
> On Wednesday 05 November 2003 16:17, Gregor Hoffleit wrote:
...
> > Now if I set the mixer as described (capture and mute AUX), and run
> > "aplay /dev/dsp", then all I get is 8 bit output, and obviously
> > buffer overruns:
> >
> >     freefly:23> aplay /dev/dsp
> >     Playing raw data '/dev/dsp' : Unsigned 8 bit, Rate 8000 Hz, Mono
> >     xrun!!! (at least 13.151 ms long)
> >     xrun!!! (at least 15.359 ms long)
> >     xrun!!! (at least 15.490 ms long)
> >     xrun!!! (at least 15.474 ms long)
> >     xrun!!! (at least 15.486 ms long)
> >
> > The output in fact really sounds like 8 bit and 8000 Hz, compared to
> > the TV output.
> >
> > First question: Why is that only 8 bit? Is that a limitation of the
> > hardware (i.e. of the sound card), or is it some kind of
> > configuration problem?
> >
> 
> I have a CMI-8738-based sound card, and I seem to recall that in full 
> duplex mode it splits the resolution to 8bit/8bit for record/playback.  
> It can't do full 16-bit duplex.

Hmm, I would tend to believe you, but now I tried two other soundcards:

A Soundblaster Live (CT4830) and a Soundblaster 128PCI (CT4810).

Both of them also output "8 bit, 8000 Hz, Mono" when running "aplay
/dev/dsp".


I can't believe that a SB Live isn't able to do full duplex!


    Gregor