Auzentech HDMI X-Tension Sound Card For The HTPC Builder In You

The second quarter of this year will yield one of, if not the first HDMI sound card. It makes smart use of the PCIe card bus and is clearly aimed at Home Theater PC makers/enthusiasts.

It has full support for all of the 8-channel linear PCM digital formats except for DSD which is for SACD, a drive for a computer for SACD doesn't exist, so it's a moot point. For the complete list, here it is: Dolby Digital EX/Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS ES, DTS HD High Resolution/Master Audio, and DVD-Audio, there is also PCM Stereo support up to 24 bit and 192kHz.

No word on price or availability, but if you are constantly upgrading your Home Theater PC to keep up with the latest and greatest, this is something you'll definitely want to add to your list of future purchases. I'd be willing to wager that Creative and likely Turtle Beach will have something to compete with this by the time it actually launches.

[via uberreview]