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Wii U - No optical audio connector? Nintendo. Fix this!!
- Thread starter Fredrik
- Start date
Unless something has changed dramatically since this thread's inception an adapter can't and won't be sold.
In order for the system to output multichannel audio through a toslink cable it would have to support some sort of compression format other than outputting PCM. The Wii U doesn't do that.
While I don't know what kind of licensing deals Dolby offers to manufacturers, this is very likely only an issue of Dolby Digital 5.1 not being implemented due to these fees - not a technical impossibility. It would highly likely be possible for Nintendo to release an external USB TOSlink soundcard for which they would pay licensing fees for every unit sold to Dolby Labs.
But, as you stated, it is an unrealistic proposition that they would release such a thing. Buying an AV receiver or being content with stereo audio are the only realistic options.
The 3DS does support virtual surround for headphones - unfortunately, that doesn't seem like a very practical setup for a home console, especially with high-impedance headphones that need an amp.
denshuu
Member
Optical audio out? Seriously?
Normally I'm all on the lolnintendo train but we're actually complaining about this?
You know what? No. It's 2012. If you want to use some outdated decade old soundsystem with a new piece of hardware, either update your dusty ass system or get an HDMI convertor. New technology shouldn't have to cater to people who don't want to adopt new technology. We'd might as well make a thread about how the Wii U won't work with our SDTVs either.
Normally I'm all on the lolnintendo train but we're actually complaining about this?
You know what? No. It's 2012. If you want to use some outdated decade old soundsystem with a new piece of hardware, either update your dusty ass system or get an HDMI convertor. New technology shouldn't have to cater to people who don't want to adopt new technology. We'd might as well make a thread about how the Wii U won't work with our SDTVs either.
Nope.
Well, at least not if you're expecting to get anything other than stereo audio.
The issue is they do not support Dolby Digital or DTS.
WickedCobra03
Member
Pro Logic II is all you need. Jeez, its the second generation of Pro Logic already, bleeding edge stuff, what more do you expect?
Seriously though, I am not sure if its that hard or expensive to put in... is it? My guess is that enough of their user or fanbase doesn't care or realize you can even hook it up to a surround sound system.
Seriously though, I am not sure if its that hard or expensive to put in... is it? My guess is that enough of their user or fanbase doesn't care or realize you can even hook it up to a surround sound system.
People use brand new and current headphone systems with TOSLINK inputs. There's no need to use an expensive, big and heavy receiver for headphone use when a cheap headphone amplifier will suffice (my personal setup: Astro Mixamp -> Fiio E09k -> Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro).
But while I will miss the optical out, I'll either bite the apple and buy an AV receiver or just live with stereo audio.
Considering the Wii U won't support Dolby Digital, cheap solutions like the linked monoprice receiver unfortunately won't work (it will only be able to ouput stereo via TOSLINK).
Wow, this is shitty. While I wasn't going to buy one on launch date, this just became another blow. I have a Z5500 and while I hated XB360 for this BS at least they provided a viable alternative for solving the issue. Pretty sure if there is a market for it, some day, Nintendo will do the same.
There really isn't a feasibly cost effective way for them to do this.
Marty Chinn
Member
This is silly justification. I'm all for new technology for advancing things, but expecting someone to have to replace their receiver which is perfectly capable just because they remove a standard port to output the same type of audio is pushing it. It's not like they're imposing HD audio codecs because of it.
Well, they sort of are. Unless your receiver outputs 5.1 PCM, you're not getting surround sound.
GitarooMan
Member
Um what about all sorts of modern surround sound headphones?
You can use the headphone port on the the gamepad while using the TV as the screen...it's not a great solution to be sure, but it's better then nothing.
ShockingAlberto
Member
Yeah, that's the part that screws me over.
I'll be less annoyed by it if it turns out I can just plug in to the controller even if I'm playing on the TV.
Yes, you absolutely can.
ryūkotsusei
Member
GitarooMan
Member
Many of these headphone systems don't use standard headphone ports. I have another set of good regular phones I could use use but i can see it being an issue for people who invested good money in wireless headphones
Oh yeah, it dosen't do anything really for people that specifically want to use wireless surround sound headphones. But for people that want to use any kind of headphones, Nintendo has put a bit of thought into your situation.
Kind of funny people are hating on Nintendo for not using old tech.
HDMI > Optical
WiFI > Ethernet
It's 2012 people. Like the others in the thread said, there are probably connectors and dongle for the Wii U if you want ethernet and optical so much. Should Nintendo also provide 56K modem add on too?
HDMI > Optical
WiFI > Ethernet
It's 2012 people. Like the others in the thread said, there are probably connectors and dongle for the Wii U if you want ethernet and optical so much. Should Nintendo also provide 56K modem add on too?
did you just seriously say wifi > ethernet?
is the world insane? why would you play online games with the additional lag wifi introduces? smh.
GitarooMan
Member
I'm sure you didn't read just above but I'm sure you're aware of expensive wireless headphone sets on sale today that use optical? I don't know what that has to do with 56k modems?
Danny Dudekisser
I paid good money for this Dynex!
Can we invoke a new rule on GAF where if you don't know what you're talking about, you just shut up?
What I am seeing are whiners with decade old sound system whining about Nintendo not supporting it.
Danny Dudekisser
I paid good money for this Dynex!
No, what you're seeing is people who aren't happy with omitting optical because higher-end, current headphone setups tend to use optical, since those are typically used in setups where HDMI would provide nothing of value. Or, with dedicated DACs, for people who have good sound setups.
No, what you are doing is being idiotic and proclaiming that WiFi is superior to ethernet when it has a far higher latency which is critical in games
GitarooMan
Member
So brand new digital surround headphones equals decades old sound system, good to know.
I don't have issues with latency and it's only critical in some type of games that requires twitch level reflex. Don't try to make it that latency effects every genre multiplayer.
Danny Dudekisser
I paid good money for this Dynex!
That doesn't change that your statement was factually wrong.
It's not just optical being absent. It's them being too cheap to license Dolby Digital or DTS.
Well, yeah, he is wrong that WiFi is superior to Ethernet. But you CAN use an adapter with the Wii U (the same one as the Wii used actually) if you want a wired connection. So the situation isn't even really the same as the optical port issue.
What I'm seeing here is someone who hasn't read any post in this thread and doesn't understand what the real issue is.
shouamabane
Member
I'm stoked that Nintendo is supporting uncompressed PCM. It's the best sound you can get. Great choice by Nintendo.
People don't like to read the thread I guess. At all I mean. It's not just "old" receivers (which is bullcrap anyway, a proper multi-thousand-dollar receiver from 10 years ago isn't obsolete. It just doesn't support some codec out of the box, because the connectors nor the codecs were available at that point. Quality-wise it will still beat any cheap receiver that is sold currently. It's not the same situation as using a 10 year old PC for god's sake). Those receivers COULD still support it by using analog 5.1 in - hell my 15 year old receiver could also do that - and using a separate HDMI audio decoder. People just don't want to spend 200$ on an decoder, because that would make the Wii U cost 550$, just because Nintendo is cheap.
It's also about surround headphones that are SOLD TODAY.
And a simple dongle won't be possible. It's not about converting HDMI audio to optical out. It wouldn't be an actual problem, if that would be the case. It's about PCM 5.1. It's NOT POSSIBLE to put that onto optical. They would have to encode it using Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS 5.1 inside that dongle, which would take some time, which means it would introduce lag. Which means there won't be such a dongle.
The only real hope is Dolby Pro Logic II support, but it's not stated anywhere.
And like others already said. network using an actual cable >>>>>>>>> Wireless. At least that's not a real problem, there will be an adapter hopefully, like there was on Wii.
btw. I got a reply back from Nintendo support. It was just bla bla, we just know the stuff that is on our website bla bla just wait for further released info or check, when Wii U is released. God damn. They don't want me to preorder, well then...
But then, they support 60 year old RCA.
They also don't "support PCM" as if PCM was something special. They just don't support Dolby Digital nor DTS, because they don't want to pay a few cents licensing costs. That's all. Which is also the reason, why some people believe that they won't support Pro Logic II on analog out. I mean if those few cents for Dolby Digital are too much, why should the few cents for Dolby Pro Logic II be fine. Which would mean no surround sound at all for headphones and non HDMI receivers. Which would be a downgrade even from Gamecube.
You could always have both. Not much of a "choice" Nintendo is giving.
Shining Sunshine
Banned
Well they better support it if they are using (Nintendo protected) BluRay media.
Marty Chinn
Member
Wait what? How is 400mbit with range and drop out issues better than a solid 1 gigabit connection that won't disconnect? My house is wired whenever possible. WiFi is a last resort.
And also wait, there's no ethernet support on the Wii U?
450Mbit with 40MHz wide channels and current hardware - which you won't get in urban areas (too much interference in the 2,4GHz band for 40MHz wide channels). This is link speed, realistic real-world transmission speeds are around 90-110Mbit/s. Compared to wired ethernet, WiFi is a shared medium - more devices will necessarily reduce throughput greatly, full-duplex transmission (sending and receiving at the same time) is not possible with WiFi.
Most problematic with WiFi connections isn't latency (ping) itself, but packet loss (due to irregular outside interference) as well as jitter (varying latency) which both greatly harm online play. Both aren't a problem on a wired home network.
As far as is implied on the various Nintendo websites, the Wii U will support the Wii LAN Adapter (beware of the many inofficial Wii Ethernet adapters, as Nintendo likely won't guarantee compatibility with those) for us people that prefer to wire our consoles.
DAREALGUMMY
Member
*Adapter sold seperately
Wait what? Why the hell not? It has toslink and digital coaxial outputs...
Kabuki Waq
Member
Oh fuck off the machine is barely more powerful than the ps3.
Most games will likely run 720p 30fps. Not exactly a bleeding edge console
Marty Chinn
Member
Apparently, the Wii U won't output a Dolby Digital or DTS signal. It's only going to output 6 channel PCM. Toslink and digital coaxial are limited to 2 channel PCM.
Except all the games we've seen running in 720p 60FPS. Also, it supports Wireless N, something the PS3 still doesn't have.
THIS SHIT IS LIKE, INDUSTRY STANDARD AND HAS BEEN FOR A LOOOOONG TIME. ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!?!?!? o.0
