I'm considering purchasing a Studio Hybrid as HTPC. I have a LCD TV that accept HDMI, so that will be the link between the TV and the Hybrid. Since the TV speaker sounds lousy, I want to connect the Hybrid's SPDIF to a speaker (Edifier S2.1D) that accept digital audio signal. I also have a karaoke amplifier that only accept analogue audio signal, which I'd connect the Hybrid's analogue audio out to it.

Hybrid HDMI --> LCD TV
Hybrid SPDIF --> Edifier S2.1D
Hybrid Analogue Audio --> Karaoke amplifier

So these are my questions:

1. When HDMI is connected, can I still have audio signal out from either SPDIF or analogue?

2. If I want to switch audio signal output from SPDIF to analogue (and vice versa), do I need to reboot the PC? (I have no experience with Vista), or is it just a few clicks in the audio properties?

Base on info from forum, Dell Studio Hybrid uses GM945 chip set motherboard.

Thanks.

I just bite the bullet and ordered a Dell Hybrid Studio. I know there are other alternatives with better specification at lower price but I just like the look of the Studio Hybrid. I'll be putting it next to the LCD TV in the living room, so basically I need it to look like a DVD player rather than a PC. It's not cool when someone comes to your living room and ask you: Why do you put a PC next to your TV?

I'm paying RM2179 for
- Core™2 Duo Processor T5750
- Vista® Home Premium
- 250GB SATA 5400RPM Hard Drive
- 3GB Memory
- No monitor