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

[Joseph A. Caputo]

On Friday 07 November 2003 05:00, Gregor Hoffleit wrote:
> * 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!

Well, I don't know about your other cards, but I do remember reading 
somewhere when I was first trying to get my CMI8738 on-board working in 
Myth that its full-duplex mode was limited to 8 bits.  I can't seem to 
find the reference now, though...

-JAC