AC97 Drivers
In 1997, Intel developed an audio codec known as "AC97." This codec was designed to provide a standardized specification for developers to follow when developing integrated PC audio devices. The AC97 codec defined a high-quality architecture for computer sound devices capable of delivering 48kHz/20bit playback in multichannel mode and 96kHz/20bit stereo playback. This codec has since been phased out by the introduction of Intel High Definition (HD) Audio in 2004.
AC97 also addressed I/O standards for modems with a modem codec (often called MC87) as well as a combined modem/audio codec (often referred to as AMC97). These codecs are part of the AC97 component specification. Typical features defined in the AC97 standard include:
The audio outputs supported by AC97 include: analog stereo, amplified stereo headphone, analog 6-channel for front and Surround Sound PC speaker systems, analog matrix-encoded Surround Sound for home theatre equipment, and digital 5.1 channel output for home theatre equipment. The AC97 codec doesn't necessarily cover the AC97 Digital Controller itself. Instead, drivers are provided by the controllers' vendors following the AC97 standard. The AC97 codec also specifies power management, clocking, signals, pin assignments, addressing, strapping, protocol, sample rates, behavior, slot assignments, performance characteristics and much more. AC97 helped to standardize PC audio devices. However, computer users are changing the ways that they use their PCs as far as audio is concerned. AC97 was developed when people occasionally listened to music or watched DVD movies with stereo sound on their computers. Today, people are accustomed to multichannel audio formats in full surround sound using six to eight speakers. In addition, the computer has become a home entertainment media center often serving as the main hub that distributes entertainment throughout the home. Home networking and more powerful multimedia computers have made it possible to generate multiple streams of audio and video from a single PC – but the AC97 codec wasn't able to keep up with these home entertainment innovations. Thus, a new codec was born, Intel HD Audio. » Download AC97 Drivers |
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